Kazakhstan: A Journey Through Its Culture, Landscapes, and Hospitality
Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world and the largest landlocked country in the world, with a landmass that nearly eclipses Western Europe. Although little visited by outsiders, its rich cultural history speaks to its diverse demographics. Bordered by Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan’s magnificent natural landscape has become home to many people from neighbouring nations, resulting in a friendly and hospitable, albeit reserved, society.
Kazakhstan was formerly a Soviet Republic, but gained independence in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, becoming the last nation to leave the Union. The rugged terrain of the country boasts diverse natural beauty, ranging from the arid, treeless steppes of the centre to the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of the Tian Shan mountain range, and down to the canyons, turquoise lakes, and alpine meadows of the Almaty area.
Rich in natural resources such as oil, natural gas and minerals, Kazakhstan has huge economic potential. Although there is still widespread poverty in the country, and unemployment and inflation are rife, oil exports have caused massive economic growth in recent years.
Nur-Sultan is the capital of Kazakhstan and is one of the main commercial hubs, home to many major government organisations and foreign businesses. Leafy Almaty, situated in the fertile fruit-producing region in the southeast is the former capital of Kazakhstan and is the largest city in the country. Famed for its beautiful architecture, grand ballet and opera houses, public sculptures, and market stalls, Almaty is the cultural centre of Kazakhstan and well worth a visit.
Other activities in Kazakhstan include skiing, visiting the Baikonur Cosmodrome (the prominent spaceport launch site), bird watching in Korgalzhyn, and visiting one of the country’s many striking nature reserves, where visitors can see bears, ibex, and raptors.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Kazakh, spoken by about 65 percent of the population, is the state language and Russian is an official language used for business, administration, and cross-cultural communication.
- Passport/Visa:
Most foreign passengers require a visa to enter Kazakhstan, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if travellers are arriving from a country where there is a risk of transmission. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The official currency is the Kazakhstani tenge (KZT), which is divided into 100 tiyin. ATMs are generally accessible in Kazakhstan, with major European and international credit cards, such as Diners Club and Visa, accepted in central hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. The European round two-pin plugs are standard (Type C and F).
Climate in Kazakhstan
The lack of moderating bodies of water make Kazakhstan’s climate extremely continental and very dry. Seasonal temperatures are polarised and vary depending on the region. The best time to visit Kazakhstan is in spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October) when temperatures are mild. In spring the desert comes into flower and autumn is harvest time, when market tables are laden with freshly picked fruit.
Average winter temperatures during the day are 3°F to -1°F (-16°C to -18°C) in the far north and about 21°F (-6°C) in the south; summer temperatures average 70°F (21°C) in the north and 81°F (27°C) in the south. Snow starts to fall around November and the mountain passes fill with snow until April, sometimes even May. Climbers are advised to visit in summer when the mountain temperatures are at their best.
Health Notes when travelling to Kazakhstan
All travellers arriving from a country where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission are required to have a certificate of inoculation. It is recommended that travellers to Kazakhstan immunise themselves against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and update their MMR (mumps-measles-rubella) vaccines; all travellers who are older than 16 should get fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Medical facilities are not as advanced as those in the UK or Canada, so travellers should take along their own medical of essentials, as well as updated and signed letters from their physicians that detail what medications they carry and why they need them. Doctors and hospitals will expect payment in cash, regardless of travel health insurance.
Safety Notes when travelling to Kazakhstan
The general rules of safety in Kazakhstan are the same as in any other developing country. There are the normal risks of pickpockets and petty crime, and travellers are advised to be cautious of corrupt police. Travellers are advised to be cautious at night in and around clubs and bars. Kazakhstan is generally a very friendly country and foreigners are respected.
Customs in Kazakhstan
Kazakh people are known for their hospitality, respect for elders, and tolerance. Generosity and cordial behaviour are common in both social and business fields, but standards of dress and behaviour are conservative, so travellers should take care not to offend. Greetings between opposite genders should remain verbal, though same sex friends may shake hands or, if very close, greet one another with a hug. Possession and use of drugs is illegal. If travellers are found guilty, they could face a lengthy prison sentence. Same sex couples are discouraged from openly showing their affection, even though same-sex relations are legal. Cultural norms prohibit and actively discriminate against homosexuality.
Duty Free in Kazakhstan
The following goods may be imported into Kazakhstan without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 200g of tobacco products; three litres of alcoholic beverages; a reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use; and gifts to the value of EUR 1500 for personal use only.
Doing Business in Kazakhstan
An experienced and proficient interpreter can be of great assistance at business meetings. Kazakhstan’s hierarchal social structure translates into the business environment, so high ranking officials and partners will wish to meet with their equals. It is customary to shake hands and call people by their first names and last names at business meetings, as well as at informal gatherings, and small talk commonly precedes any business negotiations.
Business attire is generally a suit and tie for men, and a suit or business dress for women; even at informal gatherings formal attire is often expected. The respective parties often give small gifts (pens, company logo pins or books) at the end of an initial meeting as a token of appreciation. Business cards are widely distributed, with Russian and English translations. Many people in Kazakhstan are Muslim and therefore often take breaks from work during the day for prayer, so visitors should consider prayer times when scheduling meetings.
Communication in Kazakhstan
The international dialling code for Kazakhstan is +7. Inexpensive prepaid SIM cards are available and provide an easy way to communicate both locally and internationally; free WiFi is available in cafes, restaurants and hotels in main towns and cities.
Tipping in Kazakhstan
Tipping is not customary in Kazakhstan, as a service charge is included in hotel and restaurant bills, but the practice is becoming more common as more tourists arrive. There is also a fixed charge on taxi and railway transport, so many taxi drivers won’t take tips unless travellers insist repeatedly.
Passport/Visa Note
Most foreign passengers require a visa to enter Kazakhstan, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if travellers are arriving from a country where there is a risk of transmission. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Kazakhstan. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Kazakhstan. A visa is required for stays longer than 30 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Kazakhstan. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Kazakhstan. A visa is required for visits longer than 30 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Kazakhstan. A visa is required for stays longer than 30 days.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Kazakhstan. A visa is required for stays longer than 30 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Kazakhstan. A visa is required.
Kazakhstan Embassies
- In the United States:
Kazakhstan Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 232 5488.
- In Canada:
Kazakhstan Embassy, Toronto, Canada: +1 613 695 8055.
- In the United Kingdom:
Kazakhstan Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 207 925 1757.
- In Australia:
Kazakhstan Embassy, Singapore (also responsible for Australia): +65 6536 6100.
- In New Zealand:
Kazakhstan Embassy, Singapore (also responsible for New Zealand): +65 6536 6100.
- In South Africa:
Kazakhstan Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 460 0086.
Foreign Embassies in Kazakhstan
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Nur-Sultan: +7 7172 70 21 00.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Nur-Sultan (also provides limited assistance to Australia): +7 7172 475 577.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Nur-Sultan: +7 7172 556 200.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Kazakhstan): +7 495 937 5911.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Kazakhstan): +7 495 956 3579.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Nur-Sultan: + 7 717 925 326/7/8.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
