Almaty, Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
#125
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and serves as its cultural and business hub. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is about 1.9 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). 1 USD ≈ 460 KZT. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not considered safe to drink. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supplied is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Kcell, Beeline, and Tele2 with affordable data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local platforms like Kolesa.kz offer many options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Almaty and Downtowner offer affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center, especially around Dostyk Avenue and Republic Square. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Almalinsky district, with co-working spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Spaces like The Co-Works and Taksim Coworking are popular. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafes like Coffee Point and Dandies are work-friendly. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups are held at Almaty Hub and other community spots. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Groups like Expat in Almaty share details on Facebook. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi is the most widely used ride-hailing app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | BikeCity offers bike rentals throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Issyk-Kul, about a 3-hour drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Astana operates flights within Central Asia. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa serve Almaty on international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads like M29 connect Almaty with other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Almaty-1 railway station is the main transport center. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes for public buses cost around 5,000 KZT. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect to nearby cities like Shymkent and Taraz. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The City Clinical Hospital is the top facility in Almaty. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | SANSARA Yoga Studio offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness House and World Class Almaty are popular options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundries like Wash&Go are available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Yandex.Eda are popular delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Beshbarmak, a traditional dish made from boiled meat and noodles. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Places like Vegan Nook serve plant-based foods. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Tooth Cafe offers a variety of desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Green Bazaar is a great place for local produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Kaspi.kz is a popular online marketplace. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | SberMarket offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The city center around Zhibek Zholy has a vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Almaty Brewery produces local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vino offers a great selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Stalls around Zhibek Zholy Boulevard offer local street foods. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many restaurants serve Russian, Chinese, and Italian cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Almaty Opera House and Medeu Skating Rink are must-visit spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Central State Museum showcases Kazakhstan’s history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Ascension Cathedral is a prominent historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Zenkov Cathedral is a major orthodox landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Almaty Marathon is held annually in September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town features numerous cultural sites. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Kazakh Drama Theater is a key performance venue. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Green Bazaar and other markets offer local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Studios like the Jazz Club provide live music experiences. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals in the city center showcase local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Kazakh Culinary School offers workshops. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Aspan Gallery features contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Palace of the Republic is an architectural highlight. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Kazakh yurt is a symbol of nomadic heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Big Almaty Lake, within a one-hour drive, offers stunning scenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Ile-Alatau National Park is just outside Almaty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Grand Almaty River are popular for biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Kok-Tobe hill provides panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Almaty Zoo includes opportunities for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Outdoor camping areas near the Big Almaty Lake allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Kazpost provide reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local services like Tech Repair Almaty specialize in device fixes. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Sports Complex offers ping pong facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like Lingua offer Kazakh and Russian classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Almaty Central Library is a quiet study location. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Almaty Center for Creative Technologies hosts events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer's Space provides a platform for eSports. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Zodiak is one of the prominent gaming venues. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividends are subject to a 15% withholding tax. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Kazakhstan has a territorial tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 10%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply for foreign companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on property value calculations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 1% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Kazakhstan has a 0% tax rate on foreign income for non-residents. |