F.A.Q.s
FINANCIAL QUESTIONS:
What is the currency of Kyrgyzstan?
The Kyrgyz currency is the som. Bank notes come in 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 som denominations. Coins are 1, 3, 5 and 10 som denominations.
Are there ATMS in Kyrgyzstan?
There are ATMS in Bishkek, Osh, Karakol and other big towns in Kyrgyzstan that accept AMERICAN EXPRESS, VISA and MASTERCARD.Other towns and villages have ATMs, but usually only accept VISA cards.
Where can I exchange my money ?
You can exchange U.S. Dollars, Euros, Rubles or Tenge in Bishkek and Osh. Smaller towns or villages rarely are able to provide such services.
QUESTIONS ABOUT HEALTH AND SECURITY:
What if I need to see a doctor?
Insurance is not included in our prices, and we recommend you to have coverage before you arrive.Our guides know first aid and can provide basic medications. Please bring any special medication that you may require.Please let us know if you have any allergies.Kyrgyzstan has hospitals, nursing homes and private clinics. Your hotel, guest house owner or guide can provide assistance on accessing these services.
Where can I exchange my money ?
We recommend checking your country’s embassy page prior to departure for any alerts or warnings. The U.S. Department of State offers the following tips here.
Exercise caution as you would traveling anywhere.
Do not display your cash or expensive items.
Always lock your room and baggage.
Do not trek alone.
Trek with a guide from a registered agency.
Our guides are always ready to help you with security and travel-related problems.
If any valuable items are lost, you can contact the police.
Our guides are not responsible for the lost items.
QUESTIONS ABOUT TRIP LOGISTICS:
Do you accept payment in Euro or US Dollar?
We accept both Euros and U.S. Dollars. Each program indicates the preferred currency to pay your invoice. If you need to pay in another currency, we can also accept it. Please let us know in advance of payment what currency you will use.
Do we carry our own packs?
During your treks, our staff will take care of transporting your packs and heavy item by horse or donkey. You can take a small backpack with some water and other personal belongings.
From the airport, how do I get to the city centre?
Transportation from Manas International Airport (FRU) in Bishkek is included in the price. Our guide will greet you outside the airport terminal with either your name or our company’s name.There are also taxis or minibuses outside the airport terminal. Pre-paid taxi service is also available at the airport.
What type of accommodation is available in Kyrgyzstan?
Accommodation ranges from 5-star chain hotels and resorts to comfortable lodges in Bishkek and major tourist destinations. The hotels offer specialty restaurants, conference facilities, exclusive health clubs and business centers. You also have the option of homestay in houses with local people who will prepare their traditional food.In the villages, you will stay with local people in guest houses or yurts. A yurt is a portable, round tent covered with animal skins or felt and is used by nomads in the steppes of Central Asia.
What kind of food is available in Kyrgyzstan?
Kyrgyz staples include meat, bread, cheese, and tea. Apart from Kyrgyz cuisine, Bishkek has restaurants serving Continental, Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Italian and Korean food.Traveling with NOMADS TRAVEL gives you access to various types of food. Please let our experts know if you have dietary restrictions and we can design meals specific to your needs.
Telephone and phone coverage zones.
Actually, telephone communication as necessary as water.
Mobile connection covers almost the whole of Kyrgyzstan.
Mobile operators: Beeline, Megacom and O!
The web-page of the kyrgyz mobile operators : www.beeline.kg, www.megacom.kg, www.o.kg.
Roaming through these mobile operators is available.Now, people in Kyrgyzstan began to use Whatsapp application to chat.
The International Code of Kyrgyzstan is (+996).
Tipping
It’s familiar dilemma: Should I tip guide and driver? And if so, how much?
