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Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬
#672
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bishkek is the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, known for its Soviet-style architecture and proximity to the stunning Tian Shan mountains. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1,000,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, with many cafes and coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD is approximately 84 KGS (Kyrgyz Som). ATMs are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; it's recommended to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular mobile providers include Beeline, O! and Megacom, offering affordable prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banking services like Raiffeisen and local banks accept Visa and Mastercard. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from budget hostels to furnished apartments available through Airbnb or local agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in most places, but carry cash for smaller vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb offers numerous listings, with prices starting from $15 per night for basic apartments. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Shanyrak Hostel offers dormitory beds around $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Ala-Too Square area provides easy access to landmarks and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Osh Bazaar area is popular for long-term rentals and proximity to cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Colibri Coworking Space offers a vibrant atmosphere with prices starting at $50/month. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Shop 'Cafe Moka' provides a comfortable workspace with good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Bishkek has an active expat community with regular meetups organized via Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Events like 'Expats in Bishkek' on Facebook are great for socializing and networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex Taxi and Bolt are popular and affordable ride-hailing apps. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bishkek has a few rental shops, but digital apps for bikes are less common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Issyk-Kul Lake is approximately 3 hours away by car and offers beautiful beaches. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Manas operates regional flights to neighboring countries. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines offers multiple flights to Bishkek from international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The main highway connecting Bishkek to Kazakhstan is the A2. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bishkek Train Station connects to major regional cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is affordable; a monthly pass costs about 1,000 KGS. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis operate frequently to nearby cities like Cholpon-Ata and Karakol. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | CBP Health House is a well-regarded private hospital in Bishkek. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogashala offers diverse classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness House is a popular gym with membership starting from $25/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundries and wash-and-fold services are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Wolt are efficient food delivery options with varied cuisine. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Beshbarmak (boiled meat with pasta) is a must-try traditional dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe 'Green House' offers ample vegetarian and vegan choices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Altyn Shirin is famous for traditional Kyrgyz sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Osh Bazaar offers local food products at budget prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online marketplaces like OLX.kg provide various products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Fruity delivers fresh products directly to your doorstep. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Ala-Too Square area has lively bars and clubs. Check out 'Fest' for a fun night. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kyrgyz Beer is popular, with several local brands available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Windsor Wine Bar offers a good selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer delicious samosas and plov (rice dish) throughout the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 'La Maison' offer pizza, sushi, and other international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Ala-Too Square and the State Historical Museum are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Fine Arts showcases local art and international exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Osh Bazaar and Ala-Too Square hold significant historical importance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Bishkek Mosque is a prominent religious site worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The International Festival of the Horse and traditional games attract visitors yearly. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Oak Park area represents Kyrgyz culture and communal life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Russian Drama Theater hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Osh Bazaar is the largest and most popular market for shopping. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Bishkek has a vibrant music scene with live performances frequently at bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Many urban murals can be found around the city, particularly in the Ala-Too Square. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes offered by locals introduce traditional Kyrgyz dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Muras Art Gallery showcases local artists and hosts various events. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The National Philharmonic and Central Post Office are examples of Soviet-era architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Eagle Hunt festival represents Kyrgyz heritage and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Ala Archa National Park is a short drive from Bishkek, ideal for hiking and nature walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kyrgyzstan is home to several national parks, including Ala Archa and Sary-Chelek. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Bishkek has a growing number of bike paths, and walking trails along Ala-Too Square. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Osh Bazaar offers scenic views of the mountains surrounding Bishkek. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Issyk-Kul region is a fantastic spot for birdwatching during migration seasons. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in Ala Archa National Park allow for bonfires with proper permissions. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Kyrgyzpost and DHL provide reliable parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Shops around Bishkek offer tech support for devices at reasonable prices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers sometimes have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like Lingua offer Kyrgyz and Russian language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of the Kyrgyz Republic is an excellent place for study and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Central Community Center hosts various social and cultural events, catering to expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Over is a popular venue for gamers in Bishkek. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Bishkek has several casinos, including 'Joker' and 'Altyn House'. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $102,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $78,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $152,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The standard corporate tax rate is 10%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax rate is 0% for reinvested earnings. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 10%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard Value Added Tax rate is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | The property taxation is based on cadastral value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% standard rate applies to property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Kyrgyzstan has favorable conditions for digital nomads with low tax rates. |