Kazakhstan Travel Guide
Essential travel information — emergency numbers, safety, currency, visas, customs and getting around.
Guide updated:
Kazakhstan is generally safe for travelers, though petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)
C and F
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 10% in restaurants is standard practice.
Local SIM cards from providers like Kcell, Beeline, or Tele2 are affordable and widely available at airports and city centers.
Citizens of many countries enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days; check official government portals for specific requirements.
Right
Major cities like Almaty and Astana have reliable bus networks and the Almaty Metro.
Yandex Go, Indriver
Domestic flights are the most efficient way to cover vast distances, while trains offer a scenic and affordable alternative.
- • Remove shoes when entering a private home
- • Use both hands when giving or receiving gifts
- • Respect elders as a cornerstone of social etiquette
Modest dress is recommended in rural areas and religious sites; urban centers are generally modern and Westernized.
Kazakhstan is a secular country with a Muslim majority; be respectful in mosques by covering your head and avoiding shorts or sleeveless tops.
Football and wrestling — Traditional nomadic sports like Kokpar (goat polo) and horse racing are culturally significant and widely celebrated.
March 21-23
Nauryz
The Persian New Year celebrating the spring equinox with traditional food, music, and street festivities.
December 16
Independence Day
A national holiday commemorating independence from the Soviet Union with fireworks and cultural performances.