Kyrgyzstan Travel Essentials
Your comprehensive resource for planning a safe and memorable trip to Kyrgyzstan. From visa requirements to local customs and safety tips, we provide all the essential information you need for a worry-free adventure in this beautiful country.
Visas
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Tourist checklist
Memo to a Tourist in Kyrgyzstan
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan, where adventure awaits at every turn! As you prepare for your journey through this enchanting land, our 'Memo to a Tourist' doubles as your essential Tourist Checklist. From practical travel tips to must-pack items, cultural insights, and safety precautions, this comprehensive guide ensures you're fully equipped to explore the wonders of Kyrgyzstan. Let this guide be your companion as you embark on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Central Asia.
Adult are allowed to import 2 liters of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes.
Sporting and hunting weapons can be imported by foreign citizens into the territory of Kyrgyzstan with mandatory declaration. It is also necessary to have an invitation from a legal entity that has a hunting license, a hunting contract with the said legal entity or an invitation to participate in sporting events and the appropriate permission from the internal affairs bodies of the Kyrgyz Republic. The specified weapon must be taken out of the country within the timeframe established by the contract or invitation.
Foreign currency worth more than USD 3,000 is subject to written declaration.
Sporting and hunting weapons can be imported by foreign citizens into the territory of Kyrgyzstan with mandatory declaration. It is also necessary to have an invitation from a legal entity that has a hunting license, a hunting contract with the said legal entity or an invitation to participate in sporting events and the appropriate permission from the internal affairs bodies of the Kyrgyz Republic. The specified weapon must be taken out of the country within the timeframe established by the contract or invitation.
Foreign currency worth more than USD 3,000 is subject to written declaration.
- Photo, audio, video and office equipment, household appliances and electrical appliances - 1 item of each item per person.
- Medicines - 500 g per person.
- Printed publications, video, compact disks, photographic film - 10 pieces of each item per person.
- Carpets - 2 pieces.
Foreign citizens are prohibited from bringing into the territory of Kyrgyzstan and use on the territory of Kyrgyzstan all kinds, types, and models of weapons even for personal safety, protection of life and health of other citizens, their property, escorting cargoes and for other purposes unless it is provided for by international treaties of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Learn more about items prohibited for import and export from the Republic of Kyrgyzstan.
- Grocery stores are usually open from 08.00 to 22.00 and 24 hours a day, convenience stores - from 09.00 to 19.00.
- Banks are open from 9.00 AM - 5.00 PM. Monday through Friday, with Saturday and Sunday off.
- The museum's standard opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. However, we recommend always checking in advance as there may be occasional changes or special events.
Currency can be exchanged at bank offices, currency exchange offices (usually open 24 hours a day), and many stores. Not only American dollars and euros are accepted, but also British pounds sterling, Russian rubles, Kazakh tenge, Uzbek sums, Chinese yuan, and other currencies.
Credit cards are accepted in most banks and some major hotels in Bishkek. Traveler's checks can be cashed in the offices of major banks, in licensed exchange points, and in some large stores in the capital, but commissions are quite high (3-7%). It is practically impossible to use non-cash means of payment in the provinces.
Credit cards are accepted in most banks and some major hotels in Bishkek. Traveler's checks can be cashed in the offices of major banks, in licensed exchange points, and in some large stores in the capital, but commissions are quite high (3-7%). It is practically impossible to use non-cash means of payment in the provinces.
All kinds of network services, up to and including high-speed data lines, are available in most cities of the country. Internet cafes can be found in almost all large cities in the country.
Cellular service is available in the capital and other major cities, but the network is expanding rapidly.
Cellular service is available in the capital and other major cities, but the network is expanding rapidly.
Public transportation in Kyrgyzstan is represented by buses, trolleybuses, and shuttle buses, offering convenient options for traveling within cities and regions. Additionally, there is a railway line stretching over 60 kilometers, running from Bishkek to the border with Kazakhstan and further towards Moscow. Notably, there is a regular train service from Bishkek to Balykchy city in Issyk-Kul oblast, providing a scenic and comfortable journey. For air travel, Kyrgyzstan boasts airports in key cities such as Bishkek, Osh, Jalal-Abad, Batken, Kazarman, Kerben, Karakol, and Chok-Tal, facilitating both domestic and international flights.
When renting a car, it is allowed to use a national driver's license.
Tips are about 5-10% (large restaurants include them in the bill automatically).
The mains voltage is 220 V, 50 Hz.
It is recommended to get vaccinated against viral hepatitis A before traveling to Kyrgyzstan.
One of the unshakable traditions of local life is hospitality. It is not customary to refuse an invitation to lunch or dinner. In communication, Kyrgyz people are usually quite simple and democratic.
When entering a house, shoes should be removed. The style of dress is quite democratic, but when visiting iconic places, you should not wear overly open or short clothes.
When entering a house, shoes should be removed. The style of dress is quite democratic, but when visiting iconic places, you should not wear overly open or short clothes.
