Driving in Kazakhstan: Road Rules & Tips for Tourists

• Driver’s License: Foreigners can drive with a valid national license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. Without an IDP, you risk a fine of 20,000 KZT ($40).
• Road Rules: Drive on the right side of the road. Speed limits are 60 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on highways. Seat belts are mandatory, and the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.0%—fines for violations start at 50,000 KZT ($105).
• Road Conditions: Main roads in Astana and Almaty are good, but rural roads can be rough—use a 4x4 for remote areas like the Charyn Canyon.
• Car Rental: Available in Astana for $40-$60 per day. Ensure the car has a GPS, as signage may not always be in English.
• Parking: Parking in Astana costs 500-1,000 KZT ($1-$2) per hour in central areas; many hotels offer free parking.
• Emergency Number: Dial 112 for police or medical emergencies.

Currency in Kazakhstan: Using the Tenge for Your Trip

• Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT): The official currency. Banknotes come in denominations of 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 KZT; coins are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 KZT.
• Currency Exchange: Exchange money at banks or licensed exchange offices in Astana for the best rates—avoid black market exchanges, as they’re illegal. ATMs are widely available in cities with withdrawal limits around 500,000 KZT ($1,050).
• Payment Methods: Cash is dominant in rural areas—carry small denominations (1,000-5,000 KZT). Cards are accepted in Astana and Almaty at hotels and restaurants; mobile payments like Apple Pay are growing in popularity.
• Costs: A local meal costs $5-$10, a coffee $1-$3, and a mid-range hotel in Astana $30-$70 per night.

Legal Guide for Kazakhstan: Laws Travelers Should Know

• Local Laws: Public drinking is prohibited and can lead to fines of 30,000 KZT ($65). Drug laws are strict—possession can result in up to 10 years in prison.
• Cultural Sensitivities: Respect local traditions—dress modestly at religious sites like the Hazrat Sultan Mosque (cover shoulders and knees). More details in the Culture & Etiquette tab.
• Photography Restrictions: Photography at military sites or government buildings is prohibited—fines can reach 50,000 KZT ($105). Drones require permits.
• Public Behavior: Smoking in public places like restaurants is banned—fines start at 15,000 KZT ($30). Littering can result in a fine of 10,000 KZT ($20).
• Customs Rules: You can bring up to 3 liters of alcohol and 200 cigarettes duty-free. Declare cash over $10,000 or its equivalent in KZT.
• Emergency Contact: Dial 112 for police or medical emergencies.

Travel Safety in Kazakhstan: Staying Safe During Your Trip

• Crime: Kazakhstan is generally safe with low crime rates—petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in crowded markets like the Green Bazaar in Almaty.
• Road Safety: Pedestrians should use crosswalks, as drivers may not always yield. Rural roads can be poorly lit—avoid driving at night outside cities.
• Health Risks: Tap water is not safe to drink—use bottled water. No major health risks; routine vaccinations are recommended, and consider typhoid and hepatitis A vaccines for rural travel.
• Natural Hazards: Earthquakes are possible in Almaty—familiarize yourself with safety protocols (drop, cover, hold on). Extreme cold in winter can be a concern in northern regions.
• Scams: Be cautious of taxi drivers overcharging—use apps like Yandex Go or negotiate fares upfront (e.g., $2-$5 in Astana).
• Medical Facilities: Hospitals in Astana, like the Presidential Hospital, are reliable for minor issues. Pharmacies are widespread—look for the “Аптека” (Apteka) sign.
• Emergency Contacts: Dial 112 for emergencies. The US Embassy in Astana can be reached at +7 7172 70 21 00.

Culture & Etiquette in Kazakhstan: What to Know

• Greetings: A handshake is common—say “Salam” (Hello). Kazakhs are hospitable and may invite you for tea; it’s polite to accept.
• Dining Customs: At a traditional meal, the guest of honor is often served first. Bread is sacred—don’t place it upside down or throw it away.
• Community Respect: Dress modestly at religious sites—cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes when entering someone’s home.
• Festivals: Nauryz (March 21-23) celebrates the Kazakh New Year with music and traditional games. Astana Day (July 6) features fireworks and concerts.
• Language Tips: In tourist areas, you might hear “Rakhmet” (Thank you). Learning basics like “Salam” (Hello) shows respect.
• Social Practices: Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants in Astana and Almaty. Public displays of affection are generally discreet.

Local Cuisine in Kazakhstan: Dishes & Drinks to Try

• Beshbarmak: A national dish of boiled meat (often horse or lamb) with noodles, served with broth—$5-$10 at a local restaurant.
• Baursak: Fried dough balls, often eaten as a snack or with tea—$1-$2 per portion.
• Kymyz: Fermented mare’s milk, a traditional drink with a tangy taste—$1-$3 per glass.
• Shashlik: Grilled meat skewers, popular at markets—$3-$6 per serving.
• Tea with Milk: A common drink, often served with meals—$1-$2 per pot.
• Where to Eat: In Astana, try beshbarmak at Qazan near the Baiterek Tower. In Almaty, the Green Bazaar offers authentic shashlik. Both are highlighted in our Top Attractions tab.

Top Attractions in Kazakhstan: Must-Visit Places

• Baiterek Tower (Astana): A 105-meter monument offering panoramic views of the capital. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Charyn Canyon (Almaty Region): A stunning canyon often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia.” Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Medeu Skating Rink (Almaty): A high-altitude ice rink with breathtaking mountain views. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Hazrat Sultan Mosque (Astana): One of the largest mosques in Central Asia, known for its stunning architecture. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Altyn-Emel National Park (Almaty Region): A park with unique landscapes like the Singing Dunes. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi (Turkistan): A UNESCO World Heritage site with intricate Islamic architecture. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Where to Eat: In Astana, Qazan near the Baiterek Tower serves authentic beshbarmak. In Almaty, the Green Bazaar is known for its shashlik.

Flights to Kazakhstan: Travel Options

Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) in Astana and Almaty International Airport (ALA) are the main entry points, with flights from cities like Istanbul, Dubai, and Frankfurt. A taxi from NQZ to central Astana costs $5-$10 and takes 20 minutes; buses cost 500 KZT ($1) and take 40 minutes.

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