Reading this blog will help you get ready for your travel to Kazakhstan. Discover lively cities like Almaty and Nur-Sultan and discover effective ways to get around them using different modes of transportation. Learn how convenient it is to commute between cities by train and air. Cost-effective local SIM cards might help you stay in touch. Know the expense of living for everything from hoteling to food. Accompany us as we explore the marvels of Kazakhstan.
Information about local SIM card
Having a local SIM card is important for remain connected and travelling across Kazakhstan after landing at Astana airport. Choosing the Beeline SIM turned out to be a good decision for me. I was able to get a month of unlimited data for about 8000 Tenge, which is about 18 USD. It was an affordable and good deal. I was impressed by the SIM’s internet coverage and speed, which allowed me to stay, connected throughout my trip, even in remote areas like hill stations and lakes. Furthermore, the bundle encompassed approximately twenty international and one hundred domestic calling minutes, offering an extensive range of communication alternatives. Although there are other SIM options, the Beeline SIM jumped out for its reasonable price, dependable service, and wide coverage, making it a trustworthy option for tourists visiting Kazakhstan.
How to Navigate with in the city in Kazakhstan
The next thing for travelers is finding their way around the city or from the airport to their hotel after obtaining a local SIM card. Although there are other options such as buses, underground railroads, and local taxis, I found Yandex taxi to be the most easy and friendly to use. This service, which is accessible via the Yandex taxi app on iOS and Android devices, is convenient and reasonably priced. Yandex is the better choice when you compare it to other competitors or options like Indrive. It is still an affordable option for tourists, with costs for a 7–10 km ride ranging from 1200 to 2000 tenge (about 2.50–4.50 USD). While buses and trains are available, they can be difficult to utilize because of limited stops at tourist locations and language obstacles. Choosing Yandex taxi guaranteed smooth travels throughout the duration of my trip, offering convenience and comfort in reaching my destinations.
City-to-city Transportation option in Kazakhstan
There are several modes of transportation available for tourists wishing to visit different cities in Kazakhstan, such as buses, trains, and airplanes. Because the nation is so large, nearly 2.7 million square kilometers, traveling between cities can be both exciting and time-consuming. In my case, in order to save time on the about 1250 kilometer trip from Astana to Almaty, I decided to take the flight. Although travelling by rail is a unique experience, the 16-hour trip forced me to make the decision between efficiency and adventure. You can buy train tickets online or directly from the stations, and Kazakhstan offers affordable and good rail services. However, budget friendly options are provided by airlines such as FlyArystan for individuals who prioritize time. Travelers looking for convenience may find flying to be a better option, since I was able to book a flight for only sixty dollars USD, which included a checked-in bag. The decision between fast air travel and exciting train travel ultimately comes down to personal taste and the time constraints of the travelers.
Living expenses for Travelers (accommodation & food)
Let’s explore how much it costs to live in Kazakhstan for tourists, with an emphasis on food and hotel prices, especially in the country’s largest cities, Almaty and Astana.
i. The cost of lodging varies in Kazakhstan based on budget and preferences. My choice of lodging during my week-long visits to Almaty and Astana was comfortable. I used Agoda.com to reserve a place at Yes Apartment in Astana for about 235 USD for seven nights that included breakfast. The property was in a prime location close to the city’s major attractions and offered all the necessities. In Almaty, too, I discovered comparable quality accommodation at a comparable cost. Travelers can discover selections ranging from 15 to 25 USD per night for more affordable lodgings, even though my decision was in the mid-range.
ii. Let’s talk about the food cost, I discovered that Almaty and Astana’s food costs are just as high as they are in Pakistan. Prices were similar to those in Pakistan, whether eating at local restaurants or fast food franchises. For example, a dinner at an international fast food chain costs five to ten USD, and a cup of coffee costs three to five USD. Meals at luxury local restaurants serving traditional Kazakh food ranged in price from 16 to 23 USD. There were also affordable street food options, usually costing between three and five USD. Overall, the cost of food in Kazakhstan turned out to be affordable, and the local food was excellent.
Ultimately, there are a lot of things that visitors may enjoy in Kazakhstan, such as touring stunning cities and enjoying local cuisine. It is rewarding and feasible to travel to this vast country if you have access to affordable accommodation, delicious cuisine, and convenient transportation. Whether you are drawn to the stunning natural beauty outside, the cultural richness of Almaty, or the stylishness of Astana, Kazakhstan extends a warm welcome and an unforgettable experience to anybody who dares to explore. So pack your bags, go out on your journey, and let Kazakhstan reveal its wonders to you.
Tips:
i) You must try local Kazakh cuisines, especially their national meal, which is horse meat locally known as Besbarmaq, You will surely like it. You will find it at any good/famous local restaurant.
Thank you for reading the blog. If you have any questions or suggestions, you can comment below.