Language: Kyrgyz is the official language followed closely by Russian, which is understood and spoken by almost everyone.
Currency: The official currency is the Som (KGS), which is divided into 100 tyiyn. US dollars are the easiest foreign currency to exchange at banks and official exchange offices. Major hotels in
Bishkek usually accept credit cards, but
Kyrgyzstan is predominantly a cash economy. Few ATMs are available in the cities.
Time: Local time is GMT +5.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. European plugs with two circular
metal pins are in use.
Communications: The international dialing code for Kyrgyzstan is +996. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the
UK). City codes for Bishkek and Osh are (0)312 and (0)322 respectively. Mobile coverage is limited.
Duty Free: Adults over 16 may bring the following into the country without paying duty: 1,000 cigarettes or 1,000g tobacco products, 1.5 liters of alcohol and 2 liters of wine, and perfume for personal use.
EmergencyEmergencies: 103 (Ambulance).
Embassies
Kyrgyzstan Embassy,
Washington DC,
United States: +1 202 338 5141.
Kyrgyzstan Embassy,
London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7935 1462.
United States Embassy, Bishkek: +996 (0)312 551 241.
British Honorary Consul, Bishkek: +996 (0)312 652 855.
Canadian Honorary Consulate, Bishkek: +996 (0)312 650 506.
Australian Embassy,
Moscow,
Russia (also responsible for Kyrgyzstan): +7 (495) 956 6070.
South
African Embassy,
Ankara,
Turkey (also responsible for Kyrgyzstan): +90 (0)312 446 4056.
Irish Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Kyrgyzstan): +7 (495) 937 5911.
New
Zealand Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Kyrgyzstan): +7 (495) 956 3579.