Discover the treasures of Kyrgyz culture and cuisine! Alongside its rich heritage, Kyrgyzstan offers a plethora of cultural souvenirs for travelers to cherish. From felt hats known as "kalpak" to quilted robes "ichken" and leather shoes, immerse yourself in traditional Kyrgyz attire. Explore the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional vessels and leather cases, perfect for making, storing, and serving koumiss. Indulge in the delightful variety of jams and honey, capturing the essence of Kyrgyzstan's fertile lands. And don't forget to bring home the iconic felt carpet "shyrdak", adorned with vibrant national patterns, as a lasting memento of your Kyrgyz adventure.
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- All types of weapons and ammunition.
- Narcotic and psychotropic substances, as well as devices for smoking opium and hashish.
- Prints, clichés, negatives, films, photographic images, films, videotapes, video cassettes and video disks with recordings of films and other video programs, manuscripts, gramophone records and other sound recordings, drawings, and other printed and visual products containing information that may cause harm to the political, economic interests of the country, state security, public order, protection of health, morality of the population.
- All types of weapons and ammunition, as well as military equipment.
- Narcotic and psychotropic substances.
- Cancelled securities.
- Works of art and antiquities (paintings, sculpture, drawings, watercolors, various types of engravings, miniatures, items made of porcelain, crystal, ceramics, wood, leather, precious and non-precious stones and metals, bone, items of folk art crafts, carpets, tapestries, furniture, artistic clothing and footwear, numismatics, artistic weapons, books, manuscripts, gramophone records, musical instruments, tools, postage stamps, etc.) and other items representing art and antiquities. ) and other items of significant artistic, historical, scientific, or other cultural value.
- Films, cassettes, disks with records of films, video programs containing information that may harm the interests of the state, as well as the rights of citizens.
- Horns of saigas, red deer, spotted deer, and musk deer, as well as skins of spotted deer and snow leopards.
Note: 1) The items specified in this paragraph may be exported by foreign trade organizations under special permits; 2) Foreign tourists who have hunting licenses are allowed to export the mentioned items as hunting trophies.
- Other items, the export of which is prohibited by the legislation of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan.
Cultural values not subject to export (shipment) from the Kyrgyz Republic.
The following items of historical, scientific, artistic, or other cultural value are not subject to export (shipment) from the Kyrgyz Republic:
The following items of historical, scientific, artistic, or other cultural value are not subject to export (shipment) from the Kyrgyz Republic:
- Cultural values, regardless of the time of their creation, are protected by the state and included in the protection lists and registers in the manner prescribed by the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic.
- Cultural values representing artistic, historical, and other cultural values and classified by the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic as especially valuable objects of the cultural heritage of the peoples of the Kyrgyz Republic, regardless of the form of ownership and the time of their creation.
- Cultural values permanently stored in state and municipal museums, archives, libraries, and other state repositories of cultural values of the Kyrgyz Republic.
- Values associated with historical events and the development of society and the state, as well as those related to the life and work of prominent personalities.
- Components and fragments of architectural, historical, artistic monuments and monuments of monumental art.
- Items and their fragments obtained as a result of archaeological excavations (authorized and unauthorized) or archaeological discoveries and finds.
- Icons and objects of religious worship made before the middle of the 19th century and having significant historical or artistic value.
- Unique items of all eras, made of gold, platinum, natural precious stones (diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, pearl, alexandrite), which are more than 50 years old.
We recognize that the sexual exploitation of children is a worldwide problem. In all our actions and operations, we actively oppose all forms of sexual exploitation of children around the world.
Please report incidents of sexual or any other form of exploitation and harassment, especially of children and adolescents, to your guide.
Please report incidents of sexual or any other form of exploitation and harassment, especially of children and adolescents, to your guide.
Tourist Checklist
Prepare for your journey with our essential Tourist Checklist! Whether you're exploring bustling cities or rugged landscapes, our checklist covers everything you need for a seamless and memorable trip.
At Kyrgyz Life, our goal is to develop sustainable tourism and uphold eco-friendly practices in organizing trips. As responsible travelers, it's essential to minimize our impact on the environment and local communities.
Please follow these sustainable tips:
Please follow these sustainable tips:
- Try not to harm nature and places where you travel. Do not leave trash behind and treat the nature and architecture of the places you visit with care. When traveling to remote locations, use biodegradable shampoos, soaps, laundry detergents, and sunscreen. If possible, take other people's trash with you.
- Try to use the services of residents, buy local products and souvenirs. By investing in the local economy, you support people's livelihoods, culture, and self-reliance.
- Respect the culture and traditions of the local people.
- Spread this information and bring it to as many people as possible.
Kyrgyzstan is a fairly safe and tourist-friendly country. However, as with everything, there are some things you need to know to feel as comfortable and safe as possible.
In the Kyrgyz Republic, number 112 is a single call number for emergency response services:
Number 112 is available free of charge from fixed and mobile phones, including public pay phones.
In the Kyrgyz Republic, number 112 is a single call number for emergency response services:
- fire department;
- emergency response;
- militia;
- emergency medical care;
- gas network emergency service;
Number 112 is available free of charge from fixed and mobile phones, including public pay phones.
