Travelling to Kyrgyzstan?

Get the best exchange rates for Kyrgyzstan currency online

Get ready for your journey to Kyrgyzstan by ordering your Kyrgyzstani som from Manor FX today. 

Enjoy our excellent exchange rates and get more KGS for your British pounds to use on your travels. 

Have your Kyrgyzstani som delivered safely to your home or office. Or collect them from our Manor FX bureau near Heathrow.

Benefit from quick delivery and an easy online ordering process for your Kyrgyzstani som travel cash with Manor FX.

Kyrgyzstan travel money

What currency is used in Kyrgyzstan?

The currency used in Kyrgyzstan is the Kyrgyzstani Som. The Kyrgyzstan currency symbol is лв.

What is the abbreviation for Kyrgyzstan som?

The abbreviation for Kyrgyzstan Som, and the currency code is KGS.

Where can I buy Kyrgyz som?

The Kyrgyzstani som isn’t widely available in the UK, making it hard to find. 

Manor FX is one of the few UK bureaus offering the currency of Kyrgyzstan.

Order online easily with us for great Kyrgyzstan currency rates, ensuring you have more to spend in Kyrgyzstan!

If you’re around Heathrow, you can visit the Manor FX bureau to get your Kyrgyz currency. You’ll enjoy the same fantastic rates in person!

Can you buy Kyrgyzstani som in the UK?

Absolutely, you can buy Kyrgyzstani som in the UK through our online bureau.

Using our platform to exchange foreign currencies is a straightforward way to get the currency you need at the best Kyrgyzstan currency exchange rate.

Plus, for orders above £750, we offer free delivery. Convert your GBP to Kyrgyzstani som easily for your trip!

Should I exchange money before I travel to Kyrgyzstan?

Yes, we advise exchanging money before heading to Kyrgyzstan. 

Although currency exchange is possible there, having some local currency upon arrival is convenient, and we offer the best Kyrgyzstani som exchange rate.

This is especially useful for initial expenses such as transport and small purchases. 

What is the best currency to take to Kyrgyzstan?

It’s best to take the official currency, the Kyrgyz som, to Kyrgyzstan. 

Carrying Kyrgyzstani currency enhances your travel experience. It lets you negotiate for goods and services, potentially getting better deals.

You’ll be able to immerse in local life and savour the true essence of Kyrgyzstan during your travels.

When visiting Kyrgyzstan, US dollars or euros are also good choices. You can then change these for Kyrgyz som (KGS). 

Reminder: For everyday expenses like dining and taxis, Kyrgyzstani som, the local currency (KGS), is necessary.

Can I use euros in Kyrgyzstan?

Yes, you can use euros (EUR) in Kyrgyzstan, but it’s more challenging in less urban areas.

Some businesses in tourist spots and cities might accept euros. However, for most transactions, it is best to change euros for KGS at local banks or bureaus. 

Is the dollar used in Kyrgyzstan?

Yes, the US dollar is used in Kyrgyzstan. USD is commonly accepted in hotels and major restaurants and for services aimed at tourists. 

Can I use my bank card in Kyrgyzstan?

You can use your bank card in Kyrgyzstan, but cash remains the preferred payment method. In smaller towns and for modest purchases, having Kyrgyzstani som (KGS) is crucial.

Credit or debit card payments are mainly accepted in international hotels and large supermarkets in cities like Bishkek and Osh.

Though card use is feasible, carrying cash and a card is practical for flexibility. 

Reminder: Always inform your bank about travel plans to prevent card issues abroad.

How to avoid ATM fees in Kyrgyzstan?

Minimising ATM fees in Kyrgyzstan can be tricky, but here are some tips:

• Use ATMs at major banks for better rates.
• Check with your bank about international withdrawal charges.
• Withdraw larger amounts less often to reduce transactions.
• Carry and change cash to limit ATM reliance.
• Consider accounts that waive foreign transaction charges for frequent travellers.
• Look for ATMs in tourist areas, as they may be part of lower-cost international networks. 

Should I use cash in Kyrgyzstan?

Definitely, cash is king in Kyrgyzstan. Here’s why:

• It is widely accepted, especially in local markets and smaller towns.
• Using KGS helps avoid poor exchange rates or fees.
• ATMs are common in cities but often charge high fees.
• Haggling is usual, and cash is ideal for this.
• Carrying some Kyrgyz som (KGS) is handy for smaller expenses and transport. 

Is Kyrgyzstan cheap or expensive?

Kyrgyzstan is an affordable destination with low accommodation, food, and transport costs. 

Budget options are plentiful, but luxury hotels and private tours can increase expenses. It suits both budget and mid-range travellers.

How much cash should I bring to Kyrgyzstan?

For a week in Kyrgyzstan, budget £350-£490 for daily expenses (£50-£70/day) covering meals, transport, and activities. Add £70-£350 for accommodation (£10-£50/night). 

Set aside £200 in US dollars (USD) or EUR as an emergency fund. Use ATMs in cities like Bishkek but carry Kyrgyz som for rural areas. Adjust based on tours, trekking, or upscale dining plans.

How does tipping in Kyrgyzstan?

Tipping in Kyrgyzstan isn’t widespread but appreciated. Round up taxi fares, tip hotel porters KGS 50 per bag, and leave 5-10% at restaurants if no service charge is added. 

Guides and drivers may include tips in fees, but extra is a nice gesture.

Kyrgyz republic currency

Kyrgyzstan currency notes

The national currency of Kyrgyzstan, the Kyrgyzstani som, is issued by the country’s National Bank and Central Bank. 

Kyrgyzstani som banknotes are available in various denominations, which have changed over time to reflect economic conditions. 

Common banknotes in circulation include lower values such as 20 som, 50 som, 100 som, 200 som, and 500 som, and higher values such as 1000 som, 2000 som, 5000 som, and 10,000 som. 

These banknotes showcase national symbols, historical figures, and cultural landmarks, reflecting Kyrgyzstan’s rich heritage. 

The Bank of the Kyrgyz ensures that each note features advanced security features and distinct colour schemes to prevent counterfeiting. 

Kyrgyzstan currency coins 

The Kyrgyzstani som is subdivided into 100 tyiyn, with coins ranging in value from 1 to 3, 5 to 10 som, as well as smaller denominations like 50 tyiyn and 100 tyiyn. 

These coins are primarily used for everyday transactions and smaller purchases. The currency symbol is лв.

Coins issued by the Bank of Kyrgyzstan often depict national symbols and historical motifs, highlighting the country’s culture and identity. 

Crafted from different metal compositions, coins vary in size and colour, making them easily distinguishable.

Together, the national currency, including both banknotes and coins, plays a crucial role in Kyrgyzstan’s economy and daily commerce.

Kyrgyzstani currency import and export regulations

• Import regulations: There aren’t limits on the amount of currency that can be imported. If you’re carrying a large amount of currency, it’s advisable to declare it at customs upon arrival. 
• Export regulations: The maximum amount of cash you can take out of the country is $5,000 or the equivalent.

Ordering Kyrgyzstani som online

Order Kyrgyzstani som online for speedy, secure delivery to your home or office with Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed®. 

Or pick them up from our shop near Heathrow. Click here to buy Kyrgyzstani som online.

Change leftover Kyrgyzstani som to pounds

Have leftover travel money? Exchange Kyrgyzstani som to GBP easily through our ‘sell currency’ option. 

We’ll pay good rates for your Kyrgyzstan currency to GBP conversion. 

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