Planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan? You may be thinking about the different modes of transportation that would be best for your trip. Personally, I had to travel to Issyk Kul from Bishkek and decided to rent a car for a few days. We felt that it was the best way to travel, considering all factors. I haven’t done too much research on the public transportation system or the train network, but I am aware that there are many other ways to travel from Bishkek to Issyk Kul. I will do another blog post on the other options soon.
Of course, renting a car has its pros and cons. It may be difficult to find public transportation that will take you to remote places. Or, you may not speak Russian, be traveling by yourself or in a small group, having a handy car will be ideal. If you’re looking to rent a car, continue reading to see the process and steps to rent a car in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I listed 5 car rental companies that I came across and ten tips on what to keep in mind when renting a car.
10 TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN RENTING A CAR
1. Peak Season
Peak tourist season is between May to August. If you are looking to travel and rent a car during this time, I recommend that you book a car early. We needed a car in late August and contacted companies a week prior to our desired rental date and every single company was completely booked out and no vehicles were available. This was quite surprising for us, but keep in mind that local Kyrgyz people who don’t own vehicles are also likely to rent cars to drive to summer hot spots like Issyk Kul. It's advisable to book your car in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability.
2. Costs
One thing that surprised me about renting a car in Kyrgyzstan is that it is relatively cheap. Back in Canada, there were fees that you had to pay if you were under 25 years of age, luckily that doesn’t exist here. Depending on the car model and year, you can rent a car for $20 USD to $40 USD per day which is low compared to the $250 USD I had to pay in Canada.
3. Car Insurance
We had to rent a car on two separate occasions. The first company said that it was mandatory to get car insurance and it would cost ~$5 USD a day. The second company said that it wasn’t required and it wasn’t even an option that we could add on. If you want to have that extra layer of security, make sure that the car rental company has insurance as an option and if not, you can look into purchasing your own international car insurance.
4. Vehicle selection
Choose a car that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact for city exploring or an SUV for off-road adventures. The first car we rented was a 2007 Subaru Forester. The second was a 2007 Hyundai Sonata. Luckily the road to Issyk Kul is relatively flat and smooth and both times, we didn’t face any issues with the vehicles.
5. Return conditions
Make sure you understand the fuel policy, return conditions, and penalties for late returns or damages. When picking up the car, make sure you inspect it for any pre-existing damage and take tons of photos of the exterior, interior, and control panel. The first company asked us to return the car with a full gas tank and washed. For the second company, we received the car with the tank half full, so we returned it in the same condition. We also didn’t have to have it cleaned.
6. Methods of payment
I suggest that you have cash ready when renting a car. The two different companies that we rented the cars from asked us to have cash ready and payment by card was not an option. The first company had us pay the deposit and car fee in USD cash and the second wanted it in Kyrgyz Som. Make sure you ask what currency your car rental agency wants before making the final decision to book.
7. Driving in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan’s road conditions can vary, so stay prepared. Drive cautiously, especially in mountainous areas and on unpaved roads. Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules and signs.
8. Deposits
For both instances, our deposit was equivalent to $300 USD. For the first company, we received our deposit in full right after returning the car. For the second, they only returned 20% of the deposit. The remaining 80% was given to us after five days. The reason is that if your vehicle is fined by a speed control camera, the car rental company will receive the notification after a few days and you will be requested to pay that fine. They withhold the deposit so if there are any fines, you must pay.
9. Booking
Luckily, my boyfriend is a Russian speaker so he was able to book the car for us. However, if you are not a Kyrgyz or Russian speaker, Google Translate is going to be your best friend. There are some car companies that are more foreign-friendly based on the reviews I’ve read. However, most of them all communicate by WhatsApp so it’ll be convenient for you to Google Translate the conversation.
10. What to Prepare
On the day of rental, we only had to have our domestic driver’s license or international driver’s license. Make sure you confirm what documents you need to bring and prepare when picking up the car.
5 CAR RENTAL COMPANIES IN BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN
1. Prestige Car Rental
Boasts an English website and one of the highest-rated car rental agencies in Bishkek. We wanted to reserve a vehicle here in late August 2023 but there were no available vehicles. You can even book your vehicle online. From compact cars to spacious SUVs, they offer a range of options to suit your travel needs.
Website: https://rentcars.kg/en/
2. Orange Car Rental
This was a company that we used to rent a vehicle. All the companies we called were fully booked, including Orange Car Rental but they somehow had a vehicle available that was not listed on their website. They receive payment in USD.
Website: http://orangerental.su/
3. Russian Troika
Russian Troika is a well-known car rental service in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. They offer a variety of vehicles, ranging from economy cars to modern models, catering to different needs and budgets. To rent a car from Russian Troika, you can visit their official website or contact their local office in Bishkek. Their website typically provides detailed information about available vehicles, rental rates, and booking procedures.
Website: https://avtoprokat.kg/start/en/
4. AUTOPARK
AUTOPARK is another car rental company that operates in Bishkek, providing a range of vehicles to suit different needs and budgets. From compact cars for solo travelers to larger SUVs for families or groups, you can find a vehicle that fits your requirements.
Website: https://autopark.kg/en/
5. Iron Horse Nomads
Iron Horse Nomad Car Rental is a reputable car rental service based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. They offer a variety of vehicles to suit different needs, ranging from compact cars to larger SUVs, making it convenient for travelers to find a suitable option.
Website: https://ironhorsenomads.com/
With a car, you now have the freedom to discover Kyrgyzstan at your own pace. I hope that my post will help you be well-prepared and ensure a smooth and memorable journey through the picturesque landscape and rich culture of Kyrgyzstan. Enjoy your adventure and safe driving!
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