Card keeps getting declined in Kyrgyzstan?

My experience was mixed: in Bishkek, Visa worked at DemirBank and RSK Bank, but in Naryn and Song-Kul every ATM rejected me. Restaurants in the capital mostly took cards, but once I hit mountain regions it was cash only. For budgeting, around 2200-2800 KGS daily is reasonable for food, transport, and attractions. ATMs sometimes run out of cash, so don’t leave it to the last minute. Best tip: stock up in the city before heading out.

When I travelled in Kyrgyzstan, ATMs often rejected my card with no clear reason. Banco RSK and AsiaUniversal Bank in Bishkek had the best success for me, but outside the city I couldn’t use my card at all. Local shops and marshrutka buses are completely cash-based. I budgeted 2000-2500 KGS per day for meals, lodging, and short tours. Always bring a second card and some US dollars to exchange. If you’re planning to trek in rural areas, cash is essential.

Honestly, card rejection is pretty common in Kyrgyzstan, especially once you leave Bishkek. In Issyk-Kul, every ATM declined my card until a KyrgyzKommerz Bank branch machine finally worked. Larger hotels and malls usually accept Visa, but homestays and yurt camps don’t. Expect to spend about 2500 KGS per day if you’re paying for food, shared taxis, and activities like horse riding. Don’t depend solely on your card-withdraw in the capital before heading into the mountains. Carrying dollars or euros as backup is smart.

I found Kyrgyzstan tricky when it comes to foreign cards. ATMs in Bishkek sometimes declined my Mastercard until I tried DemirBank and Optima Bank, which finally worked. Out in Karakol and Kochkor, machines often didn’t accept my card at all, so I relied on cash. Shops in local bazaars and family-owned cafés were cash-only too. You’ll want at least 2000-3000 KGS daily if covering meals, taxis, and park entries like Ala Archa. US dollars are widely exchangeable, so carry a backup stash to avoid getting stuck.