For our NOMADS TRAVEL team, you can tip $50-100. As our staff is already paid by the agency for their professionalism and works. Our recommendation is donate them new or used outdoor equipments; rain coats, boots, sunglasses, watches, frontal light, bagpacks, sleeping bags, matrass even ski, GPS and tents. Because, in Kyrgyzstan it’s expensive the imported outdoor equipments. This kind of tipping will help for the ecotourism of Kyrgyzstan. The guide and drivers work hard and with quality because for them it’s comfortable with your quality equipments.
Visa & special permits
How to get visa to Kyrgyzstan
Visa-free regime of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan within 60 days, is valid for citizens of the following countries:
Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Mongolia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States Of America, Vatican.Visa for entry to the territory of Kyrgyzstan within 1 month is not required for holders of diplomatic and service passports of the following States:People’s Republic of China (also for the holders of the ordinary passports for service assignment), Republic of Hungary, Turkmenistan.
Visa-free regime is also valid for citizens of the following CIS countries:
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine.Foreign citizens of the other states can enter to Kyrgyzstan and transit through its territory only if there is an entry visa to Kyrgyzstan.
For visa support the following information is required:
NOMADS TRAVEL provides visa support to Kyrgyzstan. For this, please, you can send it to our email.
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Passport data (copy).
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Exact dates of travel in Kyrgyz Republic.
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Flight number (in case of getting visa at the airport of Bishkek upon arrival).
The information necessary for visa support should be sent nor later than 20 days prior to arrival. For a 1 visa support cost 70 USD and in case of a visa refusal the money is not returned.
Support or additional permissionfor the border zone
Visa is valid for visiting almost all the territory of Kyrgyzstan. However, for passing though or/and visiting some of the zones of the territory of Kyrgyzstan additional permission is required. These zones are in the following areas of Kyrgyzstan: border with China, Engelchek, Northern part of Terskey Ala-Tau, from Ak-Say at the East till Djuuku in the West, Chatkal valley and Ak-Say glacier in Ala-Archa gorge. Permits documents for visiting/passing though those zones we will arrange in the short term.
I’m Nomad provides permission support to this territory Kyrgyzstan. Please, you can send it to our email.
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Passport data (copy).
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Exact dates of of travel in Kyrgyz Republic.
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Flight number.
The information necessary for permission support should be sent nor later than 20 days before the arrival in Kyrgyzstan. Permission support cost 25 USD and in case of a permission refusal the money is not returned.
Electricity and internet
Electricity – this is life, and the Internet a symbol of modernity and prosperity in Kyrgyzstan. Electrical energy is produced in Kyrgyzstan, with the help of hydroelectric power stations on the rivers which we have many. In every kyrgyz town with electricity in all day and all year round. The Internet is in big cities where catches mobile communications. We try as much as possible to lodge you where provided free wi-fi.
Security & Police
Kyrgyzstan is a modern and sovereign state where there is stability and prosperity. Terrorism and kidnapping of tourists has not yet occurred. But still, you have to be careful everywhere and always.Standard tips for travelers:
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Do not walk or travel alone, especially at night.
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Use only officially marked taxis, pre-negotiate the fare and do not share a ride with strangers.
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Follow the guide instruction.
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Be careful when visiting markets. Can steal a camera, wallet and other valuables.
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Do not drink water from irrigation ditches in the mountains.
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Do not approach from behind to horses.At the moment, we have only this tips for, but we will complete our security content !
Water and beverage
Drinks – an integral part any contemporary travel. In Kyrgyzstan, it is not a problem, all kinds of drinks are readily available in the big cities of our country. We always buy stock in the canteen of water tours by car. In tours in the mountains where there are no cars, we provide boiled cooled water. mineral, table, sweet and alcoholic beverages are sold in all stores and on the country’s market
Responsibility of NOMADS TRAVEL :
- NOMADS TRAVEL is committed to providing the benefits mentioned in the program, at a higher quality.
- Choosing the right course and safe for your safety
( Inappropriate and insecure areas).
- (Radioactive , infectious, strikes, war situations) A competent selection of service providers (guides, drivers, vehicles, accommodation and catering) negotiations and their prices in order to guarantee the success of your holiday.
