Bishkek - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
A surprising amount of English is spoken, sometimes when you least expect it, but Russian is needed. - Jun 2022
Russian is the language of Bishkek, and is the most useful for daily life here. Most expats learn enough to get by, and that is usually fine for day-to-day survival. The more Russian you can learn before arrival, the easier life is here. Kyrgyz is useful if you do lots of work in the countryside, and especially in Osh and southern Kyrgyzstan. Very few expats learn Kyrgyz, but local ethnic Kyrgyz very much appreciate it. Private language tutors are cheap, but the methodology is very soviet and therefore many expats give up after a few attempts. - Aug 2018
Not much, but basic Russian helps. - Sep 2017
Everyone speaks Russian, but Russian is a really difficult language to learn. Most set out to learn in with a tutor and give up after a couple months and decide to be fine with a small base to get by with. I know about 5 words and point and motion and it works in the market enough. There are some nannies and drivers who speak English well, and they can help you when you need. - Jan 2015
The more Russian you know, the better off you'll be. Few people speak English, although I've known people who didn't learn any Russian and were fine. It was becoming more common to hear Kyrgyz in Bishkek and it's a good idea to learn a little Kyrgyz too. It would be appreciated. But Russian is still more useful in Bishkek. - May 2014
English does not take you far. Expats mostly learn enough Russian or Kyrgyz to deal with plumbers, taxis, markets, etc. - Dec 2011
