In this guide, I’ll share my essential Kazakhstan travel tips, covering when to go, how to get around, safety, connectivity, money, and more.
Kazakhstan is a country of vast steppes, modern cities, and dramatic mountain landscapes. It’s the ninth-largest country in the world, yet often overlooked by travellers heading to Central Asia.
That’s a shame, because Kazakhstan is both accessible and rewarding, offering a fascinating mix of futuristic architecture in Astana, leafy boulevards and café culture in Almaty, and nature that ranges from turquoise alpine lakes to desert canyons.
Also read: Complete Kazakhstan Travel Guide
Quick Facts About Kazakhstan
- Capital: Astana
- Largest city: Almaty
- Currency: Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)
- Languages: Kazakh and Russian (Russian is more widely spoken)
- Time zones: UTC+5 to UTC+6
- Plugs: Type C & F (Euro standard, 220V)
- Visa: Many nationalities (USA, EU, UK, Canda, Australia etc) can visit visa-free for up to 30 days. Check Kazakhstan’s visa policy here.
- National dish: Beshbarmak, boiled meat served with pasta sheets and onion sauce
- National drink: Kumis, fermented mare’s milk, still widely consumed in rural areas
- Fun fact: Almaty’s name comes from alma, meaning apple, and the region is thought to be the birthplace of the modern apple
Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has a sharply continental climate, with hot summers, freezing winters, and pleasant shoulder seasons. When you go can make a big difference:
- Winter (November–March) | Long and cold, especially in Astana, which is one of the coldest capitals in the world. Great for skiing in Shymbulak or enjoying snowy landscapes, but less ideal for city sightseeing.
- Spring (April–June) | One of the best times to visit. The weather is mild, and the steppe bursts into life with wildflowers.
- Summer (July–August) | Perfect for hiking in the mountains, but expect hot days in cities like Almaty and Shymkent.
- Autumn (September–October) | Another ideal season, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful autumn colours in the forests and parks.
How Many Days to Spend in Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country in the world, so how long you stay depends on what you want to see. Distances are huge, but with good planning you can cover a lot in a short time.
- 5 days | Focus on Almaty and its surroundings. Spend a few days in the city and take day trips to Big Almaty Lake, Charyn Canyon, or the Kolsai Lakes.
- 7 days | Add a second city to your trip, either Shymkent with a day trip to Turkistan, or for its futuristic architecture fly to Astana.
- 9 days | Follow my Kazakhstan itinerary, which combines Almaty, Shymkent, Turkistan, Astana, and the best nature trips in one balanced journey.
- 2 weeks | With extra time you can slow the pace, add more day trips, or fly west to Aktau to explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Mangystau region.
Also read: 10 Spectacular Things To See & Do In Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan Travel Tips: How to Get There and Around
By Air (international & Domestic)
Most travellers arrive by air, with the main hubs being Almaty International Airport (ALA) in the south and Astana International Airport (NQZ) in the capital.
Both airports have direct connections to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, as well as frequent domestic flights across the country.
Kazakhstan’s main airlines are:
- Air Astana | The flag carrier, known for reliable service and a solid international network.
- FlyArystan | Air Astana’s low-cost subsidiary, perfect for affordable domestic flights.
- SCAT Airlines | A private Kazakh airline with a wide domestic network and some international routes.
If you’re flying in from abroad, it’s often easiest to start or finish your trip in Astana or Almaty, then use domestic flights to cover long distances inside the country.
By Train
Kazakhstan’s railway network is extensive and a great way to experience the vast steppe. Journeys are long. Astana to Almaty takes about 17 hours, Shymkent to Almaty about 11 hours. But the trains are comfortable and affordable.
Tickets can be booked online in advance or at the station. Book them online at tickets.kz, or at 12go.asia.
Overland from Uzbekistan (Tashkent to Shymkent)
One of the most popular overland routes into Kazakhstan is from Tashkent (Uzbekistan) to Shymkent. The journey takes around 3–4 hours in total, depending on border formalities.
You can take a taxi or marshrutka from Tashkent to the border, cross on foot, and then continue by shared taxi or marshrutka on the Kazakh side to Shymkent.
The process is straightforward, though queues can add time. For most nationalities it’s visa-free, and border checks are reasonably efficient.
Tip: I’ll publish a full guide on how to cross the Tashkent–Shymkent border soon — keep an eye out if you’re planning this route.
