Travel.kg

The Kyrgyz som is divided into 100 tiyin. Notes come in 5000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, five and one som denominations. Banks and licensed moneychanger booths (marked obmen balyot) exchange US dollars provided the notes are unblemished in near-mint condition and, if possible, post 2001. There are ATMs in Bishkek, Jalal-Abad and Osh that dispense both US dollars and som. Travellers cheques can be cashed in these places and in Karakol (3% commission). You will find that higher-priced items are generally priced in US dollars, although a few businesses in the hospitality industry fix their prices in euros. There is no black market for currency transactions.

If you need to wire money, MoneyGram has services at main post offices and Western Union works through most banks.

Currency

Kyrgyz Som (KGS; symbol лв) = 100 tyin. Notes are in denominations of лв1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1, and 50, 10 and 1 tyin.

Currency Exchange

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at commercial banks and at authorised bureaux de change. The US Dollar is the easiest currency to exchange.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

Credit cards are accepted in some of the larger hotels in Bishkek and can also be used at banks to withdraw cash from the counter. ATMs exist but are hardly commonplace in Bishkek or Osh and even less so elsewhere.

Traveller’s Cheques

There is limited acceptance of these, but some banks in Bishkek accept traveller’s cheques, with US Dollars probably the best option; commission charges are high. Cash is recommended.

Banking Hours

Usually Mon-Fri 09:30-17:30.