🇰🇿Kazakhstan

Comparison table

The table below compares the main mobile operators and alternative eSIM networks in Kazakhstan as of August 2026.

Where exactly to buy

Official Beeline and Kcell kiosks are located in the arrivals halls of the international airports in Almaty (ALA) and Astana (NQZ). Away from the airport, SIM cards can be bought at authorized stores in city centers (e.g. the Dostyk Plaza mall in Almaty or Khan Shatyr in Astana); check the specific branch's opening hours in advance. Registration requires presenting the original passport used to cross the border, and payment by cash or card. Altel and Tele2 have fewer sales counters and staff often do not speak English, which complicates the purchase. At the airports, police hand out free cards with a QR code to the state Safetravel.kz portal containing a SIM with 1 GB of free data, but activating standard packages afterwards still requires additional passport registration.

Short verdict

For the typical tourist, the clear recommendation is to buy an eSIM from Saily or Nomad before departure (both use the Beeline network, which has the widest 4G/5G coverage in the country). This avoids queues at airport counters and forced passport registration with a local operator, and gives you instant data as soon as the plane lands.

What to buy right after arrival

For instant connectivity after arrival, buying a digital eSIM before departure is recommended. Buying a local physical SIM at the airport is possible but involves passport registration at the counter and often significantly inflated tourist package prices.

Comparison table

The table below compares the main mobile operators and alternative eSIM networks in Kazakhstan as of August 2026.

Where exactly to buy

Official Beeline and Kcell kiosks are located in the arrivals halls of the international airports in Almaty (ALA) and Astana (NQZ). Away from the airport, SIM cards can be bought at authorized stores in city centers (e.g. the Dostyk Plaza mall in Almaty or Khan Shatyr in Astana); check the specific branch's opening hours in advance. Registration requires presenting the original passport used to cross the border, and payment by cash or card. Altel and Tele2 have fewer sales counters and staff often do not speak English, which complicates the purchase. At the airports, police hand out free cards with a QR code to the state Safetravel.kz portal containing a SIM with 1 GB of free data, but activating standard packages afterwards still requires additional passport registration.

Short verdict

For the typical tourist, the clear recommendation is to buy an eSIM from Saily or Nomad before departure (both use the Beeline network, which has the widest 4G/5G coverage in the country). This avoids queues at airport counters and forced passport registration with a local operator, and gives you instant data as soon as the plane lands.

Almaty International Airport (ALA)

Almaty International Airport is about 15 km from the city center. The following proven options exist for getting into the center:

• Official airport taxi (Blue Sky Taxi): A fleet of fully electric BYD Qin Plus cars. The order desk is right in the arrivals hall by the terminal exit. A fixed fare of 9,000 KZT (~USD 18 / EUR 17) applies for any trip within Almaty. Payment by card, QR code or terminal. The advantage is no scam risk and a fixed price regardless of traffic or peak times.
• Ride-hailing (Yandex Go): Order the car only via the mobile app. The pickup zone is clearly signposted outside the main terminal. The fare into the center is dynamic, usually between 5,000 and 7,500 KZT (~USD 10–15) depending on demand and weather. After midnight driver availability drops, waiting times rise to 10–20 minutes and prices may increase.
• Public transport (bus): The only line that goes directly to the terminal is route 92. Other lines (79, 86 and 106) stop on the main Mailin Street, about 400 meters' walk from the international arrivals terminal (the route goes right, past the Favorit Hotel). Daytime service runs 05:30–23:30. Night service is provided by Route 3 from 23:00–06:00. The fare is 120 KZT (~USD 0.24) when paying with an ONAY! transport card, mobile app or SMS from a local SIM. Cash payment is not accepted on these lines. An ONAY! card can be bought from a machine at the airport for an 800 KZT fee; without a card, a single fare paid to the driver is 150–200 KZT. Bus 79 does not run after midnight.
• Watch out for scams: Unofficial taxi drivers ("touts") in the arrivals hall aggressively offer rides and exploit tourists' unfamiliarity, demanding 15,000 to 22,000 KZT at the end of the trip. Ignore these offers and use only the app or the official desk.

Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport, Astana (NQZ)

The capital's airport lies about 12–17 km from the administrative center (the so-called Left Bank).

