Currency of Kyrgyzstan: som is the first monetary unit of the post-Soviet space

The Kyrgyz som is the first currency of the post-Soviet space. Interesting facts about its history, the course in relation to the ruble, as well as whether it will be easy for a tourist to exchange currency and how it is best to do so, while traveling in Kyrgyzstan, you can find out by reading this article.

History of the origin of currency

Kyrgyzstan became the first country of the former USSR to establish its national currency, the Kyrgyz som, which currently has the lowest level of inflation. The idea of its creation arose after the changes that occurred in the spaces of the former Soviet state. Between the CIS countries there were no agreements, which contributed to the introduction of their own bank notes. The currency of Kyrgyzstan is very young, 20 som years old was fulfilled only in 2013. On this occasion in the republic passed a landmark event - the celebration of the Day 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 security gradually increased. Also, a study was conducted, which resulted in an exchange rate of 200 rubles per som. In the branches of the Savings Bank and the national bank, exchange offices were opened, where any citizen (resident) of the republic could exchange ruble cash once. After that, the som was the only means of payments approved at the legislative level.

Why "som"?

The word "som" is of Turkic origin and means "ruble". Cash denominations of Russia of the sample of 1938 were nominally designated as "catfish", and the name "tyiyn" (1 som equal to 100 tyiyns) had small changeable money. Before the currency of Kyrgyzstan was introduced, a lot of banknote sketches were considered, for the development of which professional artists were involved. Now with variants of sketches it is possible to familiarize in the National museum of numismatics of Kyrgyzstan. Under the President of the Republic , there was a commission for the selection of sketches. It's no secret that the first impression of the country is due to the appearance of its currency.

Where in Kyrgyzstan can I exchange currency?

The currency of Kyrgyzstan is the "calling card" of the country, its unique design reflects national color, sights and cultural heritage. Production of catfish is a creative process, in which not only artists participate, but also professionals specializing in the protection of banknotes. The French and English companies are directly involved in printing the currency. When going on a trip, it is worth remembering that the currency of Kyrgyzstan, the rate to the ruble of which currently stands at 6,853 rubles. For 10 soms, is the only lawfully allowed to circulation. In Kyrgyzstan, money can be changed 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, they will significantly reduce the rate.

Travel Tips

Mobile communications, transportation, accommodation and food are still cheap, especially if you travel by yourself. On average, the price for one dish ranges from a dollar to two, renting a room is about 10 dollars, a ten-hour trip on a rented bus - about 160 rubles. Despite the fact that the som is the only legitimate means of payment in Kyrgyzstan, when paying for a hotel or organizing high-altitude tours, in some cases payment is required in Russian rubles, euros or US dollars. If you intend to spend your holiday in this country, and you need the currency of Kyrgyzstan, you need to remember that you should not risk changing money on the street. For 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 adventures and new impressions.