The best, fastest & cheapest ways to send money to Kyrgyzstan

The exchange rate plays a key role in determining how much KGS your recipient in KG will get.

For example, in the past month average rate for USD to KGS was 86.649 KGS.

Since USD-KGS exchange rates fluctuate with market conditions, waiting a couple of days could result in a better rate, giving your recipient more KGS.

If you need to make an urgent transfer, we recommend using Wise, which has consistently offered the best rates for Som over the past six months.

The most cost-effective way to fund your transfer to Kyrgyzstan is through a Bank transfer with Revolut, which is 0.8% cheaper than the second-best service.

The way you fund your transfer to Kyrgyzstan impacts the cost, speed, and how much KGS the recipient will receive.

Based on our data from the last six months for a $2,000 transfer from the US to Kyrgyzstan, the following are your best options:

• Revolut with bank transfer deposit costs $0 and has a 0.15% markup.

• Wise with a debit card deposit costs $19.44 with 0.02% markup.

• Instarem with a credit card deposit costs $20 with 0% added to the KGS exchange rate.

We advise against using Debit card, as they tend to be the most expensive option for KGS transfers.

Credit card transfers may incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates on KGS.

CC deposits also tend to be more expensive. For example, Instarem charges $20 for credit card deposits, while a bank transfer via Revolut costs $0.

Whenever possible, avoid transfers via the SWIFT network to KG. SWIFT transfers to Kyrgyzstan are slower and come with higher fees.

Instead, look for a cheaper option such as ACH or account balance.

Money transfer companies often have min and max limits on how much KGS you can send.

The amount you transfer can also affect the fees and the KGS exchange rate you receive. For instance, Wise is the best choice for sending large amounts to Kyrgyzstan.

Additionally, there may be government-imposed restrictions, commercial limitations, and other factors that influence the amount of KGS you can send.

This is why it’s really important to compare your options when transferring money to Kyrgyzstan.

The speed of sending Som to Kyrgyzstan depends on factors like the amount, timing, deposit, and withdrawal method chosen. Typically, faster transfers come with higher fees.

For example, based on a $2,000 transfer to Kyrgyzstan:

Use Ria Money Transfer for fastest transfers

Of the 7 companies offering KGS transfers, Ria Money Transfer consistently offers the fastest delivery times across all deposit methods, appearing 6 times in our searches over the past 6 months.

For bank account & card deposits use Ria Money Transfer

Ria Money Transfer offers fast and affordable Som transfers, with fees of around $4 for bank deposits and $Wise for debit card deposits, plus a small 2.8% markup on top of the KGS rate.

For credit card transfers use Instarem

Based on our six-month search data, Instarem takes up to one day to send KGS via credit card, with a fee of $20 and 0% markup.

For urgent transfers use cash transfer

If you need money urgently, we recommend cash pickup services through providers like Western Union or MoneyGram.

Avoid the SWIFT network

Avoid using SWIFT transfers for KGS transfers. Due to intermediary banks on the way to Kyrgyzstan, SWIFT is slower and comes with higher fees.

There are a few different ways to move money to Kyrgyzstan:

Money transfer services

You can transfer money online using an FX broker (managed service) such as OFX or an online-only company (self-managed) such as Wise.

Based on our six-month analysis, Wise stood out as the top money transfer company servicing Kyrgyzstan, appearing in 100% of KGS transfers in our search system.

Mobile apps and e-wallets

Most money transfer services that accept Kyrgyzstan offer mobile transfer apps, which often have better deals on KGS exchange rates.

You can check our guide on the best money transfer apps to find one that suits your needs.

Cash transfers

Cash transfers to Kyrgyzstan are sent in person through services like Ria Money Transfers, MoneyGram, or Western Union.

Transferring Som as cash is almost always instant but requires the recipient to visit a nearby agent in Kyrgyzstan to collect the KGS.

Bank wire transfers

You can transfer Som via your bank.

We strongly recommend not using your bank to wire KGS directly to Kyrgyzstan due to high fees and slow transfer times.

Instead, use the bank transfer deposit option with Wise and send KGS from there.

There are multiple ways to receive money in Kyrgyzstan. Picking the right one can save you on fees and speed up the KGS transfer process. Here are your options:

Deposit to the bank account

To deposit money directly into a recipient’s bank account in Kyrgyzstan, we recommend Revolut. They appeared in 81.3% of KGS searches as the cheapest option for bank transfers to Kyrgyzstan.

The card transfer will also land in the recipient’s bank account in Kyrgyzstan. Use Wise to deposit with a debit card at just $19.44 per transfer.

Cash pickup and delivery

If the recipient in Kyrgyzstan needs KGS urgently or doesn’t have access to a bank account in Kyrgyzstan, cash pickup or home delivery are good options.

Mobile and digital wallets

You can receive KGS directly into digital wallets like PayPal, though this often comes with more limitations and costs more compared to services like Revolut.

When sending money to a bank account or e-wallet in Kyrgyzstan, Som will arrive without any involvement from the recipient.

However, if you're sending KGS as cash or transferring large amounts to Kyrgyzstan, the recipient may need the following:

• Government-issued ID: A national ID of Kyrgyzstan, a valid passport, or driver's license.

• Sender’s details: The sender's personal details such as full name and address.

• Transfer Details: The amount of KGS being received.

• Confirmation No.: This is usually given at the time of transfer.

• SWIFT Code / IBAN: Occasionally required for bank transfers.

The exact documents required may vary depending on the money transfer company and the transfer method used.

When sending bigger amounts to Kyrgyzstan, companies may request proof of funds such as bank statements and address verification with the utility bill in line with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) policies.

We recommend using Wise to send large amounts of Som.

There may be tax obligations and government-imposed limits or restrictions on KGS transfers/payments to KG.

Some KGS transfers could be subject to taxes such as gift tax or commercial tax.

Even if no limits or taxes apply, certain KGS transfers (especially large sums of Som) may need to be reported to the tax authorities in Kyrgyzstan or in your country.

When unsure, it’s best to consult with a tax professional in Kyrgyzstan or your home country to ensure compliance with the regulations.