Let’s face it, you probably own a smartphone – more than half of people do. It’s a modern essential that not only has clearer phone calls than the Nokias we grew up with, but also one that I use for all my photography, communication, and navigation. Today, I want to share with you some of the best apps that I’ve found essential to exploring and navigating Kyrgyzstan.

Communication

Facebook Messenger: FBIM as it is colloquially known, is the messenger that is built right into Facebook. It’s worth downloading the standalone app, though, because it also features built-in voice and video calling. In my experience, Messenger’s voice calls have been the clearest and most useable on the slow internet that you will encounter in more rural areas of Kyrgyzstan. Plus, unlike Skype, there’s no need to exchange contact information ahead of time – you’re probably already Facebook friends. (iOS / Android)

WhatsApp: Everyone here uses WhatsApp as their messaging app of choice. In fact, many businesses advertise a special WhatsApp number to contact them. It’s free, it’s fast, and it’s totally worth it. You can also use it to message people at home and for calls, which thanks to the new iOS update look exactly like ordinary phone calls. (iOS / Android)

Google Voice/Hangouts: Google Voice allows me to have a US phone number that can be called and texted normally, and that I can call and text from over a data connection. This is great in case you need to contact a bank or someone else over a physical phone number instead of VOIP. I actually ported my American cell phone number to Google Voice, so I still receive all the robocalls that the rest of you enjoy. (iOS / Android)

Google Translate: Google Translate’s Russian is actually available offline now in the app, so you can translate a bunch of languages into Russian in the event that your communication breaks down. I rely on this frequently to ensure that I’m communicating clearly with people when important things are on the line, like getting a haircut. Google Translate also works with your phone’s camera to translate text in real time on the screen, allowing you to read a menu in comfort. Avoid the Kyrgyz translations though – they’re ludicrously bad for now. (iOS / Android)

English-Russian Dictionary by Alexander Kondrashov: Useful, available offline, and very clear and thorough. (iOS / Android)

El-Sozduk: Produced by Beeline, this app is the only Kyrgyz-English dictionary that is half-decent on the interwebs. The app also will translate Kyrgyz words into Russian. An absolute must when working in Kyrgyz. (iOS / Android)

Skype: It’s Skype. Some locals use it, but I mostly use it to call other friends. I’ve had a lot of issues with it, though, so I prefer to use Messenger’s calling function. (iOS / Android)

Viber: 2 or 3 of my friends use this and like it. It’s worth a try. (iOS / Android)

Navigation

2GIS: 2GIS is a mapping app that covers many cities in Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. After downloading the app, you can go in and download offline maps for Bishkek and Almaty, which include transit directions for buses and marshrutkas (!). It allows you to look up businesses and favorite them too, making it easy to remember where that little hole in the wall you ate at was. (iOS / Android)

Bus.kg: This app is a lean mean marshrutka system-navigating machine. Tap where you are, tap where you want to go, and it’ll show you the marshrutka routes or buses that will get you there. It’s simple, easy to use, and an absolute must for navigating Bishkek on the cheap. Remember that marshrutkas are 10 som as you board, while buses are 8 som as you exit. (iOS / Android)

Namba Taxi: Namba Taxi is the Uber of Bishkek. Using your local sim card, you can drop a pin on the map and summon a taxi to you to take you wherever. Unlike many taxi companies, Namba uses meters and won’t rip you off. 50 som flag fee, 10 som per km. A bit more expensive than other companies, but I trust them. Note that the driver usually calls to confirm your location before picking you up, so consider having some local language at the ready, or be sure you’re standing at a very easily describable intersection. (iOS / Android)

Google Maps: You can also download offline Google Maps for when you’re driving through areas without service. I used these to navigate through rural valleys from Suusamyr to Song-Kul in lieu of a GPS or of following the three road signs that existed. Note that you’ll need to be sure that the maps actually downloaded. Also note the some roads are missing, most roads are dirt/gravel (but are labeled as “multi-lane freeway”), and that Google’s travel times are absurdly inaccurate (it took 12 hours for a “3 hour trip” in one case). So still drive carefully and observe signs. Paved roads exist the perimeter of Issyk-Kul and along the main roads between oblast and some rayon centers. (iOS / Android)

Other Useful Apps

Kindle: Nothing beats being able to read the new Harry Potter the morning it came out in Kyrgyzstan.  Thanks, Kindle!  Download the app for all your devices here.

CBK mBank: Several banks in Kyrgyzstan have online banking available through an app. You just have to set it up in a bank office first (with your passport and stuff). Definitely a great service to have, especially if you live far from an ATM (some volunteers are hours’ drive from the ATM). (iOS / Android)

My Beeline KG: If you end up using Beeline for your internet, there’s an app to help manage it. It’s not the best thing, and Beeline has terrible customer service, but it exists so I’m going to tell you about it. (iOS / Android)

MegaPomoshnik: MegaCom‘s app with some information about services and shortcuts to handy USSD codes for activating and deactivating some services. MegaCom has the best service in rural areas. (iOS / Android)

My Data Manager: In case you decide to not opt for one of the Unlimited Internet, “Unlimited Internet,” or “Unlimited But It Stops Working At A Certain Point” internet plans, you’ll want to keep close tabs on your data caps, because the wifi here is few and far between. This app can help. (iOS / Android)

NambaFood: Seamless for Bishkek. Don’t bother – it’s expensive and if you’re traveling then you should see more than just your hotel. I’m not even going to link to this one because that’s how much I think you shouldn’t use it on principle.

Google Authenticator: If you use 2-step authentication with your Google account or your Microsoft account, this app is an absolute must. Set it up while you’re still in the US, and it can generate 2-step authentication codes even when your phone is offline, which is great if you decide to limit your internet access to internet cafes or friends’ computers. (iOS / Android)

Shazam: Shazam actually can tag most Russian pop music, so if you feel the need to remember whatever song it is you’re hearing on the radio or in the club, this is your best bet. (iOS / Android)

Mob.FM: iHeartRadio for Kyrgyzstan. Doesn’t work all that well, but it’s pretty cool still. (iOS / Android)

Readdle Scanner Pro: This app is hands-down the best scanner app. It’s very useful for working with documents here when you can’t send physical copies back and forth somewhere. I used it all the time in the US and I still use it here. Unfortunately, it’s only for iOS (iOS)

VLC: Most video files that we share here aren’t compatible with the native video players on our devices. VLC for your computer or your smartphone will let you view any of them. (iOS / Android)

SHAREIt: This was suggested to me by a local friend. Most locals use Android, and love to share files, music, and videos back and forth. This is one of the few iOS apps that is compatible with that. (iOS / Android)

I hope these apps are useful! If you find others useful, let me know in the comments and I can try them out and add them here.