Is it okay to use ATMs late in the evening in Kyrgyzstan or should I stick to daytime withdrawals only? I am a single woman travelling so want to be safe.
As a backpacker going through Karakol, I noticed most ATMs stop working or run out of cash by evening. I found one that worked at a supermarket, but the road was totally empty. Kyrgyzstan isn’t high-crime, but infrastructure can be unpredictable. My tip: load up on cash in Bishkek, and don’t rely on night withdrawals outside major cities.
I was based in Bishkek for a month and regularly withdrew cash from KICB ATMs at night. The one outside Dordoi Plaza had lighting and guards nearby. If you're withdrawing cash after dark in Kyrgyzstan, stick to malls or bank buildings - avoid freestanding kiosks, especially if you're alone.
While cycling through Osh, I tried to withdraw money from an Optima Bank ATM after 9 PM. The machine worked but the street was dark and quiet. Didn’t feel unsafe, but I didn’t hang around. In Kyrgyzstan, urban centers are fine, but ATMs outside cities may lack security and uptime - best to plan ahead.
ATM safety at night in Kyrgyzstan depends on the city. In Bishkek, I used a DemirBank ATM near Ala-Too Square around 10 PM - decent lighting and no issues. Locals were out walking, and the area felt calm. That said, smaller towns aren’t as well-lit, and ATMs might not work late, so I stuck to cities for cash runs.
KICB ATM in Kyrgyzstan charges a flat fee of 300 KGS per withdrawal.