Best ATMs in Kyrgyzstan for foreign card holders? What are the fees, limits?

During my Kyrgyzstan trip, I mainly used Demir Bank and Optima Bank ATMs. My Wise Visa worked with a limit of 20,000 KGS and a fee of 200 KGS. Optima accepted my Revolut card with no issues, though sometimes gave smaller notes. I usually withdrew once every three days, enough for accommodation, meals, and local tours. Kyrgyzstan is very cash-oriented, so I always carried 2,000-3,000 KGS in small bills. Overall, the system worked fine in Bishkek, but planning ahead was essential for rural travel.

Kyrgyzstan can be tricky outside Bishkek. My HSBC debit was declined twice at a KICB ATM in Karakol, and when it worked at Demir Bank, the limit was only 15,000 KGS. The fee was 250 KGS, which adds up fast. Machines in smaller towns often run out of cash or go offline. My advice: withdraw the maximum in Bishkek before heading into the mountains. Demir Bank seemed the most consistent, but even there, limits are modest, so multiple withdrawals may be necessary.

I had a smooth experience withdrawing in Kyrgyzstan. My Monzo Mastercard worked at Optima Bank in Bishkek, and I was able to withdraw 20,000 KGS in one go with a 200 KGS fee. Demir Bank also worked well with my Revolut Visa. I withdrew twice during my week, enough to cover hotels, food, and marshrutka rides. Most hostels accepted card, but bazaars and taxis were strictly cash-only. Overall, Kyrgyzstan’s ATMs were reliable in cities, and the fees weren’t too bad compared to other Central Asian countries.

In Kyrgyzstan, Demir Bank, Optima Bank, and KICB (Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank) are the best for foreign cards. I used my Wise Visa at Demir Bank in Bishkek, and the withdrawal limit was 20,000 KGS (~$225 USD) with a fee of 200 KGS. Optima Bank worked fine with my Revolut Mastercard, offering 15,000-20,000 KGS per withdrawal. KICB had similar limits but sometimes charged 250 KGS. ATMs are plentiful in Bishkek but much rarer in rural towns, so plan ahead.