• Official taxi (Astana Taxi): The stand and desk are in the arrivals hall. A trip to the Left Bank (Bayterek area) has a fixed zone price of 4,000 to 6,000 KZT (~USD 9–13). Pay at the counter, receive a voucher and hand it to the driver when boarding.
• Ride-hailing (Yandex Go): A trip ordered via the app to the Bayterek area costs on average 2,000 to 4,000 KZT (~USD 4–9). The pickup zone is at a marked spot in front of the terminal exit.
• Public transport (bus): The airport is served by lines 10 and 12. Buses run every 5–15 minutes from 05:50 to 22:30. Line 10 passes the main landmarks (Khan Shatyr, Bayterek) to the main railway station. The fare is 180 KZT (about USD 0.40). Cash is not accepted on buses. Passengers must pay either with a Transcard transport card (which, however, cannot be bought at the airport), by scanning a QR code via the Avtobys app (requires registration with a Kazakh phone number), or by tapping a contactless payment card on the modern validators (though international Visa/Mastercard cards are not fully guaranteed to work on older validators).
• Watch out for scams: Unofficial drivers in front of the terminal routinely charge foreigners without the app 8,000 to 15,000 KZT for a standard trip into the center.

Recommendations by traveler type

• Solo traveler with light luggage: In Almaty the cheapest option is bus route 92 right at the terminal for 120 KZT (with an ONAY! card). In Astana, Yandex Go for about 3,000 KZT is recommended, since buying a transport card at the airport is complicated.
• Family with children: For families the safest and most comfortable option is a pre-booked transfer (e.g. TaxiBazaar with a guaranteed child seat for about 5,500 KZT in Almaty or USD 22 in Astana).
• Night arrival (after 23:30): In Almaty the night bus route 3 operates. If you prefer safety, the official Blue Sky Taxi at a fixed 9,000 KZT is clearly recommended. In Astana buses do not run after 22:30, so the only reliable options are Yandex Go or the Astana Taxi desk.
• Low budget: In Almaty the 120 KZT bus is by far the cheapest. In Astana, when bus payment is unavailable, the cheapest alternative is a shared Yandex Go ride (Economy tariff).

City transport and apps

Public transport in both metropolises works at a high level. Almaty has a clean, frequent metro (a single line connecting the center; a QR-code ticket costs 120 KZT) and an extensive bus and trolleybus network. When entering the metro, luggage must go through an X-ray scanner.

Key mobility apps (available for iOS and Android):

• Yandex Go: The dominant ride-hailing platform across Kazakhstan. Requires registration with a phone number and an SMS verification. Travelers are strongly advised to register the account and link a payment card (Visa/Mastercard) while still in their home country, since Kazakh networks may have trouble delivering authorization SMS to foreign SIMs. The service works reliably 24/7.
• 2GIS: The most important map and navigation app for Kazakhstan. It works offline after downloading a specific city's maps (Almaty, Astana). It shows detailed public-transport routes, real-time bus arrivals and exact building entrances, which regular Google Maps does not support.
• Avtobys: The official public-transport app in Astana. It allows real-time bus tracking, route search and buying electronic tickets by scanning QR codes on vehicle windows. Registration is also possible via Telegram.

Apps and platforms

• Yandex Go (official site: https://taxi.yandex.kz) — ride-hailing and logistics app.
• 2GIS (official site: https://2gis.kz) — offline map and search system for city navigation.
• eQonaq (official site: https://eqonaq.kz) — state information system for registering foreigners' arrivals.
• Avtobys (official site: https://avtobys.kz) — payment and tracking system for public transport in Astana.

Recommendations by traveler type

• Solo traveler with light luggage: In Almaty the cheapest option is bus route 92 right at the terminal for 120 KZT (with an ONAY! card). In Astana, Yandex Go for about 3,000 KZT is recommended, since buying a transport card at the airport is complicated.
• Family with children: For families the safest and most comfortable option is a pre-booked transfer (e.g. TaxiBazaar with a guaranteed child seat for about 5,500 KZT in Almaty or USD 22 in Astana).
• Night arrival (after 23:30): In Almaty the night bus route 3 operates. If you prefer safety, the official Blue Sky Taxi at a fixed 9,000 KZT is clearly recommended. In Astana buses do not run after 22:30, so the only reliable options are Yandex Go or the Astana Taxi desk.
• Low budget: In Almaty the 120 KZT bus is by far the cheapest. In Astana, when bus payment is unavailable, the cheapest alternative is a shared Yandex Go ride (Economy tariff).

