In 1993 Kyrgyzstan became the first Central Asian state to introduce its own national currency. The transition from the Russian rouble has been rocky and Kyrgyzstan still has a shaky economy, a fledgling banking system, high inflation rates and low wages. Foreigners often pay substantially more than locals for services, and there's not much you can do to avoid this.

Travellers looking for a modern hotel and dining establishments with ambience should expect to spend upwards of US$70.00 a day. Those with more moderate tastes and the occasional craving for an imported beer can get by on around US$40.00 . Budgeteers relying on trains, streetside cafes and homestays may need little more than US$10.00 a day.

Kyrgyzstan is effectively a cash-only zone. The local currency is the only legal tender, though in practice US dollars and Euro may be accepted or even requested for some transactions. There are currency exchange desks in most hotels and many shops. Most places accept only crisp, brand new banknotes, convinced somehow that anything older is worthless. Banks change US dollars travellers' cheques into som , though licensed private moneychangers in shop fronts have slightly better rates for US dollars cash.

Tipping is not common, although a few top-end restaurants automatically add a 5% to 15% service charge to the bill. Tipping runs counter to many people's Islamic sense of hospitality, and may even offend them. Shops have fixed prices but bargaining in bazaars is expected.

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