The national currency is Kyrgyz som (KGS). It’s best to bring US dollars (USD), euros (EUR), Russian rubles (RUB), or Chinese yuan (CNY) and exchange them locally. Exchange offices are common in large and small cities; in rural areas, they are rare, but you can usually exchange currency at a bank branch. In remote regions and markets, cash is still preferred.

Tip: Keep cash in separate amounts and check commission and rates before exchanging.

The national payment system is Elkart. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. UnionPay, Mir, and American Express work in some places but not everywhere — always carry cash as a backup.

Tip: Notify your bank about foreign transactions before your trip and bring a spare card.

The national currency is Kyrgyz som (KGS). It’s best to bring US dollars (USD), euros (EUR), Russian rubles (RUB), or Chinese yuan (CNY) and exchange them locally. Exchange offices are common in large and small cities; in rural areas, they are rare, but you can usually exchange currency at a bank branch. In remote regions and markets, cash is still preferred.

Tip: Keep cash in separate amounts and check commission and rates before exchanging.