Safety in Kyrgyzstan What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?
People’s Opinions
Our ministry host asked us to be in after dark. Trips to the local grocery store, only one block away, were frequent after dark. We simply followed the recommendation of the host: girl and guy pairing (theives respect couples apparently) or 3+ people in a group at night.
Nights – In Bishkek, we were requested to be home by 9:00pm to keep things safe near our home, but we were living on a street known to be full of alcoholics. If you are in the main part of the city, different story in a group. In Karakol, we were asked to stay in groups of 5 at night.Carry Passport copies in case of being stopped by the police trying to get a little bribe or something. Did not happen to us, but we were advised to do so.Be careful carrying valuables outside your packs in public, but that should be the same every country.
Health
Health in Kyrgyzstan Any special health concerns?
People’s Opinions
Water needs to be filtered or boiled. Don’t eat street food unless your host is certain it’s okay. The food goes bad very easily on the Bishkek streets. All of the drinks in the Gatorade tubs are pretty much all okay to drink. Good healthy food is easy to find at all of the stores well under budget.
Visa Info in Kyrgyzstan Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:
People’s Opinions
You just get a stamp when you cross the border. No worries.
Currency Info
Currency Info in Kyrgyzstan Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?
People’s Opinions
Most reliable ATMs and Banks for AIM cards are Kyrgyz Investement and Credit Bank
Exchange rate was around 68-70 Kyrgyz com (pronounced som) per 1 USD. Exchange pretty much anywhere, probably wise to do so soon after you cross the border or when you meet your host.Countries around this one get fairly upset when you give them large bills for small payments, but Kyrgyzstan does not for the most part. Still, I would say do your best to break large bills ASAP if possible.
Communication
Communication in Kyrgyzstan Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
Wifi was pretty accessible throughout the city at coffee shops and both our host home and ministry site of Kamkorduk, working with Campus Crusade. Our host gave us two cell phones with sim cards as well, which we used fairly often just for texting them.
Transportation
Transportation in Kyrgyzstan What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.
People’s Opinions
-Private bus from Almaty, Kazakhstan to Bishkek. Flew from Bishkek to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. -download 2GIS app for local transit (works offline and includes bus system info).
We used a taxi from Almaty, Kazakhstan to the border, then another taxi from the border to Bishkek. Taxis were moderate in price. Nothing crazy.
Culture in Kyrgyzstan Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?
People’s Opinions
1. Respect the bread! Don’t throw it away, don’t brush crumbs onto the floor, don’t flip it upside down and leave leftovers right side up on trash cans outside. Bread is a symbol of God’s provision and should never be wasted. 2. Always take your shoes off when you enter someone’s home. 3. Don’t blow your nose in public!! 4. Be very careful of drinking alcohol in public, don’t risk dishonoring your host or your reflection of Christ. 5. Dress modestly and appropriately. Men keep yourself trimmed and clean, women cover your shoulders, legs above the knees, chest and midrift. 6. Keep your voices low when in public. They definitely do not appreciate the loud American persona, and it can also be a safety concern as we draw a lot of attention to ourselves. 7. Do not step on a tablecloth on the floor. This is very serious, step over the tablecloth. 8. Time is also very crucial, (appropriate that it has come up for our squad!) As we do better to honor timiliness with eachother, this will be a big way to honor the people we meet along the way as well.
Read Justin’s notes for typical cultural norms.In Bishkek, Guys can we shirts, shorts, tank tops, hats, pretty much everything but really short gym shorts – you know, chubbies and the 3″ inseam type. I really enjoyed how relaxed Bishkek was.Women’s have a lot of options too. Pants, shorts, v-neck shirts. I recommend wearing something to cover your butt if you wear yoga pants… however, ask your host for guidance as they may be inappropriate in classroom and teaching settings.
Men, always shake hands with every other man in the room when you enter, no matter what’s going on. This is an important and proper manner of showing respect. We were asked multiple times to remember to do so.Ladies, nothing specific.Keep your voices low when in public. They do not appreciate loudness (especially from Americans) and this has also been expressed as a safety concern.DO NOT STEP ON A TABLE CLOTH ON THE FLOOR IF IT’S BEING USED FOR FOOD. This has ended relationships between ministries and families. Also, respect the bread. Don’t toss it or leave it on the table upside down or anything. Weird, I know.