Canadian currency exchange questions

[TravellerDeQuebec]

Not really sure if this is the right place, but I couldn’t find anything better.

I am from Kyrgyzstan, but I left when I was a toddler and only visited once when I was 5 since. Going back for the first time this summer.

I am coming from Canada. I can’t really find information on whether once in Kyrgyzstan, I can exchange to som with Canadian dollars — there’s definitive answers for USD and Euro but not for Canadian.

So any tips on this would be appreciated, like if it’s better to convert to USD before coming.

[RollingTreeHouse]

I have not seen a place that offers to buy Canadian Dollars in Bishkek.

The usual currencies bought and sold are:
- USD
- EUR
- RUB
- KZT
- CNY
- TRY
Some exchange booths on Yusup Abdrahmanov Street and other selected places also take:
- GBP
- UZS
- TJS
- AED
- SAR

I've only seen offers for CAD in Almaty along with a slew of other currencies.
So I would definitely take USD this summer, but there are many international ATMs as well, so no need to exchange all your money twice.

[Christian77]

First rule of Canadian tourist club: never take Canadian $ with you outside of Canada.

Your bank, unless it is an obscure credit union, will provide USD. You should be able to order it online and pick it up at your local branch within a few days. Their exchange rate will be much, much better than the airport.

However, note that Bishkek is far friendlier to credit cards than it used to be. You don't need as much cash as you used to.

[TravellerDeQuebec]

Thank you for the assistance to the two of you!