By Bus or Shared Taxi
For shorter distances, like between Shymkent and Turkistan, marshrutkas (shared minibuses) or buses are the most common option. They’re inexpensive, but don’t expect much comfort.
To use a marshrutka, just show up at the bus station and ask for the next departure to where you need to go. Seats are all priced the same and once the marshrutka is full it departs. For shared taxis always negotiate the price beforehand, but use yandex if you can.
Getting Around in Cities
- Buses | Extensive networks exist in all cities, but routes are hard to follow without Russian or Kazakh.
- Yandex Go taxis | Cheap, reliable, and widely available in all major cities. Always use the app instead of hailing a taxi on the street.
- Walking | City centres like Almaty are pleasant to explore on foot, while Astana requires more stamina due to its vast boulevards.
- Metro | Almaty has one metro line, worth riding for its Soviet-style stations, though it’s limited in reach. The first metro line in Astana is set to open at the end of 2025 and would be a great addition to getting around the city.
- E-scooters | Popular in Almaty and Astana and rentable through the Yandex Go app. Great for short hops.
Accommodation Travel Tips for Kazakhstan
Accommodation in Kazakhstan is modern and comfortable, though not always as charming as the historic guesthouses you might find in Uzbekistan. You can easily book your accommodation online at platforms such as booking.com.
Hotels | Most hotels are mid-range or business-style properties, especially in cities like Almaty and Astana. International chains such as Hilton, Ibis, and Rixos have a presence, and there are also plenty of local hotels that meet good standards.
Yurt | If you’re looking for something more unique, you can sometimes arrange yurt stays, especially in rural areas or as part of multi-day tours to places like the Kolsai Lakes or Altyn Emel National Park. While not luxurious, they’re a fun way to experience a bit of nomadic tradition.
Cosy family-run guesthouses are less common than in neighbouring countries, but Kazakhstan makes up for it with solid infrastructure and well-located hotels in every major city.
Tip: Check out my dedicated guide on Where to Stay in Kazakhstan, with my recommendations for Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, Turkistan, and more.
Travel Tips on Connectivity in Kazakhstan
Staying connected in Kazakhstan is fairly straightforward, especially in major cities like Almaty and Astana. Mobile coverage is good in urban areas but can be patchy in the steppe or mountains, so don’t expect a signal everywhere.
- eSIMs | The easiest option for travellers is to use an eSIM. I recommend Saily eSIM, which lets you activate mobile data instantly without needing to buy a local SIM card. It worked well for me across the country. Alternatives like Airalo and Holafly also cover Kazakhstan.
→ If you’re unsure which eSIM to pick, check out my guide to the best travel eSIMs, where I compare Saily, Airalo, and Holafly in detail. - Local SIM cards | If you prefer a local SIM, you’ll find providers like Beeline, Kcell, and Tele2. You can buy them at airports, malls, or phone shops with your passport.
- Wi-Fi | Most hotels, hostels, and cafés in the big cities offer free Wi-Fi. Speeds are generally decent, though not always stable.
- Coverage | Expect good 4G coverage in cities and along major highways. In rural areas and national parks, service is limited or non-existent.
Safety and Travel Insurance in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is generally a very safe country for travellers. Violent crime is rare, and most visits are trouble-free. Still, it’s good to keep a few things in mind:
- Petty theft | Pickpocketing can happen in busy places like bazaars or on public transport. Keep an eye on your belongings.
- Taxis | Always use the Yandex Go app instead of hailing a taxi on the street. It’s safer, cheaper, and avoids haggling.
- Traffic | Roads can be chaotic, especially in cities. Be cautious when crossing streets.
- Nature trips | If you’re heading to remote areas like Charyn Canyon or the Kolsai Lakes, go with a guide or group tour, as facilities are limited and mobile coverage is patchy.
I also recommend having proper travel insurance for your trip. Even if you don’t need it, it’s peace of mind for things like medical emergencies, lost luggage, or trip delays.
You can request a quote with Heymondo which is affordable, flexible, and works well for travel in Central Asia. Readers of Next Journey Ahead get 5% discount with Heymondo.
Kazakhstan Travel Tips: Money and Costs
Kazakhstan is affordable compared to Europe and the USA, but a little pricier than neighbouring Uzbekistan or Kyrgyzstan. You can travel comfortably without breaking the bank though, especially if you stick to local food and transport.
