Practical information Kazakhstan

1049151  sq.mi

8hrs.

16200000 hab.

The Almaty airport is 10 miles from the town-centre. A journey by taxi is between 10 and 15 dollars. A bus ticket costs about 0.30 cents.

Kazakhstan, like all other Central Asian countries is not really dangerous. The crime rate here is not as high as in most big western cities. However, watch out for your luggage; key them and keep them within sight in your room. Beware of pickpockets especially in bazaars. Avoid fighting with people who sometimes are provocative and uncouth, especially under the effect of vodka.
Note that foreigners were temporarily forbidden to move along some regions of the country (31/08/06):
- Jambyl province: zone of the demarcation line between the Jambyl and Almaty provinces, between the town of Gvardeiski and the railway forkway of Kouljabassy, around six miles west of Otar;
- Western province of Kazakhstan: districts of Bokeiordinski and Jangalinski, that is the southwest part of the province;
- Karaganda province: market towns of Prioziorsk and Gulchad, on the southern bank of lake Balkhach;
- Kyzyl-Orda province: town of Baikonur, Karmakchinski and Kazalinsk districts, in reality the lower course of Syr-Daria up to the eastern part of the Aral sea.
Lastly, if you have a car, it is preferable to be part of a convoy (at least 2 vehicles in good state with fuel, oil and water reserves, etc); buy an insurance cover from a local insurer.
Dangerous highway under the surveillance of hooligans between Aktioubinsk and Moscow (avoid driving at night and never stop on your way).
Useful numbers:
If you are mugged, call the security service at the Home Department: 33.06.22 - 33.25.67 - 61.17.70
Criminal operations: 02

Call duty and emergency night service: (00) - 7 - 3272 - 50.71.14 or 50.25.06.

The official language is Kazak. 95% of the population speak Russian fluently. It is an inter-ethnic language.

European citizens who wish to visit Kazakhstan will need a visa. Your stay must not exceed 30 days for a single entry and 60 days for a double entry. Your passport has to be valid for three months after the visa's date of expiration.
You could be asked to show your travel plans and hotel reservation.

The country is a mosaic composed of Muslims (47%), mainly Sunnites, Orthodox Russians (44%), small Catholic, Lutheran, Jewish and few Buddhist communities.

Flying is the most efficient and quite comfortable means of travelling to certain towns, due to the distance between them, for example Almaty-Atyrau. Travelling by train is long, very long, but is particularly folkloric and rich in discoveries, if you have the time. The same applies to coaches that are faster and more practical than trains. You can always rent a chauffeur-driven car, agreeing on the fare in advance, of course. Get information at the coach stations, train stations or your hotel. Or take shared taxis, making sure you agree on the fare before leaving to avoid bad surprises. The fare is set based on the number of people in the taxi.

No mandatory vaccine is required. Recommended vaccines: diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitises A and B, typhoid and meningitis.

It is recommended to drink bottledwater. Avoid eating raw vegetables and respect the usual hygiene measures such as washing your hands before eating. A HIV/AIDS testing certificate must be shown upon registration at the OVIR (carried out in the UK- no need for a translation- or in Kazakhstan).

An upsurge of hepatitis A and tuberculosis should be pointed out. A few cases of anthrax also.

In case of health problems, contact your embassy rather than going to a local hospital.

Useful numbers:
fire brigade: 01
ambulance services: 03
accidents caused by gas: 04
car accidents: 62.12.32 - 67.90.20
hospital for foreigners: 63.36.74
medical diagnostic centre: 63.36.74

Voltage of 220 V. Adaptor not needed.

unknown.

To call Kazakhstan from the UK:dial 00 + 7 + town code (Almaty: 3272; Astana: 3172; Atyrau: 831 222 + number you are calling.
From Kazakhstan to the UK: dial 8 + 10 + 44 + number you are calling.