Almaty, Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
#125
43.236392, 76.945727
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and serves as its cultural and economic hub. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.9 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 50 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 KZT ≈ 0.0021 USD, 1 USD ≈ 480 KZT |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable in most areas, but it's advisable to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Beeline, Kcell, and Tele2 offer good mobile coverage and data packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards are widely accepted (Visa, MasterCard). |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and hotels in various price ranges. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most places accept cards, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental websites provide various options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Almaty is a popular choice for budget travelers. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | COWORKING ALMATY - quality workspace with high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Chekhov offers a quiet atmosphere and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech meetup events are regularly held at the Impact Hub Almaty. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | KzExpats Facebook Group organizes regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi provides reliable and affordable rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental services are available near major parks. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | There are no beaches, but you can visit the banks of the Ili River, about 1 hour away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Astana operates routes to regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Astana and Flynas offer international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via major highways leading to other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Almaty-2 Railway Station serves as the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes are available for bus and metro, costing around 3000 KZT. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect to nearby cities like Almaty and Taldykorgan. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Republican Clinical Hospital is one of the largest in Almaty. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Club Almaty offers a variety of classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fit Studio and World Class are popular fitness centers. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services are available in various neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Yandex.Eda are the top food delivery apps. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Beshbarmak (boiled meat with pasta) is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | GreenBox offers various plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Makata serves delicious pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Medeu Market offers a variety of local foods at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Kaspi.kz for local online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Chocofamily.kz provides grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Zhibek Zholy street is known for its vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Almaty Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Room Almaty specializes in Kazakh wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try Shashlik (grilled skewers) at various street vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and sushi places are popular among locals. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Medeu Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort are popular attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Central State Museum of Kazakhstan offers cultural insights. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Zenkov Cathedral is a must-see historical landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Ascension Cathedral is known for its stunning architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Almaty Winter Festival features various winter activities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Panfilov Street is vibrant with restaurants and shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Kazakh State Academic Drama Theater hosts regular performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Green Bazaar offers local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Rock and jazz venues can be found in the city center. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Visit the streets of Almaty for vibrant murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes are available through the Almaty Culinary School. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Vernissage Art Gallery showcases contemporary Kazakh art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Abai Opera House is a stunning architectural gem. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Nomadic history is celebrated at various cultural festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Ili-Alatau National Park offers vast hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Altyn Emel National Park is within a few hours' drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails near the Big Almaty Lake provide excellent walking options. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Kok Tobe Hill offers panoramic city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatch in the nearby mountains during spring. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated zones in the mountains allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Kazpost provides reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | TechnoShop offers a variety of tech repair options. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | International House Almaty offers various language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan is a great study spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various centers provide cultural and social activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer's Cafe is popular among local gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Zodiak offers a range of gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 10%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable under certain conditions. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Deals typically involve a 1% transfer tax. |