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!
Bishkek
No.
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No. I have been trying to learn the language.
No.
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Let the Adventure Begin! is our premium weekly relocation newsletter that guides you step-by-step through your international move. The weekly newsletter begins 8 months before your move and runs through your first 4 months abroad. For US $29.99, you'll receive an e-mail on Wednesday with tips and advice tailored to where you are in the relocation and settling-in process.
Not that significant.
Yes. I liked it a lot when I first came, got confused at the no flushing toilet paper, and upset at the lack of sit down toilets, refused to go to the bathroom anywhere that didn't have a sit down toilet, and yesterday (after 4 months) I peed in a squatter toilet. I guess that was my cultural adjustment. lol.
I have lost weight, started eating less, and been unable to keep most food in me -- I'm not sure if it's because of improper sanitation and constant food poisoning or the oil/fat content of the food. Other people I know have had a similar problem, they say it's food poisoning, I'm not sure.
I like the folk music, the handicrafts that everyone makes here, the way they use everything that others would see as trash to make something new and interesting.
Not flushing toilet paper. Squatting toilets. Burning rubbish -- even plastic. People always running late. People come late to show that they are important by making you wait for them. How men don't shake the hands of women, even in business. Always having to offer something to someone at least 3 times because they will refuse it unless you insist on it, even if they want it.
If I have, no one has told me. I learned that you shouldn't sit cross legged if you're a woman. Don't clean the table with a napkin or sit on the corner of a table because it will mean that you are not going to get married.
Learn to squat before you come to KG. Be prepared for the smell of burning rubbish, and a lot of greasy/oily food. Vegetarian options are limited in most restaurants/cafes.
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Bishkek Index
An index of all of our site's Bishkek information.
Kyrgyzstan Forum
Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Kyrgyzstan on our Kyrgyzstan forum - meet people, get advice and help others.
Contribute
Help others in Kyrgyzstan by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Kyrgyzstan.
Expats in Kyrgyzstan offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Kyrgyzstan.
Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Bishkek Index
An index of all of our site's Bishkek information.
Kyrgyzstan Forum
Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Kyrgyzstan on our Kyrgyzstan forum - meet people, get advice and help others.
Contribute
Help others in Kyrgyzstan by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Kyrgyzstan.
Expats in Kyrgyzstan offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Kyrgyzstan.
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