If you're like me and you haven't heard much about Central Asia (specifically Kyrgyzstan), and don't speak the Kyrgyz or Russian language, the idea of traveling to Kyrgyzstan can be quite daunting. In this blog post, I'll introduce you to five mobile apps that will be your go-to during your travels in Kyrgyzstan. These apps will ensure you make the most of your time in this beautiful country.
5 Essential Apps for Your Trip to Kyrgyzstan
1. Yandex Go
I personally haven't taken public transportation in Kyrgyzstan, because deciphering the local bus routes and schedules can be overwhelming, especially if you don't speak the local language.
So, I rely on Yandex Taxi - it works exactly like Uber or Lyft. What's great is that you can connect your international Visa card for payments or directly pay in cash to the driver. Also, the app is completely in English so it is super easy to navigate.
2. 2GIS
Even though Google Maps works great in Kyrgyzstan, I noticed that it lacks information on many small businesses. 2GIS is a navigation app that offers detailed maps, up-to-date business listings, and reviews. Whether you're driving or walking, their maps are specifically designed to be user-friendly and offer accurate navigation, making it easier for you to find your way around unfamiliar streets and neighborhoods.
2GIS offers an extensive database of business listings in Kyrgyzstan. This includes restaurants, hotels, shops, ATMs, pharmacies, and more. With 2GIS, you can search for specific places or browse through different categories to find the services you need. Each listing provides essential information such as contact details, operating hours, customer reviews, and even photos, helping you make informed decisions about where to eat, stay, or shop.
3. Namba Food
The food delivery system isn't as advanced in Kyrgyzstan than North America but Namba Food does the trick. Namba Food partners with a diverse selection of restaurants in Kyrgyzstan, offering a wide range of cuisines and dining options. Whether you're craving local delicacies, international dishes, or specific dietary preferences, the app provides you with a convenient platform to explore and order from numerous restaurants, ensuring you find something to satisfy your taste buds.
Namba Food simplifies the ordering process by providing an intuitive and user-friendly interface. The app is in English so you can browse restaurants and menus easily. However, I've faced delivery times of up to two hours with Namba Food, which is why I prefer to use Glovo instead.
4. Glovo
Other than Namba Food, Glovo is a popular delivery app that allows users to order food, groceries, and other items from local stores and have them delivered to their location. Compared to Namba Food, I notice the availability of restaurants is much more limited, but their estimated delivery time and tracker are much more accurate.
Based on your desired location, you can explore a variety of local restaurants and order meals for delivery. It provides convenience and saves you the hassle of finding restaurants in unfamiliar areas or dealing with language barriers when placing orders. Glovo's app interface is typically available in multiple languages, including English. This makes it easier for international travelers to navigate the app and place orders, even if they are not fluent in the local language. However, I typically notice that the menu items aren't translated into English which makes me just rely on the images.
You can also pay with international Visa cards online or by cash to the delivery person.
5. Google Translate
This might be a no-brainer for non-Kyrgyz and Russian speakers but the camera function has saved my life. The app's camera translation feature lets you point your phone's camera at written text, such as street signs or menus, and instantly see translations on your screen. This visual translation feature helps you navigate unfamiliar surroundings and understand important information in real-time.
The Google Translate app can serve as your personal language assistant. It allows you to quickly translate written text or spoken words between languages. This can be immensely helpful when communicating with locals or understanding basic phrases.
EXTRA. WhatsApp
I didn't use WhatsApp before coming to Kyrgyzstan, but you're going to need it when you come to Kyrgyzstan. WhatsApp is a popular messaging app and a convenient app to communicate with people and businesses. When you go on 2GIS, you'll notice that a majority of businesses have a WhatsApp account associated with it, making it easy for you to message them. What's even better is that since it is an online messaging app, you can use Google Translate when communicating with them.
I've used WhatsApp to make reservations with restaurants, dentist appointments, orders for food delivery, and more!
Have any more apps that should be added to this list? Leave it in the comments below!
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