Money

National currency

  Kyrgyz Som = 100 tyin. Bank notes are in denominations of Som 5000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. And newly introduced coins in denominations of 1,3 and 5 som plus 50, 10 and 1 tyin which hardly can be used anywhere.

Currency exchange

  There is nothing easier than to change money in Kyrgyzstan. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and at authorised exchange offices which located in abundance in Bishkek, Osh and Issyk-Kul area. The US Dollar and Euro are the easiest currencies to exchange. Other currencies can be changed in banks. US Dollars and Euros in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 are concidered to be a brass and therefore very often have low rate of exchange, while 50 and 100 Bills banknotes are exchanged at normal rate.

Credit & debit cards

  Out side of Bishkek the acceptance of credit/debit cards is very limited. In Bishkek credit cards are accepted in some of the major hotels, restaurants and cafes, some shops and major travel and tickets agencies. Facilities exist for credit-card cash withdrawals in Bishkek, Osh, Karakol, Cholpon Ata. Check with your credit or debit card company for merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travellers cheques

   There is limited acceptance of these, "Bakai Bank" in Bishkek accept travellers cheques; commission charges are about 3,5%.

Currency restrictions

  There are no restrictions on the import or export of foreign currency, provided declared on arrival and departure the ammounts equivalent to 3000 USD.

Note! Banking hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-16:00. All banks are closed Sat-Sun.