Kazakhstan

Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) — exchange USD or EUR on arrival in Almaty or Astana

Kazakhstan uses the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT, symbol ₸). Check the current rate before travel — the tenge is oil-linked and Kazakhstan is a major oil exporter, so the currency tracks crude loosely. Exchange offices (обменники) in Almaty's city centre and in Astana offer the best rates — consistently better than airport counters. Bring USD or EUR in clean, undamaged notes; older series USD bills (pre-2013) are sometimes refused at stricter exchange points. The Russian ruble is also accepted at many exchange offices near the Russian border but at less convenient rates. Avoid street currency traders.

ATMs widely available in Almaty and Astana; Kaspi Bank and Halyk Bank ATMs are the most reliable for foreign cards

ATMs are plentiful in Almaty and Astana, and reasonably available in Shymkent, Aktau, and other regional centres. Kaspi Bank and Halyk Bank machines reliably accept international Visa and Mastercard cards. Typical withdrawal limits: 150,000–300,000 KZT per transaction. ATM fees: your own bank's international withdrawal fee plus occasionally a small local fee. In smaller towns, rural areas, and national parks like Charyn Canyon, ATMs are sparse or absent — withdraw sufficient KZT in the city before heading out. Notify your bank before travel as Kazakhstan can trigger fraud alerts.

Cards accepted in modern venues — Kaspi Pay dominant for locals; Apple Pay and Google Pay functional via international cards

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and shopping centres in Almaty and Astana. Kazakhstan's dominant payment ecosystem is Kaspi Bank's own QR payment system (Kaspi Pay/QR), used by most locals — you will see QR codes everywhere but this requires a Kazakhstani Kaspi account. For visitors, contactless card payments work at larger chains. Apple Pay and Google Pay function at contactless terminals when you have an international card linked. Local businesses, bazaars (Zelyony Bazaar in Almaty, Karaganda bazaars), taxis, and rural accommodation are cash-only. Always carry KZT cash for daily spending.

Budget guide: street samsa ~150 KZT; restaurant meal 2,000–5,000 KZT; Charyn Canyon taxi 15,000–25,000 KZT from Almaty

Kazakhstan is affordable by European standards. Street food: samsa (baked pastry) 100–200 KZT; lagman noodle soup at a local canteen 800–1,500 KZT. Mid-range restaurant in Almaty: 3,000–8,000 KZT per person with drinks. A taxi from Almaty to Charyn Canyon (200 km): 15,000–25,000 KZT negotiated. Hotel in Almaty: budget guesthouses from 5,000–8,000 KZT/night; business hotels 25,000–50,000 KZT. Almaty metro: 80 KZT/ride. Tipping is not traditional but a 5–10% tip at restaurants is appreciated in tourist areas. Yurt stays on the steppe: 5,000–12,000 KZT/night including meals.