Kyrgyzstan Currency Guide: Explore with the Kyrgystani som
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Kyrgyzstan with the Kyrgystani som
What's in this Kyrgyzstan currency guide?
What currency is used in Kyrgyzstan?
The official currency of Kyrgyzstan (country code: KG) is the Kyrgystani som, with symbol лв and currency code KGS.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Kyrgyzstan?
The domestic currency in Kyrgyzstan is the Kyrgystani som.
What is the Kyrgystani som currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Kyrgystani som is KGS — symbol is лв.
What doe the Kyrgystani som look like?
Here is an example Kyrgystani som banknote:
Which countries use the Kyrgystani som?
It is the domestic currency in Kyrgyzstan.
Is the Kyrgystani som a closed currency?
No, the Kyrgystani som is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of USD and KGS?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to KGS (US dollar to Kyrgystani som)*.
*Converted at the current USDKGS interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Travel money for Kyrgyzstan
Using Wise for Kyrgystani som travel money is a smart choice for savvy travelers. With its competitive exchange rates and low fees, Wise allows you to convert and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
Be careful when using your own bank's Debit/Credit Card, as your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash on top of the standard Visa/Mastercard 2.5% from market mid-rate.
For card purchases, if you are offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Kyrgystani som otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want Kyrgystani som cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the KGS cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia with a diverse landscape of mountains, lakes and rivers. The people of Kyrgyzstan are friendly and welcoming, and the country has a rich culture and history. Kyrgyzstan is a great place to visit or live if you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and skiing, or if you want to experience a different way of life.
Best things to do and see in Kyrgyzstan
There are many things to do and see in Kyrgyzstan. Here are some of the most popular attractions:
1. Visit the capital city of Bishkek.
2. Take a trip to Issyk-Kul Lake.
3. Explore the ancient city of Osh.
4. Visit the border town of Kyzyl-Orda.
5. Trekking and mountaineering in the Tien Shan Mountains.
6. Rafting down the Naryn River.
7. Horse riding in the Kyrgyz countryside.
Travel hints for Kyrgyzstan.
As can be expected in a country where the vast majority of attractions are rural and high altitude, the timing of your visit is crucial. Summer is ideal with hikes and roads generally accessible. Midsummer also sees Kazakh and Russian tourists converge on the beaches of never-freezing Lake Issyk-Köl. From October to May, much rural accommodation closes down and the yurts that add such character to the Alpine vistas are stashed away – think twice about a winter visit unless you've come to ski or snowboard.
Yurts are the traditional dwellings of the Kyrgyz people, made of boiled wool, or felt, and tarpaulins strapped on a round frame. Hidden in a small valley and protected from the elements you’ll find Tash Rabat, a beautifully preserved 15th-century caravanserai. You can rent a horse and a guide from yurt owner and by nightfall view a cornucopia of stars in the great outdoors.
Although the majority of Kyrgyz people are Muslim, Islam doesn’t have a profound influence on daily life. Alcohol is omnipresent, and outside of small villages in the south, women can dress however they like.
USD/KGS Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/KGS change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Send Money to Kyrgyzstan - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Kyrgyzstan you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Kyrgyzstan
When sending money to Kyrgyzstan it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or Kyrgystani som amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted KGS amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Kyrgyzstan.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Kyrgystani som deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!
Managing money while living and working in Kyrgyzstan
Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.
Understand Kyrgystani som currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the KGS exchange rate and consider using a money transfer specialist or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
Use a local Kyrgystani som bank account: A local KGS bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Kyrgyzstan. It may also be more convenient to use a local KGS bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Kyrgyzstan. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Kyrgyzstan. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Kyrgyzstan, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.
We have put together some key points to help managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in Kyrgyzstan.
How is the cost of living in Kyrgyzstan?
The cost of living in Kyrgyzstan is relatively low. Expenses such as food, transportation, and utilities are relatively inexpensive when compared to developed Western countries.
How is the expat life in Kyrgyzstan?
There is a small expat community in Kyrgyzstan, and most people live in the capital city of Bishkek. Expats generally find the locals to be friendly and welcoming, and there are plenty of things to do in the city. However, it can be challenging to get around without speaking Russian or Kyrgyz, and the winters can be very cold.
Any laws in Kyrgyzstan that foreigners should be aware of?
The laws in Kyrgyzstan are generally the same for foreigners as they are for locals, with a few exceptions. For example, it is illegal to import or export Kyrgyzstani currency. It is also illegal to photograph military buildings or personnel.
What is doing business like in Kyrgyzstan?
Business in Kyrgyzstan is conducted primarily in the capital city of Bishkek. There are a number of industries present in the country, including mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. The business climate is generally good, although there can be some red tape and bureaucracy to contend with.
How is the economy in Kyrgyzstan?
The economy in Kyrgyzstan is in a period of transition. The country is moving from a centrally planned economy to a market-based economy. The government has privatized many industries, including the banking sector. The country's main exports are gold, wool, and livestock.
