Bishkek - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Relatively safe - Jun 2022
The biggest danger is the reckless driving habits. I would describe the driving and pedestrian behavior as incompetent at best. Thankfully, it's pretty hard to go too fast on the roads here, especially in the winter. We feel very safe here; you will see families out walking late at night. There were security issues many years ago in South Kyrgyzstan, but these areas are much safer than before. - Aug 2018
Overall quite a safe city, people walk the parks in the dark early evening hours, little kids walk to school, its really very safe. - Sep 2017
Most people get SO EXCITED when they find out you're American, are very friendly, and love to speak English to you- to the point of annoyance. I haven't experienced any hostility, besides observing one protest against America outside a coffee shop I was at (but it was only 5 people and mild tempered). Things go bad when it's late and/or people are drunk- which is often. People here love to drink vodka (it has it's special section in every store). The police are unreliable and Kyrgyz are SAVAGE when it comes to fighting. They will have an entire group against one guy and beat him to a bloody pulp. They have incredible road rage. During my stay, a friend got in a fender bender and stayed in their car, because the other driver was acting aggressive. The other driver proceeded to get so violent and out of control he RIPPED OFF THE DOOR HANDLE. But for day to day life, I am a mother with 3 small children, and I have always felt completely safe. I always go to the parks by myself and have had no problems, same for when my husband and I go out alone for dinner. It's when you're at a bar late at night, when things get troublesome. - Jan 2015
We never had a problem or concern beyond your usual precautions living in a city. - May 2014
It's fairly safe, so long as you're sensible. There are stories of drunks getting mugged coming out of bars and of policemen trying to get foreigners to turn out their wallets. - Dec 2011
