FAQ_Kazakhstan

General information:

1. What documents should I bring to come to Kazakhstan?

You need to bring your passport if you don’t need visa. 

2. Is it necessary to make copies of my documents before coming to Kazakhstan?

Yes, it is always strongly recommended to make copies. Because if you lose your documents you may have a lot of difficulties right up to sending home. Please make copies of your passport, driving licenses, tickets, hotel reservations, insurance and also save their scan versions on Google Drive or any virtual cloud or on the virtual disk. In this case you will have access to them from anywhere in the world. 

3. If I have problems during my tour in Kazakhstan who should I contact?

If you choose a tour package with guide services, then you meet him at the airport on arrival and will be always at your disposal. Even when he leaves you at the hotel, you get his phone number and call him anytime you have a question or need an advice. 

If you don’t have a guide, so you may contact your tour manager. 

4. Where do you recommend to exchange money upon arrival?

It is possible to change money at any exchange points in Kazakhstan as well as at banks. But take into account that banks are open until 6 pm. There is possibility to change money at the airport, bazaar and in the remote villages, but the exchange rate is very low there. 

5. Are the credit cards accepted? Are the ATMs available?

Generally MasterCard and Visa are acknowledged in cafes, shops and hotels. In districts it is better to bring cash. As for ATMs you'll effortlessly discover them in huge cities but not in towns. 

6. What is a transfer?

Transportation of a traveler (tourist or business traveler) from the airplane terminal, railroad to any other place. 

7. How much time do I got to get from the airport to the hotel?

Almaty International Airplane terminal is located in 29 km from Almaty city. It takes almost 40-50 minutes driving in case there's no traffic jam. Plan your departure from the city 1 hour before check-in starts to be on time. 

8. What is superior to require large or little sum of money?

We recommend to take money with a value of 50-100 $ or euros with you. Because if you bring 5-10-20 $ or euros, even within the city, you'll change them at a much lower rate. And within the districts they probably will not be exchanged at all. 

9. Do I need to be vaccinated before visiting Kazakhstan?

• Measles, mumps, rubella (CCP) – For all travelers born after 1956, it is recommended to take 2 doses of the vaccine if this vaccine has not been given before.
• Diphtheria-tetanus – Vaccination is done every 10 years. Check your vaccination card before you travel.
• Influenza – Seasonal vaccination is recommended for all travelers from November to April. Children and travelers over 65 are at particular risk.
• Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B – The presence of this vaccine is recommended for all travelers.
• Rabies – This vaccine is recommended for travelers who plan to spend their holidays in rural areas, in places where animals are crowded, which increases the risk of bites, as well as those planning to visit places where there is a high risk of collision with bats. 

10. What is the Kazakh national currency?

Kazakh National currency is tenge. 

11. What is the official religion of Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan is a secular country but the larger part of individuals are Muslim (70 %). 

12. What languages are spoken in Kazakhstan?

Kazakh is a national language, Russian is an official language. So people are mostly bilingual. In rural areas people use more Kazakh. Among foreign languages the most popular one is English. 

13. What does an individual tour package stand for?

An individual tour package is a tour offer which is made in accordance with the wishes of the customer. 

14. What is homestay?

Homestay is house that belongs to the host family and usually costs much cheaper than other type of accommodation. The reason is that people live themselves in those house and offer it to tourists only during touristic season. That’s a perfect option for you if you wish to learn how locals live and see their real everyday life. But you have to be aware that their conditions may be worse than in hotels. So it is always a question of choice. 

15. What is Single supplement?

Single supplement may be an additional charge for travelers who don’t need to share their room with anybody else. We usually take Twin/Double rooms as basis when make calculation of the tour. That is the reason why the Single supplement is given additionally. 

16. ROH, SGL, DBL, TRPL, QDPL, Ex. Bed, CHD, RO, RR, BB, HB, FB, ALL, Al, UAL, UAI. What do these abbreviations stand for?

