A Queue from Bishkek to Osh: Kyrgyzstan Imported 139,000 Cars Last Year

In 2025, entrepreneurs and private individuals in Kyrgyzstan imported more than 139,000 passenger vehicles worth over $1 billion in total. If these cars were lined up bumper to bumper, the column would stretch for more than 650 kilometers — roughly the distance from Bishkek to Osh.

According to the National Statistical Committee, Kyrgyzstan imports vehicles from South Korea, China, the United States, and European countries. Behind every vehicle in this massive flow stands an international money transfer. Fast payments are critical for dealers, as American auctions such as Copart and IAAI allow only a few days to complete settlements. Missing the deadline may result in penalties or the loss of a purchased lot. Previously, small payments for spare parts or accessories were expensive due to SWIFT’s minimum fee of $30–50, which often exceeded the profit from the transaction.

Today, Kyrgyz entrepreneurs optimize their expenses through the MBusiness application. MBANK, together with VISA, has introduced the Visa Direct for Account technology, allowing users to send money to partners in the United States, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the European Union directly from their smartphones. The service offers transparent pricing:

• United States: fixed fee of $3 for transfers up to $300, above that — 1%;
• European Union: fixed fee of €7 for transfers up to €700, above that — 1%;
• South Korea and the United Kingdom: fixed fee of $3 for transfers up to $300, above that — 1.27%.

The mobile app interface reduces the process to just a few clicks. To make a transfer:

• Open the “Payments” section in the MBusiness app;
• Select “Transfer to Another Country”;
• Choose the destination country, the account to debit, and the transfer amount — the system will automatically calculate the fee;
• Enter the recipient’s address and banking details;
• Upload a supporting document (invoice or contract);
• Confirm the transaction.

This approach gives businesses complete independence from branch operating hours and allows them to manage finances from anywhere with internet access. Using MBusiness digital tools helps reduce the cost of imported goods and protects companies from bureaucratic delays.

MBANK – The First Digital! Made in Kyrgyzstan.

License of the NBKR No. 014.