Money

National currency: Kyrgyz Som= 100 tyin. Bank notes are in denominations of Som 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. And 50, 10 and 1 tyin which hardly can be used. There are no coins in Kyrgyzstan.

Currency exchange

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 currency 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 and Osh. 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 and Osh. Check with your credit or debit card company for merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travelers cheques

There are limited acceptance of these, but some banks in Bishkek accept travelers cheques; commission charges might be high. Cash is recommended.

Currency restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import or export of foreign currency, provided declared on arrival. The import and export of local currency is unlimited for Kyrgyzstan residents only.

Note! Banking hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-16:00. All banks are closed Sat-Sun.

List of Banks in Bishkek

#	Name	Address/Tel	Note
1	Demir Kyrgyz International Bank	245 Chui ave. +996 312 61 06 10 +996 312 61 04 45 (fax)	Travelers cheques (3% commission) Master & Visa cards (2% commission)
2	Kazkommerzbank - Kyrgyzstan	136 Abdrahmanova St. +996 312 69 03 83, 81 +996 312 69 03 82	Travelers cheques (3% commission) Master & Visa cards (2% commission) American Express (2% commission)
3	Halyk Bank	390 Frunze St. +996 312 21 89 32 +996 312 61 13 82 (fax)	Master & Visa cards (2% commission)
4	Eco Bank	148 Abdrahmanova St. +996 312 66 07 53	Travelers cheques (2% commission)