Welcome to Kazakhstan 😊

Quick Facts About Kazakhstan

Money and Finances

The national currency of Kazakhstan is the Kazakhstani tenge (KZT). It is divided into 100 tiyn. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 tenge. Banknotes come in denominations of 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 tenge.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in major cities and towns in Kazakhstan. However, it may be difficult to find ATMs in rural areas.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are accepted in most major cities and towns in Kazakhstan, with Visa and Mastercard being the most widely accepted. However, it may be difficult to use credit cards in rural areas and small towns. American Express is not widely accepted in Kazakhstan.

Internet and Phones

The average internet speed in Kazakhstan is 18.96 Mbps for downloads and 9.38 Mbps for uploads. There is limited government interference in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The main telco companies in Kazakhstan are Kcell and Beeline, with mobile phone plans averaging around 5,000 Kazakhstani Tenge (approximately $12 USD) per month. There are no major sim compatibility issues.

Dialling to Kazakhstan

To call Kazakhstan from another country, dial +7 followed by the area code and local number. The area codes used within the country are 71 for Astana, 72 for Almaty, and 76 for Atyrau, among others.

Transport Around Kazakhstan

Air Travel

Kazakhstan has several major airports, including Almaty International Airport and Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport in the capital city of Nur-Sultan. There are also several regional airports throughout the country.

Train Travel

Kazakhstan has an extensive inter-city train network, with journeys between major cities such as Almaty and Nur-Sultan taking around 20 hours. Prices vary depending on the class of travel, with first class tickets costing around 30,000 KZT ($72 USD) and second class tickets costing around 15,000 KZT ($36 USD).

Metro / Local Trains

Kazakhstan currently only has one metro system, in the city of Almaty. It has two lines and is a convenient way to get around the city.

Buses

There are several bus companies operating in Kazakhstan, with journeys between major cities taking around 10-12 hours. Ticket prices vary depending on the company and the class of travel, with prices ranging from 6,000 KZT ($14 USD) to 12,000 KZT ($29 USD).

Rideshare

There are several rideshare companies operating in Kazakhstan, including Yandex Taxi and Uber. Average travel prices vary depending on the distance and the time of day, but a typical fare in a city like Almaty is around 1,000 KZT ($2.40 USD).

Driving by Car

Driving in Kazakhstan can be challenging due to poor road conditions and aggressive driving. The speed limit is generally 60 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on highways. Kazakhstan uses right-hand drive vehicles.

Local Customs

In Kazakhstan, tipping is generally expected in restaurants, with 10-15% being the standard amount. When greeting someone, a handshake is the most common form of greeting, although nodding and bowing are also used. It is polite to address someone using their first name and their patronymic name. It is common for men to shake hands with each other, but for women to only shake hands with men if they extend their hand first. When speaking with strangers, it is important to maintain a respectful and polite demeanor. Direct eye contact is also important to show sincerity and interest in the conversation.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Kazakhstan has a state-funded universal healthcare system, but the quality of care can vary depending on the region and medical facility. The cost of a visit to a doctor can range from $15 to $100, depending on the doctor's specialty and the type of medical service. It is recommended that travelers purchase travel health insurance before visiting Kazakhstan.

COVID Situation

Kazakhstan has experienced a surge in COVID-19 cases since the beginning of 2021, with a daily average of over 1000 new cases. The government has implemented strict measures such as mandatory mask-wearing, temperature checks, and quarantine measures for incoming travelers.

Common Health Risks

Travelers to Kazakhstan should be aware of the risk of food poisoning, particularly from food sold in street markets. There is also a risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and West Nile virus, especially during the summer months. It is recommended that travelers take necessary precautions such as using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is legal and sold in most stores and restaurants in Kazakhstan. However, there are restrictions on sales and consumption, such as a ban on selling alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 and a prohibition on drinking in public places.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use is illegal in Kazakhstan, and possession of illegal drugs can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Pre-marital relationships are legal and accepted in Kazakhstan. However, the country has a strong patriarchal culture, and conservative attitudes toward gender roles and sexuality prevail among certain segments of the population.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

LGBTQ rights are limited in Kazakhstan. Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but same-sex marriage and adoption are not recognized. Discrimination and violence against LGBTQ individuals are common, and the government does not provide legal protections or recognition to LGBTQ people.

Firearms / Guns

Firearms are tightly regulated in Kazakhstan. It is illegal for civilians to own automatic weapons or handguns, and the government requires a license to own a firearm. Additionally, carrying a weapon in public places is strictly prohibited.