£1 KZT 641.74
Today
7:58 am
+5h from you
Weather in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
11°
Mainly clear
Fri
-4
11
Sat
0
12
Sun
-2
13
Mon
-2
13
Tue
0
13
SPF level in Kazakhstan
Recommended: SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 30
Autumn
SPF 15
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Kazakhstan
Tipping in Kazakhstan
Tipping is not obligatory in Kazakhstan, but it is becoming increasingly common, especially in tourist areas, for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service.
Bar/Café
5-10% for good service.
Taxi
Round up the fare or add a small tip.
Hotel Porter
100-200 KZT per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
1000-2000 KZT per day.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price for a good tour.
Safety in Kazakhstan
Tips for British travellers
Kazakhstan is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Carry your original driving licence or passport at all times as police may ask for it and copies are not acceptable.
Avoid walking alone at night, and pre-arrange your transport instead of using unofficial taxis or one already occupied by a passenger.
Keep valuables hidden as pickpocketing is very common in crowded places like markets and on public transport.
Only change money at banks or officially authorised currency exchanges where you will need to present your passport.
Use ATMs inside banks if possible and check street ATMs for tampering to avoid bank card fraud.
Bonus tips:
Be aware that drink spiking is a risk in nightclubs and bars, so do not leave drinks unattended and avoid going off with people you do not know.
Shops are not allowed to sell alcohol between 11pm and 8am, and higher-strength alcohol cannot be sold between 9pm and 12 noon.
Driving in Kazakhstan
A UK driving license is valid for driving in Kazakhstan for a short tourist visit. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your UK license.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Kazakhstan drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
102
Ambulance
103
Fire
101
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Kazakhstan
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Kazakhstan uses 220V electricity with a frequency of 50Hz. Plug types C and F are standard. British travelers will need a plug adapter.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more common in Kazakhstan, especially in larger cities and tourist establishments. However, cash is still widely used and preferred, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
ATMs in Kazakhstan
ATMs are available in major cities and tourist areas but may be less common in rural areas. Ensure the ATM displays logos of major card networks like Visa or Mastercard.
Local name
Банкомат
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are the most convenient way to get local currency. Check with your bank about international fees before you travel.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU roaming regulations no longer apply. Check with your UK mobile provider about roaming charges in Kazakhstan. Roaming charges can be very expensive, so consider purchasing a local SIM card if you plan to use your phone extensively.
Local SIM data package
50 GB for 15000 KZT (~£25)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Kcell, Beeline, Tele2
WiFi & internet
Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities. Coverage may be limited in rural areas.
Average speed
25 Mbps
Public Wi-Fi can be found in many locations, but the speed and reliability can vary. Consider using a VPN for security when using public networks.
Health & vaccinations in Kazakhstan
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, hospital stays, and repatriation. Check if your policy covers activities you plan to participate in, such as hiking or skiing. It's also advisable to carry a copy of your insurance details with you.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date advice on required and recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention measures for Kazakhstan. Ensure you are up-to-date with your routine vaccinations. Drink bottled or boiled water and avoid ice in drinks. Be cautious about food hygiene to avoid stomach upsets.
Calling Kazakhstan
Country code
+7
To call Kazakhstan from the UK, dial 00 followed by the country code 7, then the area code (if applicable) and the local number.
To call a number in Astana (area code 7172), you would dial 00 7 7172 and the local number.
The country code for Kazakhstan is 7. When calling from abroad, you'll need to use the exit code of the country you are calling from, followed by 7, and then the phone number. Mobile phone coverage is generally good in urban areas.
UK Embassy in Kazakhstan
British Embassy Astana
62 Kosmonavtov Street 12th Floor Astana 010000
Airports in Kazakhstan
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.