A significant number of tourists visiting Kyrgyzstan invariably note that the level of driving in the country is at a rather low level. Traffic rules are often violated, pedestrians cross the road in the wrong places, and drivers, in turn, can ignore pedestrians and cyclists. Therefore, when coming to Kyrgyzstan, it is important to remember that the rules do not replace common sense. When crossing the road, always look to the sides, and while driving a car, be as careful as possible. When cycling, try to ride closer to the side of the road, and dismount when crossing intersections and pedestrian crossings.
Theft is not a particular problem in Kyrgyzstan, nor is fraud. However, in crowded places - in public transport, at the market, etc. - Valuables must be kept with you and under supervision. This applies to both a wallet, a mobile phone and other gadgets, as well as bags with luggage, backpacks, etc. If you are traveling around Kyrgyzstan on a bicycle, then try not to leave it unattended, even with a fastened lock. It is also unsafe to leave valuables in a closed car in a visible place if you leave the car in crowded places. It is quite difficult to face any kind of fraud in everyday life in Kyrgyzstan. The most unsafe places in this regard are private currency exchange offices, therefore carefully count money when exchanging currency in such places.
In large cities, walking at night can be quite a good pastime. However, it is better to beware of poorly lit places, as well as drunken companies, which, alas, can be met on the streets.
On the streets of Kyrgyz cities at any time of the day, you can meet a lot of cars of private taxi drivers looking for customers. However, quite often they work for themselves and are not controlled by anyone, and therefore, for greater safety, it is better to use taxi services than to get into the first car on the street.
Kyrgyzstan is a country with quite a large amount of alcohol consumed per person. You can often see drunken companies on the streets, villages, etc. However, the country has quite clear rules for drinking alcohol. So, according to the law, you can not be in public places in a state of intoxication. It is also forbidden to drink alcohol in public places, except bars, cafes, and restaurants. Separately, it is worth mentioning the problem of drugs. Hemp, opium poppy (!), ephedra, and some other plants grow freely and in large quantities in the wild on the territory of Kyrgyzstan, which can be classified as narcotic drugs or raw materials for their production. You can often find hemp bushes even in large cities, including Bishkek. But, possession of narcotic substances in Kyrgyzstan is a criminal offense, and therefore, by picking and taking these plants with you, you are breaking the law. Therefore, it is better to refrain from such interactions, even for photography or anything else.
Kyrgyzstan is a rather traditional country, with a large number of religious people. Therefore behavioral norms that are very different from local ones and an unusual appearance can attract undue attention, which can lead to negative consequences.
Keep this in mind.
Keep this in mind.
All populated areas of Kyrgyzstan are covered by GSM networks of mobile operators, of which there are three in the country. However, it is worth knowing that due to the large number of mountains and remote areas, there may be no connection. The mobile Internet is well developed, in large cities, there is a 3G and 4G Internet connection, and there are quite inexpensive unlimited tariffs from 100 soms per week. Ordinary Internet is also quite well developed. In large cities, many establishments have free Wi-Fi.
The national currency in Kyrgyzstan is the Kyrgyz som, which is the only means of payment in the country. Cash is on the move. Exchange points in Bishkek and major cities of the regions are widely available. Credit cards, VISA, MasterCard and PayPal are accepted in hotels, restaurants and most banks in Bishkek.
The dollar to som exchange rate on January 27, 2024 = 89.30.
Currently, the som is represented by four denominations of coins (1, 3, 5 and 10 soms) and eight denominations of banknotes: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000.
Kyrgyzstan is a fairly inexpensive country for a tourist, especially in comparison with popular tourist destinations. This is due to the low-income level of the population. Thus, the average price for an overnight stay in a hostel or hotel will vary from 800 to 2000 soms (330-1700 rubles), depending on their location and level of comfort. The average price for lunch in a cafe per person will be from 400 to 1000 soms (170-330 rubles). Travel by public transport in the city will cost 20 soms, and from 100 to 1,000 soms for long-distance routes.
The dollar to som exchange rate on January 27, 2024 = 89.30.
Currently, the som is represented by four denominations of coins (1, 3, 5 and 10 soms) and eight denominations of banknotes: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000.
Kyrgyzstan is a fairly inexpensive country for a tourist, especially in comparison with popular tourist destinations. This is due to the low-income level of the population. Thus, the average price for an overnight stay in a hostel or hotel will vary from 800 to 2000 soms (330-1700 rubles), depending on their location and level of comfort. The average price for lunch in a cafe per person will be from 400 to 1000 soms (170-330 rubles). Travel by public transport in the city will cost 20 soms, and from 100 to 1,000 soms for long-distance routes.
At Kyrgyz Life, your satisfaction is our priority. If you have encountered any issues or have feedback, we encourage you to contact us. Your insights help us improve our services to serve you better. Please contact our customer service team at +996 702 60 94 94 or karakyzyc@gmail.com. We look forward to resolving any concerns you may have.
Thank you for being a valued customer.
