Central Asia could be the next hot spot for digital nomadism. Big. Thing.
If you get there before everyone else, you will be able to appreciate all its beauty. Central Asia is composed of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as China, Mongolia, and, by some accounts, Russia. We would love for Kyrgyzstan to be on your list of places to consider for digital nomadism. It stands out from the others for its uniqueness. Many people mistakenly believe the so-called “stan” countries to be unsafe, when in reality, Kyrgyzstan is among the safest for traveling purposes. Kyrgyzstan is a daring nation abundant in tradition, vivid flavors, and rugged scenery, accompanied by a tranquil, easygoing ambiance that is unique to this region. A great number of places around the US are not heavily populated, so you won’t experience too much hustle and bustle.
This piece of writing is meant to direct you about the greatest spots in Kyrgyzstan to become a digital drifter and all the elements you should reflect on before going there.
The cost of living in Kyrgyzstan
The cost of your stay in Kyrgyzstan will depend significantly on where you choose to reside, whether that be a rural or urban area, and also on what kinds of activities you do. That being said here’s a rough idea of what you can expect to spend month to month:
Typically, you can find a dependable urban center for a fee of approximately $450USD per month if you are comfortable with modest lodging and dining. It is true that digital nomads have a tendency to indulge sometimes and splurge on luxuries or upmarket housing, which can bring up the monthly expenditure to approximately $850.
Accommodation expenses
It is essential to decide if it is worthwhile to spend extra money to get higher quality lodgings since you want the place you live to be familiar and comforting. The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the local area may begin at around $150USD, with additional charges on top of that. If you’re looking for a more affordable temporary residence, some hostels provide private rooms. Staying at a place like Airbnb or a high-end hotel might be expensive, with a typical cost ranging from a thousand dollars to more than three thousand U.S. dollars every month. The amount you spend and the level of comfort you want to experience during your stay is completely your choice.
Food and drink expenses
Shopping for groceries in Kyrgyzstan will be much more affordable compared to other Western countries. Grocery shopping and making your own food (assuming your place of stay has the necessary things needed to do so) will be the best way for you to stay within your budget. It should be noted that it is frugal to eat and purchase treats from restaurants here, since the average cost is only $2.70USD per meal.
Transport expenses
Some digital nomads opt to rent a car for the purpose of discovering Kyrgyzstan, but this will set them back about $1,500 per month. If you happen to reside in a town center, it can be evaded entirely. By using Bishkek as a basis, you should be able to avail of a satisfactory public transportation system for less than $8USD in a single month. Taxis are also cheap with fares under $1 each.
Reasons You’ll Love Kyrgyzstan
There is certainly a great deal to appreciate regarding Kyrgyzstan. Tourists are enthusiastic about their time here and we’re sure you will be too. Here are some of the things we hear from tourists and digital nomads over and over again:
Cultural experiences at every turn
Kyrgyzstan boasts a deep-rooted nomadic tradition which makes its history absolutely captivating. You could explore what’s left of the path of the historic silk road, stay the night in a liveable yurt, observe the local sport of goat polo, go falconry and attend festivals for horses. It is suggested that you should schedule your trip when the World Nomad Games occurs if it is possible. You’ll certainly never be bored in Kyrgyzstan.
Unspoiled nature begging to be explored
Kyrgyzstan is an idyllic destination for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors, offering breathtaking scenery of mountains, lakes, and forests. On your more spirited days, you can go white water rafting, horseback riding, and skiing. If you’re looking for a more relaxed day, you can take a soothing stroll in the great outdoors.
Friendly and Accommodating Locals
Many people comment on the friendliness and warmheartedness of the people in Kyrgyzstan. Many people you encounter in passing will likely present you with warm and friendly grins, and you may even find yourself striking up a few chatting sessions when taking the bus. Be ready in case you are asked to come in for a cup of tea or to join a communal meal.
Things to Consider
Visas
Kyrgyzstan is considered a conveniently accessible nation to visit in Central Asia due to their not too strict visa regulations. People from 69 nations can stay up to 60 days in a nation without needing a visa. In other words, digital nomads usually don’t follow the limit of staying at only one place for a short while, as it is more advantageous to stay in the same area for an extended period.
The manner in which you apply for your visa will depend on the country you are coming from. It could either be a digital or physical application process, so make sure to look into the particular requirements that are consistent with your situation. This could save you significant time, money, and hassle. At present, Kyrgyzstan does not offer a visa specifically for digital nomads.
Wi-Fi and Communications
In Kyrgyzstan, the availability of Wi-Fi is not quite on par with other countries. However, with some research, you will be able to find a suitable and stable connection. If you are in a line of work that calls for prompt deadlines and clear communication, and you can’t waste any time waiting for paperwork to be sent and received, it is strongly encouraged that you stay in Bishkek. The best Wi-Fi and mobile phone service in Kyrgyzstan is likely to be found in the vicinity of Bishkek, as this is where the network infrastructure has been concentrated.
Safety Concerns
Safety is mostly a non-concern in Kyrgyzstan. In comparison to other countries, some parts of this nation may have higher levels of offenses, but even taking into consideration the urban areas, crime rates here in general are relatively low. In general, theft that is minor in scale, such as pickpocketing, is seen as a petty crime. There are very few armed crimes reported.
