Kyrgyzstan, a land of towering mountains, pristine lakes, and nomadic culture, is a paradise for adventure seekers. Whether you’re trekking in the Ala-Archa National Park, experiencing the hospitality of yurt stays in Song-Kul, or exploring the bazaars of Bishkek, understanding how to access cash is important. While urban areas have growing card acceptance, cash remains the primary form of payment, especially in rural regions. This guide provides key details on cash and ATMs in Kyrgyzstan, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free journey.
Where to find ATMs in Kyrgyzstan?
Urban Areas: In major cities like Bishkek and Osh, ATMs are widely available, especially near bank branches, shopping centers, and commercial districts. Banks such as Optima Bank, DemirBank, and KICB operate extensive ATM networks throughout the country.
Tourist Spots: Popular destinations like Issyk-Kul Lake, Ala Archa National Park, and Karakol have ATMs in their vicinity, often within or near tourist facilities. However, it’s advisable to carry some cash, as smaller establishments may not accept cards.
Rural Areas: In smaller towns and remote regions, ATM availability can be limited. It’s recommended to withdraw cash in larger towns before traveling to these areas.
Best ATMs to use in Kyrgyzstan for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Kyrgyzstan are those owned by popular banks such as:
- KICB,
- Optima Bank and
- Bakaibank.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Kyrgyzstan.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Kyrgyzstan, some ATMs may ask:
- Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or, Charge in KGS). Now if you ‘Accept’, you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate. If you Decline, the ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in KGS’.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Kyrgyzstan?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Kyrgyzstan. ATMs commonly accept Visa, and Mastercard. Some of them accept UnionPay cards. Others like Maestro, Plus, Cirrus, JCB, American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours
Most ATMs operate 24/7.
What are ATMs called
ATMs in Kyrgyzstan are usually found by a signage of word ‘ATM’ is widely used or signage has bank name without the words ‘ATM’.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs in Kyrgyzstan typically offer Kyrgyz, Russian and English as the primary languages. If you’re not familiar with these languages, using live translation via Google Translate’s camera function can be helpful; however, proceed cautiously as translations may not be perfect.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Kyrgyzstan?
ATMs in Kyrgyzstan dispense cash in Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS). Some ATMs also offer the option to withdraw US Dollars.
ATM withdrawal limits in Kyrgyzstan?
ATMs in Kyrgyzstan have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of KGS 25,000 per transaction. Majority of the ATMs have daily withdrawal limit of KGS 100,000 to 250,000.
ATM Fees in Kyrgyzstan
There are some fee-free ATMs in Kyrgyzstan. Some bank ATMs charge between KGS 800 and US$ 5 per transaction as ATM Access Fees to foreign card holders and some banks do not charge any ATM Access Fees. So there are some fee-free ATMs you can use in Kyrgyzstan as a foreign cardholder.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Kyrgyzstan. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Kyrgyzstan
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Kyrgyzstan?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Kyrgyzstan. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 100+ countries including Kyrgyzstan.
Safety at ATMs
Kyrgyzstan is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, and ATMs are available in major cities such as Bishkek and Osh. However, instances of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, have been reported, particularly in crowded areas and public transportation hubs. It’s advisable to use ATMs located within bank premises or reputable establishments to minimize potential risks. Be vigilant for any unusual devices attached to ATMs, which could indicate skimming attempts. Additionally, avoid using ATMs at night or in isolated locations. Regularly monitoring your bank statements can help detect any unauthorized transactions promptly.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Kyrgyzstan takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Kyrgyzstan?
Yes, its possible. There are some fee-free ATMs in Kyrgyzstan. Some bank ATMs charge between KGS 800 and US$ 5 per transaction as ATM Access Fees to foreign card holders and some banks do not charge any ATM Access Fees. So there are some fee-free ATMs you can use in Kyrgyzstan as a foreign cardholder.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?
Absolutely yes! You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs in Kyrgyzstan.
Bitcoin ATMs
Currently, there are no Bitcoin ATMs operating in Kyrgyzstan.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Kyrgyzstan
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
Citibank: No Citibank ATMs.
Barclays: No Barclays ATMs.
HSBC: There are no HSBC ATMs here.
Standard Chartered: No Standard Chartered ATMs here.
