It is a good idea to take a Health Insurance policy and to carry a small medical kit with you for emergencies. Medical equipment and standards are poor and many common medicines are not easily available.

Petty crime is common, so it’s best not to leave money and valuables in your room: wear a money belt. Be careful when travelling in rural areas along the Tajik and Uzbek borders and the regions south and west of Osh. Be aware of road travel safety and avoid mountain road travel in bad weather.

While Bishkek is very pleasant in the daytime, at night it neither safe nor well lit. Both locals and foreigners get roughed up by young cops. If you are out at night, stay in the main streets and avoid the parks. Call a taxi instead of walking. If you are approached by a plain clothed policemen at the bus station, stay friendly but don’t go anywhere with him. Always ask for their identification and if they don’t produce it, demand to see a uniformed officer. As Osh bazaar is full of pickpockets who slash bags, keep your valuables out of sight, and not in your shopping bag. Don’t expose your money and be very careful in crowds.

For Emergency and Medical Services in Bishkek- Dial 02 for the police, 03 for a municipal ambulance. The Kyrgyz Republic Hospital (outpatients) has a 24-hour duty officer for emergencies and hospital ambulance. Dial 22-89-60. Mountain Rescue- The ITMC Tien Shan agency has established a private mountain rescue service.