If you're planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan, you may be contemplating the different methods of transportation on how you can get around. Is it better to rent a car? Is it better to just use ridesharing apps?
Based on my experience of living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for 1.5 years, if you are planning on traveling outside of Bishkek such as making a trip to Osh, Naryn, Issyk Kul, and coming with a group of 2 or more - rent a car. Renting a car in Kyrgyzstan is extremely affordable compared to Western countries and it'll give you a lot more flexibility and opportunity to explore at your own pace. If you'd like to rent a car, I share how you can do this here: renting a car in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
If you are going to be staying in Bishkek for a few days as a solo traveler or duo, I recommend that you get around using ridesharing apps. However, if you're coming as a group, especially during the winter season, I recommend getting a car. Because during the winter, there may be limited car options in ridesharing apps that will be willing to take you to the mountains, due to all the snow. Or, if you're interested in booking day trips with a designated tour guide, here are some I can recommend:
Is there Uber or Lyft in Kyrgyzstan?
As of June 2024, Uber and Lyft are not available in Kyrgyzstan. So, these are the other alternatives you have while you're here.
Yandex Go
Yandex is widely used in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and works exactly like Uber or Lyft. You do have the option to connect your Visa Card for payments or directly pay in cash to the driver. I have tried to connect my international Visa Card but failed a few times so I recommend keeping cash in hand. Also, the app is completely in English so it is super easy to navigate. You have different options as to the car type you'd like such as Economy, Comfort, and Business.
What's cool about Yandex is that you can use it for taxi services, but they also offer courier delivery as well. Yandex is also widely used in Kazakhstan.
The option is quite limited, but I am slowly starting to see more local ridesharing apps emerge. Whether you're a local or a visitor, I hope you can use the ridesharing app as a seamless and reliable way to navigate in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Here are some other essential apps I recommend that you download for your trip to Kyrgyzstan: 5 Essential Apps for Your Trip to Kyrgyzstan.
Here are my recommendations on things to do and attractions to see in Bishkek: 5 Things to Do In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
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