Tolerance/ Inclusivity
Kyrgyzstan is known to be a friendly and welcoming destination, however, there are laws in place that need to be updated in order to make it more accepting. Law allows homosexual relationships, however, it does not permit same-sex marriages. It is important for members of the LGBT community to be aware of this before making any travel plans.
Work in Bishkek
Bishkek is fast becoming popular among digital nomads, with an impressive number of coworking hubs emerging in the city. It is not unexpected that Bishkek has been a popular destination for tourists for quite some time, due to its location in the middle of Central Asia. This place is becoming a more attractive spot for travelers and digital nomads over the years, which I can tell from the difference between my two visits. One has numerous choices in terms of acquiring business premises–there are business centers, corporate offices available for rent, as well as numerous Coworking spaces.
In Bishkek, the download speed for the fastest connection is approximately 10.9 Mbps, while the highest upload speed available is around 18.8 Mbps. It is not the fastest, but it is average. In densely populated cities or towns, mobile phone coverage is accessible, but in rural areas there is no access to phone service. I nabbed a SIM card at the boundary and spent roughly $3 American dollars for 20 GB of info, which is an excellent discount; but, it only ran in settlements. BeeLine is an exceedingly good mobile phone service provider in Kyrgyzstan and also operates in many places across Central Asia.
Best Places to Work in Bishkek
Ololo City
This coworking space in Bishkek might be among the best. This is a location that offers artistic activities, functions and a shared working environment. There are two spots in Bishkek that offer things such as meeting rooms, desk space, and even film sets for people to use. Renting their conference rooms will set you back approximately $25 USD per hour while their coworking fees are listed on their Facebook page when spots open up. It will cost about $112 USD monthly to utilize a hot-desking area, which comes with internet connectivity and access to amenities.
WEWORK24
Do not mistake WEWORK24 with WeWork as it is an individual coworking area. This appears to be more of an office than a co-working area, but it is set up to provide a space to anyone who requires a place to sit and work. The cost of this location in the city is upon request and it appears to have great amenities.
Factory Bishkek
This is likely the trendiest shared work environment available in Bishkek. This coworking space, designed in a trendy and fashionable style, blends together the traditional characteristics of Bishkek with a more contemporary outlook. You can find an array of amazing amenities on their Instagram page. Unfortunately, their website isn’t operating correctly, so they don’t have any listed prices. Might be wiser to check in when you get there and inquire about the area.
Sierra Coffee AUCA
This place is typically known as a café, but it has gained traction among digital nomads as well as students. The place isn’t as well-known amongst those who don’t speak Russian, but it’s still an excellent destination. This locality is perfect if you need a meal while working, and it has a lively ambiance. At Sierra Coffee, you can find some of the tastiest coffee around Bishkek, and it won’t cost you much! This is an ideal job location if you would rather be in an atmosphere that has more of a relaxed college ambience.
Coffee shops
In Bishkek, many of the coffee venues have a common feel, though there are several excellent spots for getting work done. Hygge Coffee can be found underneath the Ololohaus coworking space and it serves excellent coffee from Bishkek. Owl Coffee and Social Coffee both have generous floor plans and comfortable work areas. They offer yummy coffee and provide a great environment if you prefer working from a cafe.
Best Places to Live in Bishkek
Best Neighbourhoods
Picking a place to stay in Bishkek due to the city’s size is quite straightforward. I prefer to stay in a hostel wherever I visit in a city. There is no designated tourist area or local’s area. Kyrgyzstan just began to become available for tourism, so the development of its infrastructure is still in progress. Tourism is still quite a new concept in Bishkek, so there aren’t many lodging options that won’t have you surrounded by local people. This is superb because you gain a genuine and captivating encounter, which I consider is what makes Central Asia so wonderful.
Ala-Too Square
Staying in the City Center close to Ala-Too Square is in high demand because it is considered the central hub of the city and everything can be reached conveniently by foot. If you are searching for something easy to access and are willing to spend money, then this is the spot.
Birinchi May District
This area, situated on the northwest of the city, consists mainly of hostels and is widely seen as the most residential part of the city. I usually stay at Apple Hostel, which is a bit far from the city centre, but is only a quick trip away, around 45 mins by car or a 1 hour walk. I appreciate the peace and quiet that comes from its close proximity to a military base by the Apple Hostel.
Oktyabr District
This is situated a short distance away from the downtown area to the south-east. This area is ideal for people who want to live close to parks and monuments but don’t mind being a bit further from the main city. It is also a lot cheaper.
It is advisable not to venture into parts of the city that are notorious for danger, so ensure you only stay in recognized hostels or hotels unless you are accompanied by someone who lives there. Some areas are more industrial and less pedestrian-friendly. In Bishkek, criminal activity is quite rare; however, there are certain territories that tend to be less hospitable due to their atmosphere.
Jobs in Bishkek
It may be difficult to get a job in Bishkek if one does not know either Kyrgyz or Russian. The demand for English teachers is growing, so if you speak English as your mother tongue, you may have an advantage.
The optimal way to search for an English tutoring job in Bishkek would be to check out sites like teachaway.com, workaway.com, and goabroad.com. You can come across plenty of postings for jobs and educational organizations in Bishkek needing instructors on these webpages. You may be able to locate an educational job when you arrive. English instructors located in Bishkek can be paid between four hundred to six hundred US dollars per calendar month, based on the school in which they are employed and their daily hours of work.
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