Is Osh Safe?
Osh is safe! Thanks for your attention. Bye!
This article could be as short as the sentence above. As you can see, the text continues, and I have a few safety recommendations to provide. These recommendations will make your visit even safer and more comfortable.
When discussing safety in Osh, we should acknowledge the overall safety of Kyrgyzstan. Distinguished as the island of democracy in Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is a safe and welcoming destination for tourists. For your assurance, note that Kyrgyzstan ranked among the 100 safest countries in the world according to Global Finance’s safety index. Thus, do not let the suffix ‘stan’ deceive you and associate our cozy, peaceful country with other ‘stans’ with a notoriously bad reputation. Yes, we are not a utopian state, and I have a few recommendations on the road, food, and cultural awareness that I would like to discuss.
Road/Traffic Safety
Arguably, this should be your major safety concern in Osh and Kyrgyzstan. By no means is the traffic in Kyrgyzstan terrible or chaotic. However, you will notice how often people perform desperate maneuvers and violate the traffic rules only to make it faster through the lines.
Also, be cautious at pedestrian crossings (zebras). Drivers might try to slip through the pedestrian cross without stopping, thus endangering the pedestrians. Local pedestrians are well aware of it and occasionally allow the drivers to go first (although it should be the other way around). The tip is to walk cautiously but confidently. Don’t take your eyes away from the coming cars. If the driver is not stopping, you should stop.
I highly recommend that drivers get a dashcam or rent a car equipped with one. It will serve as an invaluable tool for demonstrating your innocence in the event of accidents (God forbid) or unwarranted police stops. Additionally, download the Yandex Maps app to stay informed about road cameras and speed limits.
Abide by the Laws and Rules of Kyrgyz Republic
This is a short one. Abide by the law of the Kyrgyz Republic. Certain areas require permits, so apply in advance. Don’t film or take photos while crossing international borders.
Also, consider the local customs (cultural and religious). For example, ladies, please cover your heads when entering mosques and churches.
Food Safety
It is safe to eat in local cafes, restaurants, and teahouses. The only concern is that the local cuisine can overwhelm your digestive system. Osh cuisine is delectable and heavy at the same time. Local dishes are loaded with meat, fat, and pastry, and come in huge portions! It will give you a food euphoria and digestive issues if your body is not prepared for it. Especially, if you end up being a guest in a casual Kyrgyz or Uzbek family, the host will be feeding (and feeding and feeding) you non-stop!
Thus, tame the temptation and start slowly. But if you end up with indigestion, make sure to have your conventional pills for it.
Water Safety
Conventional wisdom says not to drink the tap water at the new place. Please, follow this wisdom while in Osh. As a local, I’m more than fine drinking tap water. However, once my friend from a respected international organization revealed the tap water test results, they were not promising. This may be due to outdated water-supply systems left over from the Soviet era (I don’t know…). Anyways, try to avoid the tap water in Osh. Avoid ordering drinks with ice, as food vendors use tap water to make them.
If you are going on hikes, bring your filter or special pills. Even the purest mountain water is dangerous to drink without boiling or filtering.
Sensitive Topics
This one is not a safety concern. You will not endanger yourself by discussing even the most sensitive topics. Kyrgyzstan upholds freedom of speech at all levels. Journalists and the public exercise this freedom, and no one is persecuted for criticism.
Yet there are topics to avoid discussing socially. The difference of opinion between you and locals can lead to heated debates and awkward feelings. You can get into a (negatively) heated debate while discussing topics related to LGBTQ, gender, geopolitics (situation in Ukraine), and religion. Overall, using common sense and considering cultural differences will be more than enough.
Being Out Late
I was surprised to hear back in 2018 that my expat friends take a walk home after being out late at night. “It is fine and safe”, they said. This statement made me rethink my vision of safety in Osh.
While growing up in Osh as teenagers, we used to hear stories about minor rackets run by young thugs known as ‘Gop Stop’. You were more likely to confront these folks doing their thing in the evenings (maybe because of the less visibility and witnesses). Back then, it was strongly advised that teens avoid certain districts and not walk alone at night. Fortunately, as I later found out, gop stops have vanished. It is completely safe to be out at night. Moreover, most nightlife spots are in downtown Osh,, which is the safestareal.
But again, use common sense and don’t get too crazy partying in a foreign place. There are bad apples everywhere. Confronting a drunk person at the wrong place at the wrong time might leave negative memories at an otherwise great destination.
As you see, the recommendations listed above are meant to eliminate even the slightest security concerns. Not following them won’t get you in trouble. But if you kindly consider these recommendations, your time will be safer and healthier!