Public Customs in Kyrgyzstan
On the street, strangers frequently pass each other without making eye contact. However, any close interaction, like sharing a seat on a bus or conducting business at the bazaar, will pave the way for introductions. It is customary to extend home invitations to strangers. Everyone is aware that Westerners frequently grin in person and in photographs. When speaking to a Kyrgyz, you won't see a wide grin very often, and they seldom ever smile in photographs. It is also a matter of culture. People are simply not used to smiling frequently (many claim there is no reason to), and if you are overly kind to others, they may find you a little odd. Of course, there are always exceptions, and you can run into someone who is extremely cordial, courteous, and nice.
Compared to the United States, there is less respect for personal space, and people frequently bump into one other in public without saying anything. People frequently sit shoulder to shoulder, and couples of the same sex frequently engage in physical contact. People don't typically form lines. It's common and acceptable to move forward in a line for service.
In Kyrgyzstan, the concept of personal space is simply nonexistent. This is particularly important while using public transportation because it can be very crowded and people may push, lean against, or even touch your elbows. This might come as a surprise to a Westerner who is accustomed to the 60-centimeter rule of distance. People here are used to chatting close to you, so you might want to move aside when conversing with them. However, if you do, they will likely want to approach you again. Please don't take that as an insult, as awkward and weird as it may sound to you. Family customs may hold the key, as Kyrgyz people typically live in close quarters with over 5–6 other people.
In Kyrgyzstan, where smoking is prevalent, there is no age restriction on smoking (like in European countries and the U.S.). Cigarettes can be bought anywhere—at stores, markets, kiosks, and "bazaars"—and no identification with a birth date must be presented. Because of this, it is quite simple for young children to purchase tobacco products, and the number of children who smoke is rising. Officially, smoking is not permitted in escalators, healthcare facilities, on public transit, or in taxis. Additionally, smoking is prohibited in most public spaces (such as museums, markets, classrooms, and offices). In most restaurants and cafes, smoking is permitted indoors, and there is typically no separation between the smoking and non-smoking areas. So, if you smoke, your happiness won't increase.