- Currency | The local currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Only tenge is accepted, so you’ll need to exchange cash or withdraw from ATMs. The current exchange rate is 1 USD ≈ 525 KZT, 1 EUR ≈ 625 KZT (in September 2025).
- ATMs | Widely available in cities and larger towns. Many accept international cards, but always check fees before withdrawing.
- Cards | Credit and debit cards are accepted in hotels, malls, and most restaurants in cities like Almaty and Astana. Smaller cafés, bazaars, and rural areas are cash-only.
- Budget | Backpackers can get by on around €25–30 per day, while mid-range travellers spend closer to €50–70 per day depending on their accommodation.
Costs
Let’s take a closer look at some common costs you’ll make while exploring Kazakhstan.
- A meal in a mid-range restaurant: 3,000–5,000 KZT (€6–10).
- Coffee in a modern café: 1,000–1,500 KZT (€2–3).
- Taxi rides across town: 700–1,500 KZT (€1.50–3) via Yandex Go.
- Entrance to museums and attractions: usually 500–1,500 KZT (€1–3).
Tip: Bring some USD or EUR if you want to exchange money, as those are widely accepted at exchange offices. But bring crisp new bills or they might get rejected.
Travel Tips on What to Eat and Drink in Kazakhstan
Kazakh cuisine is hearty, meat-heavy, and rooted in the traditions of nomadic life. While dishes often overlap with those in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan has its own specialties worth trying.
- Beshbarmak | The national dish, literally “five fingers,” as it’s traditionally eaten by hand. It’s made of boiled meat (often lamb or horse) served over wide pasta sheets with onion sauce.
- Plov | A rice pilaf with carrots, onions, and meat. Variations differ across Central Asia, but Kazakh plov is usually a little less oily than its Uzbek cousin.
- Lagman | Hand-pulled noodles served in a rich broth with vegetables and meat. Perfect comfort food.
- Shashlik | Skewered and grilled meat, often lamb or beef, served with raw onions and bread.
- Manti | Steamed dumplings filled with minced meat, onions, and sometimes pumpkin.
- Kumis | Fermented mare’s milk, slightly sour and alcoholic. A traditional nomadic drink that you’ll see sold in bottles at markets.
In recent years, coffee culture has also taken off, especially in Almaty and Astana. You’ll find excellent specialty cafés serving pour-overs, espresso, and cold brew. A welcome break if you’re travelling long distances across the steppe.
Practical Tips for Travelling in Kazakhstan
- Language | Russian is more widely spoken than Kazakh, though you’ll hear both. English is limited, but younger people often know the basics. Download Google Translate with the Russian pack for offline use.
- Currency | Bring some USD or EUR as backup; they’re easy to exchange.
- Health | Tap water isn’t always safe to drink. Stick to bottled water, which is cheap and widely available.
- Transport | Use the Yandex Go app for taxis and e-scooters; it’s safer and avoids haggling.
- Packing | Bring layers. Astana can be freezing even in spring, while Almaty is often warm and sunny. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring cities and nature.
- Tours | For day trips to places like Charyn Canyon or Kolsai Lakes, it’s easiest to book through GetYourGuide or Viator.
Final Thoughts on Travelling in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a country of big contrasts: futuristic Astana, leafy Almaty, lively Shymkent, and historic Turkistan, all set against a backdrop of endless steppe and stunning mountains.
Travelling here is easier than you might expect, and with the right preparation, incredibly rewarding.
Have any questions about travelling in Kazakhstan or beyond? Leave a comment below, or reach out to me on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you! Also sign up for my newsletter to get more travel inspiration straight to your inbox.
Planning your trip to Kazakhstan? For more travel tips check out my complete Kazakhstan Travel Guide or the latest articles below:
- 10 Spectacular Things to See & Do in Kazakhstan
- Best Coffee in Almaty | 9 Specialty Coffee Shops & Cafés to Try
- Charyn Canyon Tour from Almaty with Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes
- Where to Stay in Kazakhstan | My Favourite Hotels
- Kazakhstan Travel Tips | What to Know Before You Go
- 12 Things to Do in Astana, Kazakhstan’s Futuristic Capital
- Complete Guide of Almaty with Things to Do and Day Trips
- Things to Do in Shymkent, Kazakhstan | Complete Travel Guide
- Complete Guide to Turkistan | Kazakhstan’s Spiritual Capital
- Kazakhstan Itinerary | 9 Days of Cities, Canyons & Culture
