Kazakhstan is probably bigger than you think — in fact, it’s the 9th largest country in the world, and you could fit Norway into it 7 times. Located in Central Asia, it’s a land of contrasts: mountains and deserts, Soviet history and futuristic cities, yurts and skyscrapers.
Quick Facts
- Capital: Astana (yes, they renamed it back in 2022 — don’t ask)
- Largest city: Almaty
- Population: ~20 million
- Language: Kazakh (official, but less common) and Russian (widely used)
- Currency: Tenge (KZT)
- Time zone: +3 ahead of Norway
Language
You’ll hear Kazakh and Russian everywhere. English is common in hotels and among younger people in larger cities, but don’t expect everyone to speak it fluently. A few words of Russian go a long way — or just smile and point, works just as well.
Safety
Kazakhstan is generally very safe for tourists. People are welcoming, curious, and generous. Like anywhere, watch your belongings in crowded areas, but violent crime is rare. Be aware that most taxis have either removed or hidden seat belts from the back seat. If you value your safety, you may want to sit in the front seat.
Visa
Most countries, like Norway, USA and the UAE can travel visa-free to Kazakhstan up to 30 days.
Food & Drink
Expect hearty meat dishes, dumplings, and lots of tea. Horse meat is common, but so are kebabs, fresh salads, and baked goods (like Baursak). Alcohol is widely available and socially acceptable — beer, vodka, and Georgian wine are especially popular.
Fun Facts
- You can ski in the morning and ride camels by evening.
- The space launch site Baikonur Cosmodrome is here — it’s where Yuri Gagarin took off and have since been essiental for transporting astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station (ISS).
- Kazakhs traditionally drink fermented horse milk (kumis) — try it if you dare.
Travel Tips
- Tap water isn’t always safe to drink — stick to bottled water and beer.
- Credit cards are generally accepted, but in our experience the bank terminals may sometime decline you card without giving a reason. Our tip is to use to insert the card and type your PIN code instead of tapping, when these issues occur.
- Many public buildings and museums have airport-style security checks at the entrance. Security guards usually don’t speak English, but it’s straightforward: walk through the scanner and place your phone, watch, and any metal items in the small tray on the side.
- Locals don’t always queue. You’ve been warned.
- Two words will get you a long way in Kazakhstan:
- Privjet (hello)
- Spasiba (thanks)