Real estateSeptember 7, 20267 min48,200 views
Menin Uyum state mortgage: who can get 4% in 2026The SMC cut the rate to 4% for teachers, doctors and social workers. We break down the terms, the queue and the paperwork.
Journal
News, guides and explainers about money in Kyrgyzstan
Top stories
SavingsSeptember 7, 20267 min21,200 views
Children's savings deposit: how to save for a child's education by age 18A targeted deposit in a child's name helps you save for higher education through regular contributions and compounding interest. We walk through the math with a concrete example.
MoneySeptember 7, 20266 min38,900 views
The dollar rate in September 2026: what will happen to the som after the NBKR meetingThe dollar holds around 87.45 som with inflation at 5.8% and the NBKR key rate at 9%. We look at the factors that will influence the som's exchange rate through the end of the year.
Latest articles
AutoSeptember 7, 20264 min27,300 views
Fuel prices across Kyrgyzstan's regions as of 7 September 2026AI-92 costs 63 som in Bishkek and 66 in Naryn. We compare filling-station prices by region and work out where refuelling is cheapest.
BusinessSeptember 6, 20266 min36,500 views
How to register as a sole trader in Kyrgyzstan via Tunduk in one dayRegistration is free and takes 20 minutes online. Step by step: PIN, choosing a tax regime, patent or unified tax, opening an account.
LifeSeptember 5, 20265 min16,800 views
Travel insurance for Turkey and the UAE: cost and coverageA 10-day policy costs from 900 som, while one doctor's visit in Antalya starts at $150. We break down limits, deductibles and assistance.
AutoSeptember 4, 20266 min39,800 views
MTPL in Kyrgyzstan: fines and new tariffs from 1 OctoberThe regulator approved new base tariffs: a passenger-car policy will cost 8–12% more. The fine for driving without MTPL is 3,000 som.
Real estateSeptember 2, 20266 min31,700 views
Price per square metre in Bishkek: district prices for September 2026The average price per square metre in the capital has risen to $1,380. Where it is cheapest and which districts are rising fastest.
SavingsSeptember 2, 20266 min19,600 views
Dollar deposits at 5%: is it worth converting your somThe dollar rate holds around 87.45 som, while dollar deposits offer up to 5% per year versus 17% for som deposits. We calculate when a currency deposit is actually more profitable.
MoneyAugust 31, 20267 min14,200 views
Loan refinancing: when it pays off and how much you can saveIf your old loan's rate is above market, refinancing at another bank can save tens of thousands of som. We calculate a real example and break down the hidden costs.
BusinessAugust 30, 20266 min13,700 views
Business accounts for small business: comparing bank tariffs for 2026Maintenance from 0 to 2,500 som a month, transfers from 10 som. We calculate the full cost of an account for a sole trader with 500,000 som turnover.
LifeAugust 29, 20266 min11,200 views
Family private health insurance in Bishkek: comparing 2026 programmesA policy for a family of three starts at 42,000 som a year. Which clinics are included, what about dentistry and when private cover beats paying as you go.
AutoAugust 27, 20266 min21,100 views
Car loan for a right-hand-drive car from Japan: what banks offerUsed cars from Japan remain the most popular in Kyrgyzstan. Which banks lend on right-hand-drive cars, at what rate and with what down payment.
Real estateAugust 26, 20266 min19,400 views
Mortgage on a new build or resale flat: overpayment over 15 yearsBanks lend 1–2 points cheaper on new builds, but a resale flat needs no wait for completion. We run the numbers on real rates.
MoneyAugust 25, 20266 min17,500 views
Your credit score in "Ishenim": how to check and improve itThe "Ishenim" credit bureau keeps a record of every loan taken by residents of Kyrgyzstan. We explain how to get your report, what damages your score, and how to fix a poor credit history.
SavingsAugust 24, 20265 min12,800 views
How the DPA guarantee works: 200,000 som per depositorIf a bank loses its license, the Deposit Protection Agency will refund each depositor up to 200,000 som. We explain how this system works and how to properly spread a large sum across banks.
BusinessAugust 22, 20265 min10,400 views
Acquiring and QR payments: what banks charge for accepting cardsQR fees are 0.3–0.7%, terminal fees 1.2–2%. We work out what is best for a café, a shop and online retail.
LifeAugust 21, 20266 min25,400 views
A family budget of 80,000 som: how to split it by the 50/30/20 rule40,000 for essentials, 24,000 for wants and 16,000 for savings. We show, using real Bishkek prices, where a family loses money.
AutoAugust 19, 20265 min12,900 views
KASKO in Bishkek: how much it costs and when you really need itFull KASKO on a Camry starts at 38,000 som a year, with a deductible from 22,000. We work out when the cover pays off and when it is better to build a reserve.
Real estateAugust 18, 20265 min14,800 views
10% or 30% down payment: how it changes the paymentThe bigger the down payment, the lower the rate and payment. But sometimes it pays to put down the minimum and place the rest in a 17% deposit.
SavingsAugust 15, 20265 min15,300 views
Savings account or fixed deposit: which is better in 2026A savings account gives you access to your money at any time, while a fixed-term deposit offers a higher rate. We break down the difference with real numbers and explain who each option suits.
BusinessAugust 15, 20267 min18,900 views
Business loans at 10%: state programmes via Aiyl Bank and RSKAgricultural Financing, Affordable Credit and Cabinet programmes: who can get up to 5 million som at 6–10% and how to apply.
LifeAugust 14, 20265 min33,600 views
Cashback cards 2026: where to get up to 5% back on groceries and fuelWe compared 12 debit cards from Kyrgyz banks: who has the highest cashback on everyday categories, where the caps and catches are.
MoneyAugust 14, 20265 min22,400 views
Elkart vs Visa: which card should you chooseElkart wins on domestic fees, while Visa is indispensable abroad. We compare the national payment system with an international card across real usage scenarios.
AutoAugust 11, 20264 min44,100 views
How to check and pay traffic fines via Tunduk in 5 minutesA 50% discount applies for 20 days, and an unpaid fine blocks travel abroad. A step-by-step guide for the app and the website.
Real estateAugust 8, 20267 min22,600 views
How to check a developer before buying a flat in BishkekBuilding permit, the State Construction register, court cases and bank accreditation: 7 steps that protect you from an unfinished building.
LifeAugust 6, 20265 min29,900 views
Remittances from Russia and Kazakhstan: how to receive them fee-freeKyrgyzstan received $1.6 billion in remittances in six months. We compare Zolotaya Korona, Unistream, phone-number transfers and bank cards.
SavingsAugust 5, 20266 min24,700 views
Deposit rates are rising: where you can get 17%Kyrgyz banks have raised rates on fixed-term som deposits up to 17% per year — the highest in recent years. We look at who offers the best terms and where you can lose part of the return.
MoneyAugust 4, 20265 min28,100 views
How to tell a fraudulent loan from a real oneFake MFOs online promise a loan without checks in 5 minutes and ask for a prepayment “for processing.” We break down the warning signs of fraud and how to verify an organization through the NBKR registry.
BusinessAugust 3, 20266 min8,700 views
Equipment leasing for farmers: terms and pitfallsA 3.5 million som tractor on lease costs from 65,000 som a month with a 20% advance. We compare it with a loan and look at what happens in a bad harvest.