Kazakhstan travel guide
Kazakhstan is the largest country in Central Asia, and its appeal lies in contrast: open steppe, alpine lakes, desert canyons and cities that range from Soviet boulevards to futuristic skylines. It rewards travellers who like space and a sense of discovery. Almaty, beneath snowy mountains, is the natural base for markets, cafes, ski slopes and lakes such as Big Almaty. Astana shows the modern face of the country with bold architecture, while Turkistan and Shymkent in the south trace the Silk Road with mausoleums and bazaars. In the west, Aktau opens the way to the Mangystau desert, and Oskemen leads towards the Altai. Late spring and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons, since summers can be hot and winters severe. Kazakhstan suits adventurous travellers, hikers and history lovers, and it pairs naturally with neighbouring Central Asian countries on a longer Silk Road route. Zippy Trips can help you plan the itinerary city by city.
Capital: Astana.
Before you go to Kazakhstan
- Currency
- KZT ₸
- Emergency number
- 112 / 102
- Plug type
- Type C, F
- Tap water
- Drink bottled water
- Tipping
- Optional
- Bargaining
- Common
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard
- ATM fees
- Varies; plentiful in cities
Cities in Kazakhstan
- Almaty Kazakhstan's largest city and cultural capital, Almaty sits at the foot of the Zailiysky Alatau mountains. Once the Soviet-era capital, it…
- Astana Kazakhstan's futuristic capital rising from the Central Asian steppe, Astana (formerly Nur-Sultan) is a showcase of 21st-century…
- Shymkent Kazakhstan's third-largest city and gateway to the ancient Silk Road, Shymkent has been a crossroads of trade and culture for millennia.…
- Aktau A Caspian Sea port city rising from a bare limestone plateau in western Kazakhstan, Aktau is an oil boomtown with a remarkable natural…
- Turkistan One of the oldest cities in Central Asia and a living UNESCO heritage site, Turkistan was the spiritual capital of the Kazakh Khanate. The…
- Oskemen Known in Russian as Ust-Kamenogorsk, Oskemen sits at the confluence of the Irtysh and Ulba rivers — the gateway to spectacular East…
Frequently asked questions about Kazakhstan
- What currency is used in Kazakhstan?
- The currency in Kazakhstan is the Kazakhstani Tenge (₸). ₹1 is about 5 ₸.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Kazakhstan?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard. Typical ATM fees: Varies; plentiful in cities. Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Kazakhstan?
- Tipping in Kazakhstan: optional. Typically about 5% in restaurants.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Kazakhstan?
- Drink bottled water.
- What plug type does Kazakhstan use?
- Kazakhstan uses Type C, F plugs.
- What is the emergency number in Kazakhstan?
- Emergency: 112. Police: 102. Ambulance: 103. Tourist helpline: 8 800 080 7777.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Kazakhstan?
- SIM and eSIM available in Kazakhstan.
- What is the capital of Kazakhstan?
- The capital of Kazakhstan is Astana. Time there: IST - 30 min.