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Guide
Almaty, Kazakhstan π°πΏ
#125
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and serves as its cultural and business hub. |
π₯ Population | Approximate population is about 1.9 million. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | Currency is Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). 1 USD β 460 KZT. |
π° Tap Water | Tap water is generally not considered safe to drink. |
π Power | Electricity supplied is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and F sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers include Kcell, Beeline, and Tele2 with affordable data plans. |
π³ Banking for Expats | International cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. |
π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in urban areas. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local platforms like Kolesa.kz offer many options. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Almaty and Downtowner offer affordable lodging. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center, especially around Dostyk Avenue and Republic Square. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Almalinsky district, with co-working spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Spaces like The Co-Works and Taksim Coworking are popular. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafes like Coffee Point and Dandies are work-friendly. |
πΌ Networking Events | Regular meetups are held at Almaty Hub and other community spots. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Groups like Expat in Almaty share details on Facebook. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi is the most widely used ride-hailing app. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | BikeCity offers bike rentals throughout the city. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Issyk-Kul, about a 3-hour drive away. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Air Astana operates flights within Central Asia. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa serve Almaty on international routes. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Major roads like M29 connect Almaty with other regions. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Almaty-1 railway station is the main transport center. |
π Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes for public buses cost around 5,000 KZT. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect to nearby cities like Shymkent and Taraz. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | The City Clinical Hospital is the top facility in Almaty. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | SANSARA Yoga Studio offers various classes. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness House and World Class Almaty are popular options. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Self-service laundries like Wash&Go are available. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Yandex.Eda are popular delivery services. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Beshbarmak, a traditional dish made from boiled meat and noodles. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Places like Vegan Nook serve plant-based foods. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Tooth Cafe offers a variety of desserts. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Green Bazaar is a great place for local produce and snacks. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Kaspi.kz is a popular online marketplace. |
π Grocery Delivery | SberMarket offers grocery delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The city center around Zhibek Zholy has a vibrant nightlife. |
π» Local Brewery | Almaty Brewery produces local craft beers. |
π· Wine Bars | Vino offers a great selection of local and international wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Stalls around Zhibek Zholy Boulevard offer local street foods. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Many restaurants serve Russian, Chinese, and Italian cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Almaty Opera House and Medeu Skating Rink are must-visit spots. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Central State Museum showcases Kazakhstanβs history. |
π° Historical Sites | The Ascension Cathedral is a prominent historical site. |
π Religious Sites | Zenkov Cathedral is a major orthodox landmark. |
π Annual Events | The Almaty Marathon is held annually in September. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The Old Town features numerous cultural sites. |
π Theater Venues | The Kazakh Drama Theater is a key performance venue. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Green Bazaar and other markets offer local crafts and produce. |
πΌ Music Scene | Studios like the Jazz Club provide live music experiences. |
π¨ Street Art | Murals in the city center showcase local artists. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | The Kazakh Culinary School offers workshops. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | The Aspan Gallery features contemporary art. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Palace of the Republic is an architectural highlight. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The Kazakh yurt is a symbol of nomadic heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | The Big Almaty Lake, within a one-hour drive, offers stunning scenery. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Ile-Alatau National Park is just outside Almaty. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Grand Almaty River are popular for biking. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Kok-Tobe hill provides panoramic views of the city. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The Almaty Zoo includes opportunities for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Outdoor camping areas near the Big Almaty Lake allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Kazpost provide reliable delivery services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local services like Tech Repair Almaty specialize in device fixes. |
π Table Tennis Spots | The Sports Complex offers ping pong facilities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Language schools like Lingua offer Kazakh and Russian classes. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The Almaty Central Library is a quiet study location. |
ποΈ Community Centers | The Almaty Center for Creative Technologies hosts events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Gamer's Space provides a platform for eSports. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Zodiak is one of the prominent gaming venues. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $72,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $60,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $132,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $108,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $200,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $160,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is 20%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividends are subject to a 15% withholding tax. |
π¦ Tax System | Kazakhstan has a territorial tax system for residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 10%. |
π§Ύ VAT | Value Added Tax is 12%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply for foreign companies. |
π Property Tax | Property tax is based on property value calculations. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 1% on property transactions. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Kazakhstan has a 0% tax rate on foreign income for non-residents. |