Telephone

The country code is 996. International calls can be made from telephone offices (usually found attached to a post office) or from card phones (there are some on the streets in Bishkek, Osh, Karakol and Naryn). They can also be made from some hotels, but need to be arranged through reception or the floor attendant.

Many Internet cafes offer IP calls much cheaper than traditional calling. Local calls within the city are free of charge if made from private telephones; hotels sometimes levy a small charge. To place local calls do not dial an area code. For example, in Bishkek a telephone number will consist of six digits: 55-55-55 (it, is usually written in this way with dashes).

Street Phones
Particularly in Bishkek, both coin and card operated telephones are abundant on the streets. The coin itself is called a "zheton" and is sold in newspaper-stands and kiosks. It costs 2 to 3 soms (depending on whom you buy it from) but makes only local calls with a pretty scratchy connection. To place a call with a zheton, first place the call, next listen for the receiver to be picked up and then insert the zheton.

Card phones called "taxophone" can be used to make both local and long distance calls. Cards can be for 50, 100, 200 and 400 units. Prices for cards with different number of units are different and are set by Kyrgyz Telecom. Some kiosk vendors might add a small markup, but the general rule is that more units are on the card, the less the cost per unit.

Central Post and Call Office
96, Chui Prospect
Tel.: (+996 312) 62 60 45, 66 25 61
Mon-Sat, 7-20:00
Sat and holidays 8-19:00
Variety of newspapers and magazines, phone, Internet, printing, document copying and money transfer.