Useful information

 

USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT KYRGYZSTAN FOR TRAVELLERS

 

Currency, exchange offices and ATMs 
 Som, the national currency of Kyrgyzstan, is used since 1993. Existing rates: 1, 3, 5 and 10 coins. 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 banknotes.Exchange offices are readily available in Kyrgyzstan, in big cities as Bishkek, Osh, Karakol, Jalabat, Cholpon Ata, Naryn and Talas. In general, they are located near banks, bazaars and on the main streets. Recommended to exchange currency at the banks. The US dollar is well distributed and exchanged almost in all cities. Euros can be exchanged only in big cities, and only bills above 50. Visa Card, Master Card and Maestro accepted in the ATM of big cities. We recommend you the VISA Card for the travel in Kyrgyzstan.
Telephone and phone coverage zones 

Actually, telephone communication as necessary as water. 

Mobile connection covers almost the whole of Kyrgyzstan. 

Mobile operators: Beeline, Megacom and O! 

The web-page of the kyrgyz mobile operators : www.beeline.kg, www.megacom.kg, www.o.kg. 

Roaming through these mobile operators is available.Now, people in Kyrgyzstan began to use Whatsapp application to chat. 

The International Code of Kyrgyzstan is (+996).

 

Tipping 

 It’s familiar dilemma: Should I tip guide and driver? And if so, how much? 

I’m Nomad don’t like this kind of tipping because money is water, flew in the short time. As our staff is already paid by the agency for their professionalism and works. Our recommendation is donate them new or used outdoor equipments; rain coats, boots, sunglasses, watches, frontal light, bagpacks, sleeping bags, matrass even ski, GPS and tents. Because, in Kyrgyzstan it’s expensive the imported outdoor equipments. This kind of tipping will help for the ecotourism of Kyrgyzstan. The guide and drivers work hard and with quality because for them it’s comfortable with your quality equipments. 

 Visa & special permits 

How to get visa to Kyrgyzstan 

Visa-free regime of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan within 60 days, is valid for citizens of the following countries: 

Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Mongolia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States Of America, Vatican.Visa for entry to the territory of Kyrgyzstan within 1 month is not required for holders of diplomatic and service passports of the following States:People’s Republic of China (also for the holders of the ordinary passports for service assignment), Republic of Hungary, Turkmenistan. 

Visa-free regime is also valid for citizens of the following CIS countries: 

Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine.Foreign citizens of the other states can enter to Kyrgyzstan and transit through its territory only if there is an entry visa to Kyrgyzstan. 

 For visa support the following information is required: 

I’m Nomad provides visa support to Kyrgyzstan. For this, please, you can send it to our email. 

  • Passport data (copy). 
  • Exact dates of travel in Kyrgyz Republic. 
  • Flight number (in case of getting visa at the airport of Bishkek upon arrival). 

The information necessary for visa support should be sent nor later than 20 days prior to arrival. For a 1 visa support cost 70 USD and in case of a visa refusal the money is not returned. 

Support or additional permissionfor the border zone 

Visa is valid for visiting almost all the territory of Kyrgyzstan. However, for passing though or/and visiting some of the zones of the territory of Kyrgyzstan additional permission is required. These zones are in the following areas of Kyrgyzstan: border with China, Engelchek, Northern part of Terskey Ala-Tau, from Ak-Say at the East till Djuuku in the West, Chatkal valley and Ak-Say glacier in Ala-Archa gorge. Permits documents for visiting/passing though those zones we will arrange in the short term. 

I’m Nomad provides permission support to this territory Kyrgyzstan. Please, you can send it to our email. 

  • Passport data (copy). 
  • Exact dates of of travel in Kyrgyz Republic. 
  • Flight number. 

The information necessary for permission support should be sent nor later than 20 days before the arrival in Kyrgyzstan. Permission support cost 25 USD and in case of a permission refusal the money is not returned. 

 Electricity and internet 

 Electricity – this is life, and the Internet a symbol of modernity and prosperity in Kyrgyzstan. Electrical energy is produced in Kyrgyzstan, with the help of hydroelectric power stations on the rivers which we have many. In every kyrgyz town with electricity in all day and all year round. The Internet is in big cities where catches mobile communications. We try as much as possible to lodge you where provided free wi-fi. 

 Security & Police 

 Kyrgyzstan is a modern and sovereign state where there is stability and prosperity. Terrorism and kidnapping of tourists has not yet occurred. But still, you have to be careful everywhere and always.Standard tips for travelers: 

  • Do not walk or travel alone, especially at night. 
  • Use only officially marked taxis, pre-negotiate the fare and do not share a ride with strangers. 
  • Follow the guide instruction. 
  • Be careful when visiting markets. Can steal a camera, wallet and other valuables. 
  • Do not drink water from irrigation ditches in the mountains. 
  • Do not approach from behind to horses.At the moment, we have only this tips for, but we will complete our security content ! 
 Water and beverage 

 Drinks – an integral part any contemporary travel.In Kyrgyzstan, it is not a problem, all kinds of drinks are readily available in the big cities of our country. We always buy stock in the canteen of water tours by car. In tours in the mountains where there are no cars, we provide boiled cooled water. mineral, table, sweet and alcoholic beverages are sold in all stores and on the country’s market