Kyrgyz som is the first currency of the post-Soviet space. Interesting facts about its history, about the course against the ruble, as well as whether it will be easy for tourists to exchange currencies and how this is best done when traveling around Kyrgyzstan, you can find out by reading this article.
Currency History
Kyrgyzstan became the first country of the former USSR to approve its national currency - the Kyrgyz som, which currently has the lowest inflation rate. The idea of its creation arose after the changes that occurred in the spaces of the former Soviet state. There were no agreements between the CIS countries , which contributed to the introduction of their own banknotes. The currency of Kyrgyzstan is very young, som turned 20 years old only in 2013. On this occasion, a significant event took place in the republic - the celebration of the introduction of the national currency. Monetary units in the republic were issued in 4 stages, as a result of which their level of protection gradually increased. A study was also conducted, as a result of which the exchange rate was chosen - 200 rubles per som. Exchange offices were opened in branches of Sberbank and in the national bank, where any citizen (resident) of the republic could exchange ruble cash once. After this, som became the only means of payment approved at the legislative level.
Why exactly "catfish"?
The word "catfish" is of Turkic origin and means "ruble". Banknotes of Russia of the 1938 model were nominally designated as “som”, and the name “tyiyin” (1 som is equal to 100 tyiyn) had small change money. Before the currency of Kyrgyzstan was introduced, a lot of banknote designs were considered, for the development of which professional artists were involved. Now with options for sketches can be found at the National Museum of Numismatics of Kyrgyzstan. Under the President of the Republic , a commission for the selection of sketches acted. It's no secret that the first impression of the country is formed precisely due to the appearance of its currency.
Where can I exchange currency in Kyrgyzstan?
The currency of Kyrgyzstan is the “visiting card” of the country; its unique design reflects the national flavor, sights and cultural heritage. Production of catfish is a creative process in which not only artists, but also professionals specializing in the protection of banknotes participate. Directly print the currency engaged in French and English companies. Going on a trip, it is worth remembering that the currency of Kyrgyzstan, the ruble exchange rate of which is currently 6.853 rubles. for 10 soms, is the only legally allowed to appeal. In Kyrgyzstan, money can be exchanged everywhere, but the cost of the ruble in the province is lower than in the cities. If rubles, dollars and euros are accepted as payment, then they will significantly depreciate.
Travel Tips
Mobile communications, transportation, accommodation and meals are still cheap, especially if you travel on your own. On average, the price of one dish ranges from a dollar to two, renting a room is about $ 10, a ten-hour ride on a rented bus - about 160 rubles. Despite the fact that som is the only legal means of payment in Kyrgyzstan, in some cases when paying for a hotel or organizing mountain tours, payment is required in Russian rubles, euros or US dollars. If you intend to spend your vacation in this country, and you need the currency of Kyrgyzstan, you need to remember that you should not take risks by changing money on the street. To do this, there are points and banks that work full time. Tourism in the country is still poorly developed, but nevertheless many people visit it in search of adventure and new experiences.