Useful tips for travellers

Emergency and other important telephone numbers in Kazakhstan
101 – Fire brigade
102 - Police
103 - Ambulance
104 – Gas leaks
112 – Rescue service
171 – International and interregional telephone communication orders
118 – Directory inquiry service

Business working hours
Usual business working hours in Kazakhstan are from 9.00 till 18.00 with a lunch break between 13.00 and 14.00, though some companies, especially in the service industry might work till 8-10 pm.
Shops in major cities like Astana and Almaty are usually open till 8-10 pm and some supermarkets work 24 hours. Bargaining is usually not acceptable in shops, but it is a common practice in bazaars.

Money

Kazakh national currency is Tenge (KZT). US Dollars, Euro and other major currencies can be easily exchanged to Tenge and back in official exchange bureaus and banks.  It is advisable to keep all documents for money exchange until departure from Kazakhstan.

The majority of European and international credit and debit cards, including Visa, Master Card, Euro Card are accepted in most hotels, large shops and restaurants of Astana and Almaty. In other cities, it is recommended to check with your hotel whether they accept credit card payments or not. Traveller's cheques are not common in Kazakhstan and they are most likely not accepted.

Drinking water
Water in cities is chlorinated, so it is safe to drink. Bottled water is also widely available.

Communication
Mobile phone network coverage is available all over Kazakhstan, though in remote areas the coverage might be limited. Internet access: free Wi-Fi is available in airports and railway stations of major cities (Astana and Almaty). In addition, internet cafes are widely available in cities of Kazakhstan.

Electric power points
Electrical current in Kazakhstan is 220 volts, AC 50Hz. Two-pin power sockets are used, mainly compatible with both German ‘Schuko’ and Europlugs. However, unearthed old sockets, which are compatible with only thin Europlugs (4 mm Soviet standard plugs), can be still in use in some older buildings. German Schuko to Europlug and many other types of adapters are widely available in shops.

If you need any other information about Kazakhstan, please feel free to contact us.

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