Visiting
Business hours
Official hours of business are from 9.00am - 6.00pm.
Government hours are from 9.00am - 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Bank hours are from 9.00am - 6.00pm, Monday to Friday. Some banks are open later in the evening and may be open on Saturdays and even Sundays, although this should be confirmed in advance.
Retail hours often extend late into the evening, with 10.00pm a typical closing time.
Public holidays
January 1-2 – New Year's Day
January 7 – Orthodox Christmas
March 8 – International Women's Day
March 21-23 – Nauryz (Persian/Turkic New Year)
May 1 – May Day
May 9 – Victory Day
July 6 – Capital Day
August 30 – Constitution Day
December 16-17 – Independence Day
10th day of the 12th and the last Islamic month – Kurban Ayt (Muslim Greater Eid)
Climate
The climate is continental, with warm summers and very cold winters. Precipitation varies between arid and semi-arid conditions and there are gradual change of natural zones between forest steppes, steppes, semi-deserts and deserts. The south of the country is warmer than the north. Average temperature of January, the coldest month, ranges from -5 C in southern areas to -20C or colder in the north. In summer, average July temperature ranges from +18C in the north to +29C in the south.
For weather details in Kazakhstan, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The official currency is the Kazakh tenge (KZT).
In 2005, new currency regulations were adopted, further liberalising the currency control regime. However, it also introduced certain additional control and reporting requirements (eg branches and representative offices of foreign legal entities are now subject to special currency monitoring).
As of February 2011, Kazakhstan has returned to a pre-crisis managed float exchange regime and implemented a strict exchange rate corridor as a cushioning measure following a steep devaluation of the tenge during the global financial crisis.
The Kazakh banking system operates in a manner similar to Western practice. It is no longer necessary (nor advisable) to carry large amounts of cash. Most transaction are conducted through the banking system, and not in cash. ATM machines are widely available.
Import or export of foreign cash or its equivalent in local currency in excess of US$3,000 is subject to a mandatory written declaration. Non-residents may export foreign cash under $10,000 with no documents confirming its origin. But generally you should exercise due care if carrying substantial amounts of cash. Kazakh tenge may not be exported.
Exchange points (some 3,300 throughout the country) and banks are widely available throughout Kazakh cities. Most exchange points display their rates out the front.
Take normal precautions when choosing an exchange point, with well-lit locations best. Ideally use an exchange point that only admits customers one at a time. Always count your change in front of the clerk before leaving the window.
US dollars and euros are the easiest currencies to exchange. It is rarely possible to exchange Australian dollars and rates are usually not favourable.
International credit cards are generally acceptable, particularly in the main centres of Almaty and Astana. If you are travelling in other parts of Kazakhstan, it is recommended to check on the availability of ATMs and whether the hotel where you are staying accepts international credit cards. Many hotels offer basic banking facilities such as currency exchange and cash advances on your credit card, although rates may not be favourable.
Traveller’s cheques are not widely used in Kazakhstan/CIS.
Time zones and time differences
There are two time zones across Kazakhstan. The western time zone, which includes the cities of Aktau, Atyrau, Kul’sary and Oral, was merged with the central time zone recently. The country also eliminated daylight saving time in 2005.
Astana (capital city) and Almaty (business centre) are located in the same time zone which is UTC/GMT +6 hours. This is 4-5 hours behind the Australian east coast (depending on time of year).
To find out the current time in Kazakhstan, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
Kazakhstan’s country code is 7.
For calls to Kazakhstan from Australia dial: 0011 + 7 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from Kazakhstan to Australia dial: 8 + 10 + 61 + area code + telephone number. From your mobile phone, you can dial +61 + area code + telephone.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
Kazakhstan’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz. The round two-pin European plugs are the most common.
Links and resources
Travel and tourism
Air-Astana Airlines – www.air-astana.kz
Central Asia Tourism Corporation – www.centralasiatourism.com
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.