City transport and apps

Public transport in both metropolises works at a high level. Almaty has a clean, frequent metro (a single line connecting the center; a QR-code ticket costs 120 KZT) and an extensive bus and trolleybus network. When entering the metro, luggage must go through an X-ray scanner.

Key mobility apps (available for iOS and Android):

• Yandex Go: The dominant ride-hailing platform across Kazakhstan. Requires registration with a phone number and an SMS verification. Travelers are strongly advised to register the account and link a payment card (Visa/Mastercard) while still in their home country, since Kazakh networks may have trouble delivering authorization SMS to foreign SIMs. The service works reliably 24/7.
• 2GIS: The most important map and navigation app for Kazakhstan. It works offline after downloading a specific city's maps (Almaty, Astana). It shows detailed public-transport routes, real-time bus arrivals and exact building entrances, which regular Google Maps does not support.
• Avtobys: The official public-transport app in Astana. It allows real-time bus tracking, route search and buying electronic tickets by scanning QR codes on vehicle windows. Registration is also possible via Telegram.

Apps and platforms

• Yandex Go (official site: https://taxi.yandex.kz) — ride-hailing and logistics app.
• 2GIS (official site: https://2gis.kz) — offline map and search system for city navigation.
• eQonaq (official site: https://eqonaq.kz) — state information system for registering foreigners' arrivals.
• Avtobys (official site: https://avtobys.kz) — payment and tracking system for public transport in Astana.

Money and payments

The local currency is the Kazakhstani tenge (KZT). As of August 2026 the indicative rate is around USD 1 ≈ 460–490 KZT.

• ATM withdrawals: For the best rate and minimal fees, use only ATMs of the large banks located directly in the airport terminals — specifically Kaspi Bank and Halyk Bank. Foreign Visa and Mastercard cards are widely accepted. Kazakh ATMs (e.g. Kaspi Bank or Halyk Bank) charge no direct local withdrawal fee for foreign cards, but the final fee depends entirely on the terms of the foreigner's issuing bank. The per-withdrawal limit is commonly set at 100,000 to 200,000 KZT.
• The DCC trap (Dynamic Currency Conversion): When withdrawing from an ATM or paying at a terminal, you may be offered to settle the transaction in your card's currency (e.g. EUR/USD) instead of local KZT. Always strictly decline DCC and choose the transaction in KZT, otherwise you are charged an unfavorable rate losing up to 10–15%.
• Exchanging cash: Change money only at banks or officially licensed exchange offices (marked "Айырбастау пункті / Обменный пункт"). Street exchange is illegal. It is best to change undamaged, unmarked USD or EUR notes of higher denominations (50s and 100s get a better rate than small notes). Importing cash up to the equivalent of USD 10,000 is not subject to customs declaration; exporting cash over USD 10,000 is prohibited.
• Cashless payments and Kaspi QR: Kazakhstan is a highly cashless economy built on the Kaspi QR system. Foreign tourists, however, cannot fully activate the Kaspi app without visiting a branch in person, obtaining a Kazakh tax number (IIN) at a public service center and a Kazakh SIM. Moreover, under ARDFM Resolution No. 96, effective 19 January 2025, payment cards for non-residents without a residence permit are issued with a maximum validity of 12 months. The key solution for tourists in 2026 is the integration of the Alipay+ payment network into Kazakhstan's Kaspi QR system. Tourists worldwide who have compatible international e-wallets installed on their phones (e.g. Alipay, Kakao Pay and 10 other Alipay+ partners) can simply scan a Kaspi QR code at a merchant and pay directly from their app in their home currency. Standard physical Visa/Mastercard payments are common in hotels, supermarkets and brick-and-mortar restaurants in the big cities.
• Tipping: In the vast majority of restaurants and cafes a service charge is automatically added to the bill (usually 10% to 15% of the total, labeled "обслуживание"). Additional tipping beyond this is not expected.

Accommodation

When choosing accommodation for your first days in Almaty and Astana, location relative to transport infrastructure and safety plays a key role.

