Living in Kyrgyzstan
Last updated on Feb 02, 2024
Summary: The approximate population of Kyrgyzstan is 6.2 million people. The largest cities in Kyrgyzstan are Bishkek (the capital), Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Karakol. Expats love living in Kyrgyzstan for its stunning mountain scenery, friendly people, and low cost of living. People describe life in Kyrgyzstan as laid-back and relaxed, with a strong sense of community. Foods popular in Kyrgyzstan include manty (dumplings), beshbarmak (boiled noodles with meat), and lagman (noodles with vegetables and meat). The cons of living in Kyrgyzstan include the lack of infrastructure, limited job opportunities, and the language barrier. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,000-$1,500 per month. This includes rent, utilities, food, and other expenses.
What do I need to know about living in Kyrgyzstan?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Kyrgyzstan, they said:
"Before retiring in Kyrgyzstan, expats should be aware of the language barrier as the official language is Kyrgyz. It is recommended to learn some basic phrases in the language to make daily life easier. Expats should also be aware of the cost of living in Kyrgyzstan, which is generally lower than in other countries. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system in Kyrgyzstan and consider taking out private health insurance. It is also important to research the visa requirements for expats, as well as the process for obtaining residency. Finally, expats should be aware of the cultural differences in Kyrgyzstan and be respectful of local customs and traditions," wrote a member in Kyrgyzstan.
"Because of lingering Soviet-style centralization and unease with western entrepreneurship, as well as a lot of official barriers to foreigners doing much, try to set up something before you go. People are friendly and relaxed, compared to Almaty for example, so you should be able to do some networking. Rent is rising fast but still cheap, and most other things (except imports) are very cheap by the standards of any western country," commented one expat who made the move to Bishkek.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Kyrgyzstan?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Kyrgyzstan?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Kyrgyzstan?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Kyrgyzstan accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Kyrgyzstan like?
- Is the cost of living in Kyrgyzstan high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Kyrgyzstan?
- What are healthcare services like in Kyrgyzstan?
- Is the cost of living in Kyrgyzstan high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Kyrgyzstan?
- What is the weather like in Kyrgyzstan?
- Are there good restaurants in Kyrgyzstan?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Kyrgyzstan?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Kyrgyzstan?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Kyrgyzstan?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Kyrgyzstan?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Kyrgyzstan?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?