Central Asia & Caucasus
Kazakhstan
Huge, modern and good value: Almaty pairs cafés and coworking with mountains an hour away; Astana is futuristic but harsh in winter. Russian helps far more than English.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa81 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyKZTUS$1 ≈ ₸444.08Details
- Price level33%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType C, F220 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 102 · Ambulance 103 · Fire 101 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterFilter or boilTreated in Almaty and Astana, but most locals boil or filter it; drink bottled water in smaller towns and the countryside.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalLegal, but a 2025 law bans 'LGBT propaganda'.Details
- Internet88 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 88 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightBring an IDP with your licence; car rental works in Almaty and Astana, and traffic police checks are frequent.
- Digital nomad visaYesNeo Nomad Visa (B12-1)Details
Where to go in Kazakhstan
2 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
When to visit Kazakhstan
May–June and September for Almaty and the mountains; July–August for high-altitude hiking. Astana swings from hot summers to −30°C winters; ski Shymbulak December–March.
Good to know
Entry
- Many nationalities are visa-free; others apply for an e-visa on the official vmp.gov.kz portal.
- Visa-free arrivals are usually registered automatically at entry; hotels report your stay, and private hosts should notify migration police.
- Visa-free stays generally follow a 90-in-180-day rule; count days carefully if you do border runs.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry your passport; police document checks are common.
- A 2025 law bans 'LGBT propaganda'; violations bring fines or short arrest.
- Selling and importing vapes is banned; devices can be confiscated.
Etiquette
- Remove shoes when entering homes.
- Greet elders first and treat bread with respect; never throw it away.
- Accept tea and food when hosted; refusing outright can seem rude.
Tipping
Many restaurants add a 10–15% service charge; otherwise round up or leave about 10%. App taxis need no tip.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan
- Kazakhstan Travel (national tourism board)
- Kazakhstan Temir Zholy
- eGov Kazakhstan
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.