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Other Useful Information

Visa

Visitors to Kazakhstan must obtain a visa from one of the Kazakh diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries.

Almaty and Kazakhstan

General information about the host city and country 

Currency, electricity, telephones and other practical information

Currency

Practically all establishments accept only Kazakhstan Tenge (KZT). Banks are ubiquitous, so exchanging currencies will in most cases not present any major difficulties. Exchange offices (some are open 24/7) are very widespread, which often have good rates and charge no commission.

Credit cards are accepted in major supermarkets, restaurants and bars, but this is usually limited to Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

Electricity

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Kazakhstan are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: The "Type C" Europlug and the "Type E" and "Type F" Schuko. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all three types.

    Adapter for "Type C" European CEE 7/16 Europlug

    Adapter for "Type E/F" European CEE 7/4 or CEE 7/5 Schuko

Emergency numbers

In case of emergency, please call "101" (Fire services), "102" (Police), "103" (Ambulance), "104" (Gas Service), "112" (Rescue service in emergency situations).

Time Zone

UTC+6 hours 

Climate

The climate in Almaty is a humid continental climate with very warm summers and cold winters. It is characterised by the influence of mountain-valley circulation, which is especially evident in the northern part of the city, located directly in the transition zone of the mountain slopes to the plains. 

The month of June is characterised by rising daily high temperatures, with daily highs increasing from 26°C to 30°C over the course of the month, exceeding 34°C or dropping below 21°C only one day in ten. 

Tourist information

To See and Do:

  • Kazakhstan English Language Theater (KELT), is the only English language theatre in former Soviet Central Asia. KELT does two shows a year, and runs English language theatre classes and workshops periodically throughout the year. Located on the campus of KIMEP Institute in the heart of Almaty.
  • Presidential Palace - you will not be allowed to go inside. Nonetheless, the scenery and architecture is breathtaking. If the guards are out front, it means the president is there.
  • Arbat: chocolate factory.
  • Medeu: high-mountain sports complex.

(link to: )

Medeu Ice-skating

  • Ride a bicycle. Rentals are available at "External" stores chain.
  • See the famous Charyn canyon and the gorgeous red and orange sandstone layers. This is a three-hour drive from the city. The "Singing Dunes" are also not too far - a day trip.
  • Dance in the city’s various nightclubs and bars if you're in the mood. Remember: do not pay for every drink as you get it. Instead, get a table and get a receipt.
  • Relax at Tau Spa. It is up in the mountains and is worth a visit in summer or winter. Try the plunge pool at -15 degrees!
  • Cheap shopping at Barakholka, a large vendor-style market - find name brands (knock-offs) for cheap. Be aware of pick-pocketing.
  • Visit the Green Market, an indoor/outdoor labyrinth of stalls selling everything from homemade goat cheese or Korean salads to hand-knit woollen mittens and socks and pirated DVDs and CDs. Keep your wallet in your front pocket, lest the pickpockets relieve you of your hard-earned money.
  • Pack a picnic and drive two hours out to the Tamgaly petroglyphs (about 30km past Copa off the road to Bishkek). The famous "Sunman" is worth the drive.