Join Sign In

Expat Guide to Living in Kyrgyzstan

Whether you're already living in Kyrgyzstan or preparing to move to Kyrgyzstan, our Expat Guide to Living in Kyrgyzstan offers articles and reports submitted by expats about expat life in Kyrgyzstan. For answers to specific questions, visit our Kyrgyzstan Forum to talk with expats in Kyrgyzstan.

Culture Shock in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

One expat shares her experiences adjusting to life in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. She appreciates the folk music and handicrafts, but has had lots of issues with food poisoning and squatting toilets!

Dream vs Reality of Living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

One member of Expat Exchange dreamed of skiing in the winter, sunbathing in the summer and enjoying a healthy lifestyle in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. In reality, the fall and spring are lovely, but the summer is too hot for sunbathing.

More Culture Shock Reports for Kyrgyzstan

Culture shock is part of the settling in process. Knowing the different phases of culture shock and how other expats in Kyrgyzstan handle it can be very comforting. Below are some of the responses from expats in Kyrgyzstan:

Culture Shock in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Submit a Culture Shock Report

More Living in Kyrgyzstan Reports

What are people's priorities in Kyrgyzstan - work? family? What are the best ways to meet other expats? Are people accepting of racial, cultural and religious differences? Below are some of the responses from expats in Kyrgyzstan:

Living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Submit a Living Overseas Report

More Moving to Kyrgyzstan Reports

What should you take with you when you move to Kyrgyzstan? What should you leave behind? What type of housing and neighborhoods are typical for expats in Kyrgyzstan? Below are some of the responses from expats in Kyrgyzstan:

Moving to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Submit a Moving Overseas Report

International School Report

Parents are invited to answer questions about the schools that their kids attend (Pre-K through High School) in hopes of helping others moving to Kyrgyzstan with the school selection process. If you have expat children who attend school in Kyrgyzstan, take a few minutes to submit a School Review.

Submit an International School Review

Dream vs. Reality of Living in Kyrgyzstan Reports

Most expats have have "dreams" (and fears) about the expatriate experience before they moved to Kyrgyzstan. If you are already living in Kyrgyzstan, share how those "dreams" have been fulfilled, and how they have not. Below are some of the reports from expats in Kyrgyzstan:

Dream vs. Reality of Living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Submit a Dream vs. Reality Report

Overseas Retirement Report

Retiring abroad can be a great option for retirees seeking their dream lifestyle at an affordable price. Help other retirees, who are thinking about retiring in Kyrgyzstan by taking our Overseas Retirement report.

Submit a Retire Abroad Report

Having a Baby Abroad Report

How did expats choose their doctors, midwives, hospitals? What is childbirth like in Kyrgyzstan? Help other expats who are preparing to have a baby in Kyrgyzstan by filling out our Having a Baby Abroad Report.

Submit a Having a Baby Abroad Report

Working Abroad Report

What's it like to find a job in Kyrgyzstan? How difficult was it to obtain a work permit? What types are jobs are typical for expats in Kyrgyzstan? Help others following in your footsteps by filling out our Working Abroad Report.

Submit a Working Abroad Report

Expatriate Health Insurance

Get a quote for expat health insurance in Kyrgyzstan from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote

An Expat Talks about Culture Shock & Living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

One expat shares her experiences adjusting to life in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. She appreciates the folk music and handicrafts, but has had lots of issues with food poisoning and squatting toilets!

One expat shares her experiences adjusting to life in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. She appreciates the folk music and handicrafts, but has had lots of issues with food poisoning and squatting toilets!...