Kyrgyzstan Money

National currency

  Kyrgyz Som (KGS) = 100 tyin. Bank notes are in denominations of Som 5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20. Coins in denominations of 10 som, 5 som, 3 som, 1 som and 50 tyin, 10 tyin and rare souvenir 1 tyin.

Currency exchange

  There is nothing easier than to exchange money in Kyrgyzstan. Foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks and authorised exchange offices which located in abundance around Bishkek, Karakol, Osh downtowns and in any significantly large villages around Issyk-Kul area. The US Dollar and Euro are the easiest currencies to exchange. Other currencies like GBP or CNY can also be changed in Bishkek. Please note it may be quite a challenge to exchange exotic currencies like Australian dollar or Canadian dollar. 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 if accepted at all, while 50 and 100 bill banknotes are exchanged at normal rate. Also banknotes with any marks, signes, stamps, older editions or with signs of heavy wear are not very welcome and sometimes may only be changed at lower rate or refused at all. Exchange rate as of 2020: USD/KGS=85, EURO/KGS=100.

ATM

  Kyrgyzstan economy is mainly based on cash and therefore outside of major towns and villages the acceptance of credit/debit cards is very limited. In cities credit cards are accepted in most of the hotels, restaurants and cafes, petrol stations, some shops and major travel and tickets agencies. Facilities exist for credit-card cash withdrawals in Bishkek, Osh, Karakol, Cholpon Ata and large villages. Check with your credit or debit card company for merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Pls note Visa is most commnon in Kyrgyzstan and cash withdrowals from Mastercard/Maestro may be limited.

Currency restrictions

  There are no restrictions on the import or export of foreign currency, ammounts equivalent or above 10,000 USD must be declared.

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