4 Digit Pin ATM Dilemma in Naryn – Kyrgyzstan

The initial crisis survived after crossing the snow blizzard border in Torugart was greeted with a fresh morning in Kara-bulak. I had breakfast with Sten & Bow while exchanging information and plans for Kyrgyzstan. 

We all agreed on a few things for sure with how things goes in being in a new country. Priority errands was to be done first.

For me the list was usually like this after entering a new country.

1. Establish Money source – (Usually via ATM withdrawal)

2. Find Internet Connection – (Sim Card)

3. Test Navigation Maps after obtaining Internet Connection

4. Petrol refill & Accommodations.

I set off for Naryn hoping to get a refill of petrol along the way. I had minimal petrol now after traveling a good 300km from Kashgar and would probably reach Naryn on fumes if needed but a refill would save so much unwanted stress. 

Refueling at Red Petroleum Kyrgyzstan - Only 92 available

The trucker money exchange yesterday night left just enough for a refill and after that it was to Naryn where everything should be back to normal.

I reached Naryn around 10am and saw Sten & Bow bike parked outside a tourist information center. Sim-card location, Bank ATM and money exchange location was extracted and within five minutes we were on our way again heading into downtown to get stuff done. 

Lush Green Landscape of Kyrgyzstan

Lush Green Landscape of Kyrgyzstan

I did manage to log onto wifi at the Information Center and for that brief moment quickly send a whatsapp message to the group and family.

The MESSAGE > “I’m Alive”

ATM in Kyrgyzstan was old school and only accepted a 4 digit PIN card. All my cards from Singapore and Malaysia were 6 digit PIN meaning I could not get any money out of the ATM. Trying bank to bank and everyone of them was only able to enter 4 digit PIN until Optima bank ATM allowed me to key in 6 digit PIN.

What I did not know at that time was the ATM had ran out of money. Hence it spit out my card when I tried to do a withdrawal. 

I had some emergency USD currency so money exchange was the only option after that. It did not solve the long term travel problem in Central Asia but it did at least buy me a few weeks in Kyrgyzstan.

City of Naryn - Kyrgyzstan

City of Naryn - Kyrgyzstan

City of Naryn - Kyrgyzstan

The next day by some cosmic guidance, I decided to try again with the Optima Bank ATM and this time I got money out. The maximum withdrawal limit for the ATM was 2000 som which was about SGD 34 and for that international ATM withdrawal, my SG bank charges me SGD 5. I had paid a whooping 15% surcharge for getting money.

This was definitely not going to be cost effective in the long run. My options was very limited but seasoned traveler as I am, it was time to enjoy and explore Kyrgyzstan. 

Worst case I thought was that I just need to jump to the next country for ATM withdrawal and use a money exchange to change say Kazakh Tenge to Kyrgyz Som. 

There was options but it was still a pain not having a proper money source.

Sim-Card was simple enough at least. Registering at O! Mobile for 500 som a month gave unlimited high speed internet.

Traveled on: Jun 2024