40 reviews of banks, MFOs and insurers in Kyrgyzstan. We publish everything — good and bad — after moderation.
Bakai Bank
Review of: Currency exchange
Best dollar rate in town
Exchanged $2,000 before a trip. Bakai buys at 87.30 — higher than the exchange booths at Mossovet. Five-minute queue, no questions asked.
MBank
Review of: Currency exchange
Exchange in the app without visiting a branch
I convert soms to dollars right inside MBank in a second. The rate is slightly worse than at the counter (by 10 tyiyn), but available 24/7. Downside — a $5,000 daily limit.
Optima Bank
Review of: Currency exchange
Rate in Osh is worse than in Bishkek
At Optima's Osh branch the dollar sells 15 tyiyn dearer than the site shows for Bishkek. Staff explained the rate is regional. A single rate would be nice.
KICB
Review of: Currency exchange
Euro at the NBKR rate for clients
As a payroll client, KICB gave me euros nearly at the National Bank rate — 101.90 vs the official 101.82. Saved about 1,500 som on €3,000 compared to an exchange booth.
Optima Bank
Review of: Currency exchange
Good rate, long queue
Optima's dollar rate on Chuy is among the best — 87.25 buy. But there's a 20-minute queue at lunch. Better to exchange in the app.
Kyrgyzkommertsbank
Review of: Currency exchange
Yuan for purchasing in China
Kyrgyzkommertsbank is one of the few selling cash yuan. Rate 12.35 vs NBKR 12.24; I ordered ¥50,000 a day in advance. Handy for business with China.