A Zoom alternative with its servers in Kyrgyzstan
Updated November 8, 2026
Zoom is the best-known video conferencing service, but in Kyrgyzstan it has drawbacks: a free meeting ends after 40 minutes, paid plans are charged to a card in foreign currency, and sound and video travel through servers abroad. Kurultai is a homegrown Zoom alternative: meetings in the browser, payment in som and a media server in Bishkek.
Kurultai vs Zoom
| Kurultai | Zoom (free plan) | |
|---|---|---|
| Free meeting | up to 30 minutes without an account, up to 1 hour with one | up to 40 minutes |
| Free participants | up to 100 | up to 100 |
| No time limit | Premium, 490 som a month | paid plan, billed in dollars |
| Guests need | just a name, in the browser | the app or a browser |
| Servers | in Bishkek | abroad |
| Kyrgyz interface | yes, the default | no |
| Payment and paperwork | in som by QR from any bank, contract under Kyrgyz law | bank card |
Zoom's terms are as published on its website in November 2026 and may change; check zoom.com before you choose.
What Kurultai does
- one-click meetings, joining by link or a 9-digit code;
- up to 100 participants, up to 300 on Business 300;
- chat, screen sharing, raised hands and reactions;
- the organizer locks the meeting, mutes participants and names co-hosts;
- “Data saver” and “Audio only” modes for weak connections;
- apps for iPhone and Android;
- an interface in Kyrgyz, Russian and English.
Moving from Zoom
- Create a free account on kurultai.kg with an email or phone number.
- Create a meeting and send its link instead of the Zoom link.
- For meetings over an hour, switch on Premium (one person) or Business (companies over 20 people).
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free Zoom alternative?
Yes. Kurultai meetings are free: up to 30 minutes without an account, up to 1 hour with one, up to 100 participants. Premium for 490 som a month removes the time limit.
How is Kurultai different from Zoom?
Servers in Bishkek, a Kyrgyz interface, payment in som by QR and a contract under Kyrgyz law. Guests install nothing.
Try Kurultai for free
Create a meeting in a second and send the link: guests only need a name, with nothing to install.