Group trips to Kazakhstan

If you are a UK citizen, to find out the entry requirements for Kazakhstan, you can check this informational page from our partner Sherpa. If you need a visa, you can apply for it through Sherpa. If you are not a UK citizen, you can still use Sherpa by changing the nationality in the 'Passport' section.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Kazakhstan – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Kazakhstan spans across two time zones: East Kazakhstan Time (GMT+6) and West Kazakhstan Time (GMT+5).

• If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 6pm in East Kazakhstan and 5pm in West Kazakhstan.
• If it is 12pm in New York, USA, it will be 10pm in East Kazakhstan and 9pm in West Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan doesn't observe daylight saving time, so these time differences remain constant throughout the year.

Kazakhstan covers two time zones. Western Kazakhstan operates on West Kazakhstan Time (UTC+5), while Eastern Kazakhstan uses East Kazakhstan Time (UTC+6). If it is 12 pm in the UK, it will be 5 pm in Western Kazakhstan and 6 pm in Eastern Kazakhstan. For the USA, if it is 12 pm Eastern Time, it will be 10 pm in Western Kazakhstan and 11 pm in Eastern Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan does not observe daylight saving time, so these time differences remain consistent throughout the year.

Kazakhstan uses the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) as its currency. The daily exchange rate is approximately:

• 1 GBP to 590 KZT
• 1 USD to 470 KZT
• 1 EUR to 510 KZT

You can exchange currency at banks, official exchange offices, and some hotels. Make sure to check rates as they can vary slightly between providers.

Kazakhstan uses the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) as its currency. The daily exchange rate can fluctuate, but on average you might expect:

• around 550 KZT for 1 GBP
• 450 KZT for 1 USD
• and 500 KZT for 1 EUR

You can exchange currency at banks, official exchange kiosks, and some hotels throughout the country. Always check for the latest rates before you exchange your money.

Payment methods in Kazakhstan include cash, credit cards, and mobile payments.

• Credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in cities and larger towns, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller shops or rural areas.
• Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming increasingly popular, especially in urban areas.

Having a mix of payment options will ensure you're prepared for any situation.

In Kazakhstan, you can pay with cash, credit cards, and mobile payment apps. Credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in cities, but it's a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller towns or markets. ATMs are common and dispense local currency, the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Using mobile apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay is becoming more popular in urban areas. Remember to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards.

Tipping in Kazakhstan is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, you can leave around 10 percent of the bill as a tip if you are happy with the service. For taxi drivers and hotel staff, rounding up the fare or bill is a nice gesture. It's always good to carry some local currency for tipping, as not everyone accepts credit card tips.

Tipping in Kazakhstan is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a tip of around 10 percent is common if you've had good service. Taxis don't typically require tipping, but rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. For hotel staff like porters, a small tip is appreciated for good service. Keep some small local currency bills handy for tipping when you feel it's deserved.

In Kazakhstan, internet access is generally good in urban areas, but coverage can be spotty in rural regions. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and shopping centers in cities. However, for more reliable connectivity, especially if you're traveling around, we suggest you buy a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan. Popular providers include:

• Beeline
• Kcell
• Tele2

These offer various data packages that can suit your needs. Just make sure your phone is unlocked to use a local SIM.

In Kazakhstan, buying a local SIM card is a good idea for staying connected. Local providers like Kcell, Beeline, and Tele2 offer affordable plans with good coverage. You can purchase a SIM at the airport, in major cities, or at authorized retailers. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and public areas in larger cities, but it might be less reliable in rural regions. If you want consistent access, a local SIM or an e-SIM data plan is recommended.

