Money

The Kazakhstani Tenge is the currency of Kazakhstan. 

• Best Foreign Currency: USD is recommended, especially clean, crisp, high-denomination notes ($50 or $100 bills)
• ATM Usage: Withdrawing Tenge (KZT) from ATMs is often the most convenient.
• Cash vs. Card: While cards are widely accepted in cities, cash is necessary for rural areas, local markets, and small purchases.
• Currency Code: KZT (₸). 

The Kyrgyzstani Som is the currency of Kyrgyzstan.

• Currency: Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS), divided into 100 tyiyn (rarely used).
• Best Cash to Bring: US Dollars (USD) are the most widely accepted and easiest to exchange.
• ATM Usage: ATMs are available in major cities, distributing KGS and sometimes USD.
• Card Usage: While cash is king, Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, and shops in urban areas.
• Notes Condition: Bring crisp, new USD bills. Older or damaged bills may be rejected or exchanged at a lower rate.
• Denominations: USD 50 and 100 bills often get better rates than smaller denominations. 

The Uzbekistani Som (UZS) is the official currency of Uzbekistan.

Common banknotes in circulation include 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000, 50000, and 100,000 som. Major foreign currencies like USD and EUR are easily exchanged at banks, airports, and hotels, or access local currency via ATM's in Uzbekistan.

• Cash vs Credit Card: While credit cards are increasingly accepted in major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, cash is essential for daily purchases, small shops, and regional travel.