Visit Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, the world’s ninth-largest country, offers a unique combination of modern cities, vast steppes, high mountains, and cultural heritage. From futuristic Astana with its bold architecture to the natural beauty of the Altai Mountains and Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan is a land of contrasts. Visitors will discover traditions shaped by nomadic culture and the legendary Silk Road. Gotocentralasia.com invites you to explore this fascinating country where Asia meets Europe.
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Notes about Kazakhstan
Travel safety matters
Kazakhstan is one of the safest countries in Central Asia for travelers. In large cities such as Almaty and Astana, you will see police presence in tourist areas, keeping visitors safe. Violent crime is extremely rare and local people are very hospitable towards foreigners. It is always advised to take common-sense precautions, but in general Kazakhstan provides a safe travel experience.
↑ Back to NotesVisa and registration matters
Kazakhstan has a visa-free regime for citizens of many countries, including the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, and others for stays up to 30 days. Neighboring CIS countries often enjoy longer visa-free stays. Travelers from countries not on the visa-free list can apply for an e-visa online. Registration with the migration police is typically handled automatically by hotels on arrival.
↑ Back to NotesBest time to visit
The best time to visit Kazakhstan is during spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October), when temperatures are pleasant and landscapes are at their most beautiful. Summers can be very hot in the south and steppe regions, while winters in the north are extremely cold, especially in Astana where temperatures may fall below –20°C.
↑ Back to NotesLanguage
The official language is Kazakh, but Russian is widely spoken across the country and serves as a common language of communication. In major cities, English is becoming increasingly common, especially in hotels and among younger generations.
↑ Back to NotesCuisine
Kazakh cuisine is traditionally based on meat and dairy products, with dishes such as beshbarmak (boiled meat with noodles), kazy (horsemeat sausage), and shashlik (grilled skewered meat). Modern Kazakhstan also offers a wide variety of international cuisines in restaurants and cafes in major cities.
↑ Back to NotesClothing and weather
Clothing depends on the season. Summers are hot in the steppe, so light and comfortable clothes are recommended, while winters are very cold, requiring heavy coats, hats, and gloves. When visiting religious sites, modest clothing is advised.
↑ Back to NotesCustoms regulations
Customs regulations in Kazakhstan are straightforward. Travelers bringing cash under 10,000 USD do not need to declare it. Medicines for personal use are usually allowed but may need prescriptions. Standard international customs rules apply.
↑ Back to NotesPayment issues
Payment by international credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) is widely accepted in cities. However, it is recommended to carry some cash, especially when traveling to smaller towns or remote areas where card payments may not be available.
↑ Back to NotesMobile phone and Internet
SIM cards are easily available at airports and city centers. Mobile internet is fast and affordable. Most hotels and cafes provide free Wi-Fi, but in rural areas connection may be limited.
↑ Back to NotesHow to get around (local transport)
In big cities, public buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps like Yandex Go are widely used. For intercity travel, modern trains connect major destinations, while domestic flights are convenient for covering large distances.
↑ Back to Notes