Is it better to pay taxis in Kyrgyzstan with cash, or do drivers accept cards or payment apps?
Kyrgyzstan’s taxi system is not set up for cards or apps. It’s cash only, and som is what drivers want. I traveled around Bishkek and Osh, and in both places, not a single taxi offered card acceptance. Yandex Go worked for ordering rides, but payments still ended in cash. Don’t expect card readers, and don’t rely on apps for payment. It’s best to have small notes on hand, since change can be a problem. Cash is the only reliable option.
In Kyrgyzstan, taxis are definitely old-fashioned when it comes to payment. I never saw a card terminal, and every driver I used wanted cash. The apps are there, but in practice, drivers still prefer physical money. When I tried to pay electronically, the driver insisted I cancel it and just hand over som. It’s worth noting that outside Bishkek, taxis are even more basic and strictly cash only. I’d strongly suggest carrying local currency at all times.
My experience in Kyrgyzstan was that taxis are overwhelmingly cash-based. Drivers expect som, and there’s no culture of card readers in cabs. Even if you use apps like Yandex, many drivers will ask you to pay in cash when they arrive. I didn’t see any card acceptance, and it’s better to be prepared. Carrying small notes is useful since drivers often struggle to provide change. Outside Bishkek, it’s cash or nothing, so make sure to stock up before trips.
Taxis in Kyrgyzstan are very cash-driven. In Bishkek, I tried both hailing cabs and using apps, and in both cases the drivers wanted som in cash. Even when I booked through an app, the driver told me not to bother with card and just handed me the cash fare. It’s the standard there. ATMs are easy to find in the capital, but outside the city, cash is absolutely essential. Don’t plan on using cards or payment apps for taxis.