Money
The currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). ATMs are plentiful in cities and accept international cards; in smaller towns and rural areas, carry cash. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and supermarkets in Almaty and Astana. Elsewhere, assume cash-only.
Exchange rates fluctuate; check before you travel. US dollars and euros are the easiest foreign currencies to exchange.
Language
Kazakh is the official state language and Russian is a co-official language used widely in government and business. In cities you can generally get by with Russian; younger Kazakhs often speak some English, particularly in Almaty and Astana. Away from the cities, Russian is more useful than English.
The Kazakh alphabet switched from Cyrillic to a Latin-based script in 2023 — you'll see both versions on signs during the transition period.
Safety
Kazakhstan is generally safe for travelers. Petty crime exists in cities as it does anywhere, but violent crime against tourists is rare. Keep an eye on your belongings in busy bazaars.
The Semipalatinsk region in the northeast was the site of Soviet nuclear testing until 1991. Radiation levels in most areas are now within normal limits, but some zones remain restricted. Don't wander off marked paths if you visit.
Health
No vaccinations are officially required, but hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended. Tap water in the cities is technically treated, but most locals and visitors drink bottled water. In rural areas and on hikes, treat or filter water.
Altitude is worth noting if you plan to go into the Tien Shan or Altai mountains — acclimatize properly before heading to high elevations.
Medical facilities in Almaty and Astana are reasonable; in other cities and rural areas they are basic. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Communications
Mobile coverage is good in cities and along main roads; in remote mountain or steppe areas it drops out. SIM cards from Beeline, Kcell, or Tele2 are cheap and easy to buy with a passport.
Wi-Fi is available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in the main cities. VPN services are useful — some international sites are intermittently blocked.
Registration
Foreigners used to be required to register with the authorities within five days of arrival. This rule has been significantly relaxed for most tourists and short-stay visitors; hotels register guests automatically. Check current requirements if you're staying outside hotels or for longer periods.