Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Retire in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Last updated on Feb 04, 2023
Summary: Retirees are attracted to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for its stunning mountain views, vibrant culture, and low cost of living. The weather in Bishkek is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from -4°F in the winter to 86°F in the summer. There are several retirement communities in Bishkek, offering a variety of amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and social activities. The cost of a nice 2 bedroom home in Bishkek is typically around $50,000 USD, while a nice 3 bedroom home can cost up to $100,000 USD.
What is it like to retire in Bishkek?
"Bishkek is a great place for retirees to enjoy their golden years. The city is known for its beautiful mountain scenery, and the nearby Ala-Archa National Park is a popular destination for outdoor activities. There is an active expat community in Bishkek, with many retirees from other countries living in the city. There are plenty of cultural attractions to explore, such as the State Historical Museum, the National Opera and Ballet Theatre, and the Kyrgyz National Museum. There are also plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. For those looking for nightlife, there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs to explore," commented one retiree living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
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What advice do overseas retirees have for others considering retiring abroad?
"Retirees in Bishkek recommend researching the local culture and customs before making the move. It is also important to make sure that you have access to the necessary healthcare and other services that you may need. Additionally, it is important to make sure that you have a good understanding of the local language, as this will make it easier to get around and communicate with locals. Finally, it is important to make sure that you have a good support network in place, as this will help you to adjust to your new life abroad," commented one retiree living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in Bishkek?
"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Bishkek is the language barrier. Although Kyrgyz is the official language, Russian is widely spoken and English is not as common. This can make it difficult to communicate with locals and access services. Additionally, the cost of living in Bishkek is relatively high compared to other cities in Kyrgyzstan, making it difficult to stretch retirement savings. Finally, the infrastructure in Bishkek is not as developed as in other cities, making it difficult to access certain amenities and services," said a person in Bishkek.
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What are the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Bishkek?
"Retiring in Bishkek offers a unique opportunity to experience a vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty. The city is home to a diverse range of cultural attractions, from traditional Kyrgyz music and dance to modern art galleries and museums. The city also offers a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and skiing in the nearby mountains to exploring the many lakes and rivers. The cost of living in Bishkek is relatively low, making it an attractive option for retirees looking to stretch their retirement savings. Additionally, the city is home to a large expat community, providing a great opportunity to make new friends and enjoy a vibrant social life," said one retiree in living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
What are healthcare services like in Bishkek?
We asked retirees if they have access to good medical care in Bishkek. They wrote:
"Healthcare services in Bishkek are generally of a good quality, with a range of public and private hospitals and clinics available. The public healthcare system is free for Kyrgyz citizens, and is funded by the government. Private healthcare is also available, and is often of a higher quality than the public system. There are a number of international hospitals and clinics in Bishkek, offering a range of services including general medical care, specialist care, and emergency services. The city also has a number of pharmacies, providing a range of over-the-counter and prescription medications," remarked one retiree in Bishkek.
How do I meet people in Bishkek?
When we asked people living in Bishkek about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Bishkek can join a variety of clubs and activities, such as sports teams, language classes, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending events hosted by the local expat community. Additionally, many expats find that simply exploring the city and its attractions is a great way to meet people and make connections," commented one retiree living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
"Not many organized groups I heard of except the Harriers, a running/socializing group that meets every week. However, there are a load of volunteer activities, especially tutoring in English," explained one retiree living in Bishkek.
What is life like in Bishkek?
When we asked people living in Bishkek what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Bishkek is an exciting and unique experience. The city is a vibrant and diverse place, with a mix of cultures and languages. Expats and digital nomads can find a wide range of activities to enjoy, from exploring the city's many parks and monuments to sampling the local cuisine. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to live and work abroad. The city is also well-connected, with a reliable public transportation system and easy access to the rest of the country. Expats and digital nomads can also find a strong sense of community in Bishkek, with many expat-run businesses and organizations providing support and networking opportunities," remarked one retiree in Bishkek.
"Family is easily the main focus, with work a distant second for all except the richest and poorest (which make up about half of the city and are busy but nearly unemployed). Socializing is pretty limited except the most informal family visits because there are so few evening activities and it seems pretty dangerous after 11 pm. For expats, dinner out is very common because it's pretty tasty and very cheap," said a retiree who moved to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
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What do I need to know before retiring in Bishkek?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Bishkek, they said:
"Expats considering retiring in Bishkek should be aware that Kyrgyzstan is a predominantly Muslim country and that the official language is Kyrgyz. It is important to research the cost of living in Bishkek, as prices can vary significantly depending on the area. Expats should also be aware that the healthcare system in Kyrgyzstan is not as advanced as in other countries, so it is important to have adequate health insurance. Additionally, expats should research the visa requirements for Kyrgyzstan, as they may need to apply for a residency permit. Finally, expats should be aware that the climate in Bishkek can be quite extreme, with hot summers and cold winters," explained one retiree living in Bishkek.
"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," said one retiree in living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
What type of recreational activities are there in Bishkek?
"Bishkek offers a variety of recreational facilities for visitors and locals alike. The Ala-Archa National Park is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and skiing. The city also has several public parks, including Panfilov Park, which features a large lake and a variety of monuments. The city also has several sports complexes, including the Kyrgyzstan Sports Complex, which offers a variety of sports facilities, including a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a gym. Additionally, the city has several movie theaters, bowling alleys, and other entertainment venues. Finally, the city has several museums, including the State Historical Museum and the Kyrgyz National Museum," wrote one person in Bishkek.
Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Bishkek?
"Bishkek is home to a variety of stores and markets where expats can buy groceries and do other shopping. The largest supermarket chain in the city is MegaCom, which has several locations throughout the city. MegaCom offers a wide selection of international and local products, including fresh produce, dairy, and frozen foods. For more specialized items, expats can visit the Central Asian Bazaar, located in the city center. Here, shoppers can find a variety of local and imported goods, including spices, fruits, and vegetables. For more unique items, expats can visit the Osh Bazaar, located in the south of the city. This market offers a wide selection of traditional Kyrgyz items, such as handmade crafts, carpets, and jewelry. Finally, for luxury items, expats can visit the Dordoi Plaza, a large shopping mall located in the north of the city. Here, shoppers can find a variety of international brands, as well as local Kyrgyz products," wrote one person in Bishkek.
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.
