Kyrgyzstan Money
National currency
Kyrgyz Som (KGS) = 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 10 som, 5 som, 3 som, 1 som and 50 tyin, 10 tyin and souvenir
1 tyin.
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 around Bishkek, Osh and Issyk-Kul area. The US Dollar and
Euro are the easiest currencies to exchange. Other currencies can also be changed.
US Dollars and Euros in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 are concidered to be
a brass and therefore very often have lower rate of exchange, while 50 and 100
Bills banknotes are exchanged at normal rate. Also banknotes with signes, stamps
and of elder edition are not very welcome and sometimes may only be changed
at lower rate.
Credit & debit cards
Out side of major towns 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 are limited acceptance of these, but some banks in Bishkek
accept travellers cheques; commission charges vary between the banks and 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 3500 USD.
Note! Banking hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-16:00. Most of banks would be closed Sat-Sun.