Central Asia & Caucasus
Money, cards and tipping in Kyrgyzstan
KGSSom
Money in Kyrgyzstan
Mostly cash Bishkek supermarkets, cafés and hotels take cards; elsewhere it's cash in som. Bring cash for yurt camps, guesthouses, shared taxis and markets. US$1 ≈ сом87.48 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: Around 10% in Bishkek restaurants if no service charge is added; tip trekking guides and drivers at the end.
- ATMs: ATMs taking foreign cards are common in Bishkek, Osh and Karakol, rare in villages; fees vary by bank.
- Paying by phone: Locals pay by bank QR codes (e.g. MBank), which need a local account; contactless foreign cards work in Bishkek.
- Price level: about 34% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bishkek | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards work in supermarkets, cafés and hotels in Bishkek. Cash for bazaars, marshrutkas and anywhere outside the capital. |
| Karakol | Mostly cash | Cards work at a few hotels and cafés. Bring enough som for guesthouses, yurt camps and marshrutkas. |
| Osh | Mostly cash | Cards only at a few hotels and supermarkets. Bring som for bazaars, taxis and guesthouses. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Kyrgyzstan?
Around 10% in Bishkek restaurants if no service charge is added; tip trekking guides and drivers at the end.
Is Kyrgyzstan cashless?
Mostly cash. Bishkek supermarkets, cafés and hotels take cards; elsewhere it's cash in som. Bring cash for yurt camps, guesthouses, shared taxis and markets.
What currency does Kyrgyzstan use?
The Som (KGS). US$1 ≈ сом87.48 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- Kyrgyz Republic e-Visa (official)
- Department of Tourism of Kyrgyzstan
- Airports of Kyrgyzstan
- World Bank open data
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