In Bishkek, Osh and Al-Medin
bazaars are popular for
food and
handicrafts. There is also a shop in the
Art Gallery that sells paintings and traditional Kyrgyz products. Particularly popular are embroidered Kyrgyz felt hats (
kalpak), felt carpets and chess sets with traditional Kyrgyz figures.
Shopping hours Mon-Sat 0900-1700.
Currency Information:CurrencyKyrgyz Som (KGS; symbol лв) = 100 tyin. Notes are in denominations of лв1,000, 500, 200,
100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1, and 50, 10 and 1 tyin.
Currency ExchangeForeign currencies can be exchanged at commercial banks and at authorized bureaux de change. The US Dollar is the easiest currency to exchange.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsCredit cards are accepted in some of the larger hotels in Bishkek and can also be used at banks to withdraw cash from the counter.
Traveller's ChequesThere is limited acceptance of these, but some banks in Bishkek accept traveller's cheques, with US Dollars probably the best option; commission charges are high. Cash is recommended.
Banking HoursUsually Mon-Fri 0930-1730.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Jan 09 |
| £1.00= | лв57.43 |
| $1.00= | лв39.41 |
| €1.00= | лв52.58 |
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