Curated by Vinod Kumar Jain & Amit Jain · All Frontier Global · free, no login · reviewed 2026-07-05
Endless steppe, futuristic cities and wild canyons
Trade agreements (9): Kazakhstan is a founding member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and a WTO member; there is no bilateral India FTA, but Kazakhstan is central to India's Connect Central Asia policy and INSTC trade route.
Passport strength: visa-free/VOA to ~80 destinations. Strong regional and some European access.
India × Kazakhstan hub ↗ All countries factsheet
Indian passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 14 days or apply for an e-visa for longer tourist stays. Many nationalities enjoy visa-free access for 30 days or use the e-visa system.
e-Visa: yes · Visa on arrival: Varies by nationality
Almaty has a single-line metro plus buses and BRT, while Astana relies on buses; the Yandex Go app is the standard for ride-hailing, and trains link the major cities across vast distances.
Car vs taxi: For Almaty and Astana, the Yandex Go app is cheap and reliable; distances are enormous, so combine flights or trains with a rental only for specific regional trips.
Money: The Kazakhstani tenge (KZT) is the currency; cards are widely accepted in cities (Kaspi is ubiquitous), but carry cash for bazaars and remote areas.
SIM & data: Buy a Beeline, Kcell/Activ or Tele2 SIM at the airport or in shops; passport registration is required, and data is inexpensive.
Tipping: A 10 percent service charge is common in Almaty and Astana restaurants; if absent, leaving 10 percent is appreciated, and small tips suit hotel and taxi staff.
Etiquette: Kazakhs value hospitality; accept offered tea and bread, remove shoes in homes, and show respect to elders; a firm handshake between men is customary.
Food: Beshbarmak (boiled meat with noodles) is the national dish; also try kazy horse sausage, plov, baursak fried dough, and kumis (fermented mare's milk).
Say hello: Kazakh — “Sälem” · thanks “Rahmet” · how much? “Qanşa turadı?”
Kazakhstan is generally safe for travellers; petty crime exists in cities, and the vast steppe and harsh winters call for preparation on long journeys.
For nomads: Almaty and Astana have growing tech communities with coworking spaces; modern infrastructure and expat-friendly.
Education: Expanding expat schools in Almaty and Astana; moderate costs.
Healthcare: Modern healthcare in major cities; private care accessible.
Indian passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 14 days or apply for an e-visa for longer tourist stays. Many nationalities enjoy visa-free access for 30 days or use the e-visa system.
Kazakhstan uses the Kazakhstani tenge (KZT). Capital: Astana.
Kazakhstan is a founding member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and a WTO member; there is no bilateral India FTA, but Kazakhstan is central to India's Connect Central Asia policy and INSTC trade route.
Kazakhstan is generally safe for travellers; petty crime exists in cities, and the vast steppe and harsh winters call for preparation on long journeys.