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," remarked another expat who made the move to Bishkek, 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," explained one expat living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

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What do I need to know before retiring in Bishkek?

If you live in Bishkek, newcomers to Bishkek would love to hear your answer to this question.