Travel tips · Almaty · Kazakhstan
Almaty travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Dauren Nabijan, CC0
Quick answer
Almaty reflects Kazakhstan's mix of nomadic Kazakh heritage, Russian and Soviet influence, and Uyghur, Korean, Tatar and other communities. Russian is the everyday language of much of the city, while Kazakh is the state language and increasingly heard. Hospitality is central: guests are welcomed with tea and a laden dastarkhan.
Key facts
- Language
- Kazakh and Russian
- Currency
- KZT
- Plugs
- Type C and F sockets, 220 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is treated, but most visitors drink bottled or boiled water.
- Emergency
- 112 (general emergency); 102 police, 103 ambulance
Things to know
- Take off your shoes when entering a home; slippers are usually offered.
- Accept tea when offered, and never put bread upside down or throw it away; it is treated with respect.
- Greet elders first and with respect; men often shake hands, but wait for a woman to offer hers.
- Dress modestly at mosques and Orthodox churches, and women should carry a headscarf.
- Ask before photographing people, especially at the market.
- Weekday business lunches are the best-value way to eat in good restaurants.
Tipping
Restaurants often include a service charge; if not, about 10% is customary for good service. Taxi fares through apps do not need tips, and rounding up is enough elsewhere.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sälemetsiz be | Hello (formal, Kazakh) |
| Rakhmet | Thank you (Kazakh) |
| Sau bolyñyz | Goodbye (Kazakh) |
| Spasibo | Thank you (Russian) |
| Skolko stoit? | How much is it? (Russian) |
What to wear
Almaty is fashion-conscious and city clothing is smart-casual; for the mountains bring proper hiking shoes and warm layers, as conditions change quickly.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and F sockets, 220 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is treated, but most visitors drink bottled or boiled water.
- Emergency number
- 112 (general emergency); 102 police, 103 ambulance
- Phone and internet
- Mobile data is fast and cheap; local SIM cards and eSIMs are easy to buy, and coverage drops in the mountains.
- Time zone
- Asia/Almaty
Mountain weather changes quickly, so carry layers and water on hikes and check conditions before heading to high altitude. Winter smog can affect people with breathing conditions, and ticks are a risk in the foothills in spring and early summer.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Kazakhstan's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Almaty?
Restaurants often include a service charge; if not, about 10% is customary for good service. Taxi fares through apps do not need tips, and rounding up is enough elsewhere.
+Can you drink the tap water in Almaty?
Tap water is treated, but most visitors drink bottled or boiled water.
+What plugs are used in Almaty?
Type C and F sockets, 220 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Almaty?
Kazakh and Russian.