In Kazakhstan, people mainly speak Kazakh and Russian. Kazakh is the state language, while Russian is commonly used in business and everyday communication. Here are some useful expressions you might hear or use:

• Hello: Salam (Kazakh), Privet (Russian)
• Thank you: Rakhmet (Kazakh), Spasibo (Russian)
• Yes: Iya (Kazakh), Da (Russian)
• No: Zhok (Kazakh), Nyet (Russian)
• Please: Otinish (Kazakh), Pozhaluysta (Russian)

In Kazakhstan, the official language is Kazakh, but Russian is also widely spoken and understood. Here are some useful Kazakh expressions you might hear or use:

• Hello: Sälem
• Thank you: Rakhmet
• Please: Ötiniş
• Yes: Iä
• No: Joq

It's always nice to learn a few local phrases to enhance your travel experience!

Kazakhstan uses Type C and Type F plugs, which are the same as those used in most of Europe. The voltage is 220V, and the frequency is 50Hz. If your devices are from the UK, the USA, or other countries with different plug types, we recommend you bring a universal adapter to ensure compatibility with Kazakhstani sockets. Always check your device's voltage compatibility to avoid any issues.

In Kazakhstan, the plugs are of type C and F. The voltage is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz. If you're traveling from a country that uses different plug types, like the UK or the USA, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to charge your devices. Make sure your electronics are compatible with 220V to avoid any issues.

In Kazakhstan, the main religion is Islam, with a significant portion of the population being Muslim. It's important to note that Kazakhstan is a secular country, so religious practices can vary widely. However, if you're visiting, it's respectful to dress modestly, especially in religious sites. Women might consider wearing clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Important religious holidays include Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which are celebrated widely across the country.

In Kazakhstan, the main religion is Islam, with a majority of ethnic Kazakhs being Sunni Muslims. Although Kazakhstan is a secular state, many cultural practices are influenced by Islamic traditions. Important religious holidays include Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, which are widely celebrated. While visiting mosques or religious sites, women should consider covering their shoulders and wearing a headscarf, and both men and women should dress modestly by covering their knees.

Kazakhstan offers a variety of climates, so packing smartly is key. Here's a helpful list for your backpack:

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight shirts and trousers for summer
  • Warm layers for winter, like a down jacket
  • A raincoat or umbrella
  • Swimwear if visiting the Caspian Sea
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals for warmer days
  • Waterproof boots for winter
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Sunglasses and a hat
  • Portable charger
  • Travel adapter (Kazakhstan uses Type C and F plugs)
  • Camera or smartphone for photos
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Basic toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Common travel medications like pain relievers and anti-diarrheal pills

When packing for Kazakhstan, consider its diverse climate and range of activities. Here's a handy list to help you get ready:

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight layers for summer
  • Warm jacket for cool evenings
  • Waterproof jacket for rain
  • Scarf or shawl
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals for warmer weather
  • Hiking boots if you plan to explore nature
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Universal travel adapter
  • Camera or smartphone
  • Portable charger
  • Sunglasses
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Basic toiletries, like shampoo and toothpaste
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Common travel medication, such as pain relievers and anti-diarrheal pills

Kazakhstan can have extreme weather, so pack accordingly to stay comfortable during your travels.

Kazakhstan has a diverse climate due to its vast size, so the weather varies depending on the region and season.

• Northern Kazakhstan: Cold winters with temperatures dropping to -20°C, and warm summers around 25°C. Best time to visit is late spring or early autumn.
• Southern Kazakhstan: Milder winters, around -5°C, and hot summers reaching up to 30°C. Best time to visit is spring or autumn.
• Central Kazakhstan: Experiences extreme temperatures, with very cold winters and hot summers. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times to visit.

Overall, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are generally the best times to travel for pleasant weather conditions.

Kazakhstan experiences a wide range of weather conditions due to its large size and diverse geography. Here’s a general idea of what to expect:

• Northern Kazakhstan: Cold winters and warm summers. Winters can drop to -20°C (-4°F), while summers reach around 30°C (86°F).
• Southern Kazakhstan: Mild winters and hot summers. Winter temperatures can be around 0°C (32°F), and summers can soar to 40°C (104°F).
• Best time to visit: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer comfortable temperatures and pleasant weather throughout the country.