- Actively participate in the planning of your stay.
Payment modality:
- To book a trip, NOMADS TRAVEL ask you to pay 200$ of deposit by bank transfer. In case of the cancellation of the trip, the half of the deposit will returned.
- The rest of the total amount must to be paid in cash upon your arrival in Bishkek. Or send by bank transfer 5 days before of the starting of the trip.
- Please note that all payments must be in cash must and can only be accepted in only denominations of $50, €50 or more, in good conditions. This is to do with small notes having low rates of exchange.
Modification of the program and price by NOMADS TRAVEL or by customers:
- NOMADS TRAVEL reserves the right , in some cases, to change the price after booking the trip. The price change can occur after an increase in transport costs (including fuel prices ) the introduction or increase of taxes and official charges
(government tax ) or a change in exchange rates .
- In the case of price change NOMADS TRAVEL warn you in advance via
e-mail of a change .
- The program may be modified by customers (with the agreement of the group) , in case of bad weather, lack of physical preparation, and emergency / unforeseen situations , falling rocks on the road or danger. NOMADS TRAVEL will offer an alternative to keep the price steady or, reserves the right to request additional price depending on the situation.
- If the customer is forced to cancel unexpectedly due to an emergency, NOMADS TRAVEL will calculate the cancellation fee and will refund the rest of the money paid.
Personal travel insurance :
- Final price does not account for the cost personsal travel insurance
- NOMADS TRAVEL recommends that you to have a repatriation insurance which includes worldwide health policy.
- NOMADS TRAVEL does not carry baggage insurance. All guests are responsible for their own baggage insurance.
Protest on your side:
- In case of bad service (the guide , vehicle, driver , accommodation and restaurants) , NOMADS TRAVEL recommends that you notify the central office immediately to solve the problem on site.
Contact us by the guide or driver ‘s phone.
- In case of lack of network, NOMADS TRAVEL please to the photo of the wrong service ( accommodation, catering).
- Incompetence guide , driver, horsemen and cooker . Contact – call us through the phone so we can replace it as soon as it possible .
The phone number that you can address all issues / suggestions:
+996 703 706 757
Clothing
· Warm jacket – down jacket, if possible.
· Water and windproof jacket (alternatively bring a poncho or umbrella)
· Long sleeved synthetic fleece (windproof material, if possible)
· Thermal underwear
· Hat, pair of gloves and scarf
· Comfortable hiking trousers (loose fitting)
· Shorts and trousers, or skirt
· 2 pairs of warm wool-blend socks
· 2 pairs of running socks or liner socks
· Proper hiking boots
· Running shoes and flip-flops
· 2-3 t-shirts
For horseback riding
Helmet
Half chaps
During winter season, additional clothings may include:
· The outer jacket should be warm, down jacket is highly recommended during winter season
· Bring a pair of warm winter trousers, in addition to the hiking trousers
· Bring at least one windproof layer of clothes, helping to reduce any chill factor influence.
· Snow gaitors
Trekking Gear
· Pair of polarizing sun-glasses (to be comfortable and to avoid potential snow-blindness)
· Backpack and backpack cover (against rain and dust)
· Head torch, or small torch, plus spare batteries
· Sleeping bag and silk liner
· 2 x water bottles
Miscellaneous
· Toiletries
· A small light weight and quick drying towel
· Bar of soap
· Sunscreen (SPF +20)
· Earplugs
· Insect repellants (for lower elevations)
· First aid kit
· Water purification tables or a water filter
· Some Diamox pills against potential altitude sickness (if going beyond 4,000 m elevations)
· Toilet paper
Optional items
· Camera, battery etc
· Altimeter
· Binoculars
· Books/magazines
· Trekking poles
· GPS unit
· Padlocks for guest house rooms and bags
· Sewing/repair kit
· Pocket knife
· Candles (for lodges)
· Dairy or notebook plus pencil/pen