National currency of Kyrgyzstan
Som is the national currency of Kyrgyzstan.
One som is equal to one hundred tyiyin. The decision on the introduction of the national currency – som was adopted by the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan on May 10, 1993.
International designation – KGS.
The first issue of banknotes in denominations of 1, 5 and 20 soms was made by the Central Bank of Kyrgyzstan in the summer of 1993.
Today, som is represented by ten denominations of banknotes in denominations: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 soms. All banknotes differ in color and contain images of various famous personalities of Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan became the second CIS country after Russia, which approved its own national currency after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Initially, one som was equal to 25 US cents, but inflation gradually reduced the value of the currency.
Nowadays one USD is equal to 69,85 KGS.
Banks and exchange offices will be able to change most curriencies. Banks open hours (9:00 until 18:00, Monday – Friday).
Mossoviet is the busiest money exchange area in Bishkek and it is located in city center. Working time: 24 hours / 7 days per week.
ATMs and exhcange offices are rarer outside of cities, but can still be found. If you are planning to go into regions or remote areas you should take enough local cash with you.
Payment for bigger sums, such as for flats or cars, regularly takes in US Dollars, instead of in som.
