Currency

Money
National currency is called Kyrgyz Som= 100 tyin. Bank notes are in denominations of Som 5000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. And 50, 10 and 1 tyin which hardly can be used. There are coins for 10, 5, 3, 1 in Kyrgyzstan. There is nothing easier than to change money in Kyrgyzstan. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and at authorized exchange offices which located in abundance in Bishkek, Osh and Issyk-Kul area. The US Dollar is the easiest to exchange. Other currencies can be changed in banks in Bishkek only. Nonsense but small bills of US Dollar (1, 2, 5, 10, 20) have low rate of exchange, while 50 and 100 US Dollars banknotes are exchanged in normal rate.

Credit & debit cards

Acceptable only in Bishkek, Osh and Cholpon Ata. 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, Cholpon Ata and Osh. Check with your credit or debit card company for merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. There are limited acceptance of these, but some banks in Bishkek accept travellers cheques; commission charges might be high. Cash is more recommended. There are no restrictions on the import or export of foreign money, provided declared on arrival. The import and export of local currency is unlimited for Kyrgyzstan residents only.