ROH (run of the house) – accommodation in a room of any category at the discretion of the hotel.
SGL (single) – single accommodation.
DBL (double) – double accommodation; by default, a room can have either one double bed or two separate single (sometimes half) beds (twin).
TRPL (triple) – triple accommodation; a room can be both one double bed and one single bed, or three separate single beds (rarely).
QDPL (quadruple) – quad accommodation.
Ex. Bed (extra bed) – extra bed: folding bed or, more rarely, stationary.
CHD (child) – a child (usually up to 12 years old).
RO (room only) – accommodation without meals.
RR (room rate) – only accommodation without meals.
BB (Bed and Breakfast) – only breakfast is included.
HB (half board) – the price includes breakfast and dinner (sometimes breakfast and lunch).
FB (full board) – the price includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
ALL, Al (all inclusive) – breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, snacks, drinks, various additional services.
UAL, UAI (ultra all inclusive) – an extended version of “All Inclusive”: breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, snacks, drinks, various additional services, an additional assortment of dishes and desserts, additional free food in a la carte restaurants. 

Food:

17. Is the vegetarian food accessible in Kazakhstan?

In Almaty and Nur-Sultan you won’t have any issue with vegetarian food but in provinces it is more complicated. 

18. I follow a special diet – can I count on the suitable menu?

You need to give this information to the tour operators in advance or to your guide on arrival. So we can make arrangements for your food. You should also be prepared for the fact that it will be difficult to keep the entire menu. 

19. What do Half Board and Full Board stand for?

Half board – dinners all along your tour

Full board – all lunches and dinners during your trip

You can choose any of these options or even choose the days when you want FB or HB. 

Entertainments:

20. Where can I see the authentic way of Kazakh life?

In the villages of Kazakhstan. 

21. Where horse riding games are held?

Horse riding games can be organized in different places such as: Kolsai Lakes, Oi Qaragai. 

22. Where the souvenirs can be found?

In the markets in the city, also in mountain Kok Tobe. 

23. What are the rules for visiting bazaars?

At the bazaar you can completely immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Eastern culture, but there are some peculiarities. You have to be very careful and do not forget about caution, since there is the opportunity to meet a pickpocket. Keep your money, camera and documents in a safe place. You may take amazingly colorful photos at the bazaar as well as super portraits but please always ask for the permission if you are taking photo from the very close distance. Sometimes people do not like this and can misunderstood. 

24. What are national holidays in Kazakhstan?

The national holiday in the Republic of Kazakhstan is The Independence Day on 16 December celebrated on 16-17 December. 

Public holidays are the holidays devoted to the events, which have public and political significance, and the holidays traditionally celebrated by the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Celebration of the state holidays can be accompanied by official arrangements. 

Public events in the Republic of Kazakhstan are the holidays celebrated on the following days:
New Year – 1-2 January;
International Women’s Day – 8 March;
Nauryz Meiramy – 22 March;
Unity of the Nations of Kazakhstan – 1 May;
Victory Day – 9 May;
Constitution Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan – 30 August;
Republic Days – 25 October. 

Other: 

25. Can I travel in Kazakhstan with my pets?

It is allowed if you have a veterinarian health certificate with the seal of the local Board of Health. It must be issued maximum 10 days prior to arrival. Pets must have been vaccinated against rabies within 12 months and 30 days prior to arrival. 

26. Is it allowed to bring alcoholic drinks to any of Stans?

Yes, it is allowed as per your airline regulations. 

27. Is it allowed to buy alcohol?

It is not prohibited to buy alcohol if you are over 18 years old. 

28. What type of power socket is used in Kazakhstan?

The power socket in Kazakhstan is European type – C. It has two round parallel contacts. It does not have a third ground pin. The voltage is 220 V. 

29. Is it allowed to take photos?

You can take photos almost everything, but there are places where you have to pay or it is forbidden at all. If you are not sure whether you can take them, ask a guide. 

30. Is it safe to have a walk in the evening in Almaty?

In general it is safe in the evening. But it is recommended to avoid deserted and unlit streets. 

31. Is tap water dangerous?

No, it is not. However, we would recommend you to boil it before drinking. Bottled water can be found in shops all over the country.

32. Can I take money with me as a souvenir?

You can take money with you or exchange it.