Digital Nomad Life in Kyrgyzstan

"Not many organized groups I heard of except the Harriers, a running/socializing group that meets every week. However, there are a load of volunteer activities, especially tutoring in English," said one expat in Bishkek.

"Expats in Kyrgyzstan often join local clubs and activities such as hiking, skiing, and horseback riding. Expats can also join international organizations such as the American Women's Club of Bishkek or the International Women's Club of Bishkek. Additionally, expats can meet people by attending local events such as concerts, festivals, and art exhibitions. Expats can also meet people by attending language classes, volunteering, or joining a local gym. Finally, expats can meet people by attending meetups or networking events organized by local expat groups," remarked one member in Kyrgyzstan.

"Family is easily the main focus, with work a distant second for all except the richest and poorest (which make up about half of the city and are busy but nearly unemployed). Socializing is pretty limited except the most informal family visits because there are so few evening activities and it seems pretty dangerous after 11 pm. For expats, dinner out is very common because it's pretty tasty and very cheap," said one expat in Bishkek.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Kyrgyzstan can be quite rewarding. The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, with mountains, lakes, and rivers, and its vibrant culture. Expats and digital nomads can find a variety of activities to enjoy, from skiing and hiking to exploring the local markets and trying out the local cuisine. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The people are friendly and welcoming, and the country is generally safe and secure. Expats and digital nomads can find a variety of coworking spaces and cafes to work from, as well as a range of accommodation options," remarked one member in Kyrgyzstan.

"One way to find a place to live in Kyrgyzstan is to search online for rental listings. Websites such as expat.com, expat-blog.com, and expat-housing.com offer listings of apartments and houses for rent in Kyrgyzstan. Additionally, you can search for rental listings on local classifieds websites such as kyrgyzstan.expatads.com and kyrgyzstan.craigslist.org. You can also contact local real estate agents who specialize in rental properties in Kyrgyzstan. Finally, you can ask friends and family who live in Kyrgyzstan for recommendations," said one expat who made the move to Kyrgyzstan.

"Because of lingering Soviet-style centralization and unease with western entrepreneurship, as well as a lot of official barriers to foreigners doing much, try to set up something before you go. People are friendly and relaxed, compared to Almaty for example, so you should be able to do some networking. Rent is rising fast but still cheap, and most other things (except imports) are very cheap by the standards of any western country," said one person in Bishkek.

"Before retiring in Kyrgyzstan, expats should be aware of the language barrier as the official language is Kyrgyz. It is recommended to learn some basic phrases in the language to make daily life easier. Expats should also be aware of the cost of living in Kyrgyzstan, which is generally lower than in other countries. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system in Kyrgyzstan and consider taking out private health insurance. It is also important to research the visa requirements for expats, as well as the process for obtaining residency. Finally, expats should be aware of the cultural differences in Kyrgyzstan and be respectful of local customs and traditions," said one expat who made the move to Kyrgyzstan.

"I like the folk music, the handicrafts that everyone makes here, the way they use everything that others would see as trash to make something new and interesting," said one expat who made the move to Bishkek.

"Expats in Kyrgyzstan appreciate the hospitality of the local people, the stunning natural beauty of the country, and the unique cultural heritage that is still alive and vibrant today. They also enjoy the traditional Kyrgyz cuisine, which is a mix of Central Asian and Russian influences. Additionally, expats appreciate the fact that Kyrgyzstan is a relatively safe and peaceful country, with a low crime rate and a strong sense of community," explained one foreigner living in Kyrgyzstan.

"Not flushing toilet paper. Squatting toilets. Burning rubbish -- even plastic. People always running late. People come late to show that they are important by making you wait for them. How men don't shake the hands of women, even in business. Always having to offer something to someone at least 3 times because they will refuse it unless you insist on it, even if they want it," explained one expat living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

"Expats in Kyrgyzstan often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the Kyrgyz people tend to be quite conservative and traditional, which can be difficult for expats to adjust to. Furthermore, the Kyrgyz people are very hospitable and generous, which can be overwhelming for expats who are not used to such hospitality. Finally, the Kyrgyz people have a strong sense of community and family, which can be difficult for expats to understand and navigate," said one person in Kyrgyzstan.

"If you plan to stay in Kyrgyzstan for a while, you will need to obtain a valid visa. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a long-term visa or a residence permit. You will also need to provide proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay, as well as a valid passport. Additionally, you may need to provide a valid health certificate and a police clearance certificate," remarked one member in Kyrgyzstan.

"If I have, no one has told me. I learned that you shouldn't sit cross legged if you're a woman. Don't clean the table with a napkin or sit on the corner of a table because it will mean that you are not going to get married," said one expat who made the move to Bishkek.

"In Kyrgyzstan, it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. It is considered rude to show public displays of affection, so it is best to avoid kissing or hugging in public. It is also important to dress modestly, as revealing clothing may be seen as offensive. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local religious customs and to avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion. Finally, it is important to be respectful of the local language and to avoid speaking loudly or using profanity," explained one foreigner living in Kyrgyzstan.

"Kyrgyzstan has a public healthcare system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. The quality of public healthcare in Kyrgyzstan is generally considered to be below average, with limited access to specialized care and modern medical equipment. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, but the quality of care is not as good as in other countries. Expats in Kyrgyzstan typically use private healthcare services, which offer better quality care and more specialized services. However, some expats may use the public healthcare system if they are unable to access private services or if they are unable to afford the cost of private care," explained one digital nomad living in Kyrgyzstan.

"Expats and digital nomads living in Kyrgyzstan appreciate the low cost of living, the friendly locals, and the stunning natural beauty of the country. They also enjoy the vibrant culture, the delicious food, and the abundance of outdoor activities. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads find the language barrier and lack of infrastructure to be challenging. Additionally, the political situation in the country can be unstable at times, which can be a source of concern," explained one expat living in Kyrgyzstan.