Suitable districts in Almaty:

• Almaly District: The historic city center. Ideal for the first nights, within walking distance of the main sights, parks and metro stations. There are many cafes and restaurants here. The indicative price for a standard hotel room is around 15,000–30,000 KZT (~USD 30–65) per night. A proven example is the Uyut Hotel.
• Medeu District: The prestigious and safest southeastern part of the city, closer to the mountains and the Kok-Tobe cable car. Suitable for families and more demanding travelers seeking quiet and cleaner air. Prices are higher: standard hotels start at 25,000 KZT (~USD 55), luxury complexes exceed 50,000 KZT (~USD 110) per night. The district's traditional landmark is Hotel Kazakhstan.
• Bostandyk District: A modern financial and business district with the Forum Mall, Atakent and modern high-rises. Suitable for business travelers and those preferring modern infrastructure. Prices are around 20,000–40,000 KZT (~USD 45–85) per night. A notable hotel in the area is the Holiday Inn Almaty.

Suitable districts in Astana:

• Left Bank (Esil District): The futuristic center of the capital, home to the skyscrapers, the Bayterek tower, the Khan Shatyr mall and the government quarter. It is the cleanest, most modern and best-guarded area of the city, ideal for a safe first encounter with Astana. Mid-range hotel prices are around 20,000–35,000 KZT (~USD 45–75) per night.

Common accommodation practices:

• Check-in: On arrival the reception is required to ask for the original passport to verify identity. Hotels commonly require a refundable deposit in cash or a card hold, usually 10,000 KZT per stay.
• Registration obligation: At check-in guests must explicitly confirm whether the hotel has filed the digital notification of their stay to the eQonaq system. Reputable hotels do this automatically and, on request, print a confirmation with a QR code. For private rentals (e.g. via Airbnb), you must remind the landlord of this obligation right when booking.

Local rules and cultural differences

While in Kazakhstan you must respect local laws and cultural norms; breaking them can lead to immediate detention, fines or deportation.

• Drones and UAVs: Kazakhstan strictly regulates drone use. Drones with a maximum take-off weight of 0.25 kg or more, or any drone equipped with a camera or other data-collecting sensor, must be registered with the Civil Aviation Committee (CAC). Registration is filed free of charge via the e-government licensing portal and takes up to 10 business days to process. Flying an unregistered drone, or flying without the relevant permit in prohibited zones (which include the vicinity of airports, military facilities, critical infrastructure and government buildings), is punishable by a heavy fine, detention of the pilot and confiscation of the device. Drone batteries must always be carried in hand luggage.
• Photography: It is strictly forbidden to photograph military facilities, government buildings, presidential palaces, border zones and airport infrastructure. Some large stores, supermarkets and the metro prohibit photography by internal rules. It is always safer to ask the security present before taking a photo.
• Alcohol and smoking: Drinking alcohol in public places (outside licensed restaurant and bar terraces) is banned and police actively enforce this with fines. Smoking (including e-cigarettes and vaping) is strictly forbidden in all enclosed public spaces, restaurants, building entrances and public-transport stops. Sale of tobacco products is allowed only to persons over 18; for energy drinks the limit is 21.
• Religion and dress: Kazakhstan is a secular state with a majority of Islam and Orthodox Christianity. When visiting mosques and temples, formal dress is required: men must wear long trousers; women must cover shoulders, knees and hair (a headscarf is usually available to borrow at the entrance).
• Dual citizenship: Kazakhstan strictly does not recognize dual citizenship. If the authorities find that a traveler holds both a Kazakh passport and that of another state, they face a heavy fine, forced removal of Kazakh citizenship and deportation.

Everyday practical information

• Power sockets: Standard European sockets of type C and F are used. Mains voltage is 220 V at 50 Hz. Europeans do not need an adapter.
• Time zone: The whole of Kazakhstan is in a single time zone, UTC+5 (introduced with effect from 1 March 2024). Daylight saving time (DST) is not observed.
• Opening hours:
  • Banks: Monday to Friday, usually 09:00–18:00 (closed on weekends).
  • Exchange offices: Many licensed offices in Almaty and Astana operate around the clock (24/7).
  • Supermarkets and malls: Most malls (e.g. Dostyk Plaza, Mega, Khan Shatyr) are open daily 10:00–22:00. Smaller grocery stores in residential districts often operate 24/7.
• Toilets: Public toilets are found in malls, metro stations and near major tourist attractions. Payment is usually required in cash (around 100–200 KZT) or via QR code; paper money is preferred.
• Public Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available at the Almaty and Astana airports, in malls and many cafes. Connecting to these networks, however, almost always requires authorization via an SMS code sent to a working phone number (foreign numbers may not be supported by the system).