Public Holidays

Date 2005 Occasion
January 1 New Year's Day
January 7 Orthodox Christmas Day
January 21 Kurban Ait (Feast of Sacrifice)
February 10 Islamic New Year
March 8 Women's Day
March 21 Noruz
March 27 Orthodox Easter
May 1 Labour Day
April 21 Prophet's Anniversary
May 5 Constitution Day
May 9 Victory Day
August 31 Independence Day
November 3 - 5 Eid Al Fitr  

Weekend - Saturday, Sunday
Note: The Kyrgyzstan- China borders are closed on national holidays in either country.

Customs & Duties

You cannot bring in weapons, narcotics, loose pearls and pornography. As long as you are not exporting cultural artefacts or anything of historical value, customs should not be a problem. For exporting art, furnishings, manuscripts, musical instruments, coins, clothing and jewellery you need an export license and have to pay export duty. Get a receipt for anything of value that you have purchased. For purchases of seemingly historical value, you need a letter from the vendor and the Ministry of Culture, saying that it is has no such value. 

Electricity

The electricity supply is of 220v at 50 hertz. European two pin plugs are used everywhere. The electricity supply is erratic and light bulbs are in short supply, so carry a torch.

Post & Communications

Post and telegraph offices are open from 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays. The postal system is slow and you’ll probably get home before your postcard or letter! It’s best to give a private or company address for incoming mail. Mail should be addressed in the reverse order - country, postal code, town, street or PO Box, addressee. To collect post restante mail, bring your passport to the main post office. Telegram services are available at major post offices.

You can make international, local and intercity calls from the central post and telegraph office in most towns. International calls always go through the operator. You can place calls through hotels, but it costs more. Tokens are sold at the post and telephone offices, and some kiosks for token operated local phones. The IDD code for Kyrgyzstan is 733.

Faxes can be sent from post, telephone and telegraph offices, and some hotels. In Bishkek Internet and e-mail services are available. There is a main post and telephone office. The post office is open weekdays from 7am to 11am and 1pm to 7pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. There is a separate mailroom for international letters and parcels. The telephone office also provides international fax services.

Bishkek’s telephone code is 3312.

Weights and measures

The Metric system is followed.

Tipping

Restaurants frequently add a 5% to15% service charge to the bill. Tips are not really expected.

English Language Media

There are a few international English language papers and magazines available such as the weekly Central Asian Post. The Kyrgyzstan Chronicle is an eight page English language weekly with business news and features.