Money & Banking in Kazakhstan

Currency

Kazakhstan's currency is the Tenge (₸), abbreviated as KZT. One tenge divides into 100 tiyn, though tiyn coins are rarely used.

Banknotes in Circulation

• 200₸: Yellowish-brown (rare, being phased out)
• 500₸: Orange-red
• 1,000₸: Green
• 2,000₸: Green-blue
• 5,000₸: Red-orange
• 10,000₸: Blue-violet
• 20,000₸: Purple (less common, many places won't accept)

Coins

Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 tenge. Keep coins for public transport, lockers, and small purchases.

Exchange Rates

The tenge fluctuates against major currencies. As of 2024, approximate rates:

• 1 USD = 450-470 KZT
• 1 EUR = 490-520 KZT
• 1 GBP = 570-600 KZT
• 1 RUB = 5-6 KZT
• 1 CNY = 63-67 KZT

Check current rates: XE.com or National Bank of Kazakhstan

Getting Cash

ATMs (Bankomats)

ATMs are widespread in cities and towns, less common in rural areas. Most accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and UnionPay.

Reliable ATM Networks:

• Kaspi Bank: Most widespread, green ATMs everywhere
• Halyk Bank: Large network, reliable for foreign cards
• Jusan Bank: Good coverage in cities
• ForteBank: Common in shopping centers
• Bank CenterCredit: Often in hotels and malls

ATM Tips:

• Maximum withdrawal: Usually 150,000-200,000₸ per transaction
• Daily limits: Depends on your home bank, typically $500-1000
• Fees: Local banks charge 1-2% or flat fee (1,000-2,000₸)
• Language options: Kazakh, Russian, English available
• Security: Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers when possible

Currency Exchange

Exchange offices (обмен валют/ayırbastau) are plentiful in cities.

Where to Exchange:

• Banks: Best rates, secure, but slower service
• Licensed exchange offices: Convenient, decent rates
• Hotels: Poor rates, use only in emergencies
• Airports: Acceptable rates at Almaty/Astana, worse elsewhere
• Black market: Illegal and unnecessary—avoid

Accepted Currencies:

• USD & EUR: Accepted everywhere, best rates
• RUB: Widely accepted
• GBP: Major cities only
• CNY: Border areas and major cities
• Other: Difficult outside Almaty/Astana

Note: Bills must be in perfect condition—no tears, marks, or stamps. USD bills older than 2009 may be rejected.

Credit & Debit Cards

Card Acceptance

Card usage varies significantly by location:

• Major cities: Widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, taxis
• Small towns: Limited to some shops and restaurants
• Rural areas: Cash only
• Markets/bazaars: Cash only
• Public transport: Moving to card payments in major cities

Accepted Card Types

• Visa: Most widely accepted
• Mastercard: Widely accepted
• American Express: Luxury hotels and some restaurants only
• UnionPay: Increasingly accepted
• Discover/Diners: Very limited

Contactless Payments

NFC payments (tap-to-pay) work in many locations. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay accepted where you see contactless symbols.

Daily Budget Guidelines

Backpacker (8,000-15,000₸/day)

• Hostel accommodation
• Street food and cafeterias
• Public transport
• Free attractions and walking tours

Mid-Range (20,000-40,000₸/day)

• Private hotel room
• Restaurant meals
• Occasional taxis
• Paid attractions and activities

Luxury (60,000₸+/day)

• 4-5 star hotels
• Fine dining
• Private transport
• Guided tours and premium activities

Tipping Culture

Tipping isn't mandatory but is becoming more common in tourist areas:

• Restaurants: 10% for good service (check if service charge included)
• Cafes: Round up the bill or leave small change
• Taxis: Round up to nearest 100₸
• Hotels: 500-1,000₸ for porters, 1,000-2,000₸ daily for housekeeping
• Guides: 10-15% of tour cost
• Hairdressers/Spa: 10% appreciated
• Delivery: 200-500₸

Money-Saving Tips

Transportation

• Use Yandex Taxi or inDrive apps instead of street taxis
• Book trains in advance for better prices
• Share taxis (negotiate before departure)
• Buy transport cards for multi-ride discounts

Food

• Eat at stolovayas (canteens) for cheap local food
• Shop at bazaars rather than supermarkets
• Business lunch specials (12-3pm) offer great value
• Buy groceries at Magnum, Small, or local markets

Accommodation

• Book directly with hotels for better rates
• Consider apartment rentals for longer stays
• Stay slightly outside city centers
• Check for weekend discounts at business hotels

General

• Negotiate prices at markets (except food)
• Buy SIM card for data instead of roaming
• Many museums free on certain days
• Download offline maps to avoid data charges

Banking Services for Visitors

Opening a Bank Account

Possible but complicated for tourists. Requirements typically include:

• Passport with valid visa
• Registration (temporary residence permit)
• Tax number (IIN)
• Local phone number
• Minimum deposit (varies by bank)

Money Transfers

International transfer services available:

• Western Union: Wide network, instant transfers
• MoneyGram: Available at banks and post offices
• Bank transfers: SWIFT available but slow (3-5 days)
• Online services: Wise, PayPal limited functionality

Emergency Money Situations

Lost/Stolen Cards

1. Contact your bank immediately to block cards
2. File police report (needed for insurance)
3. Emergency cash via Western Union from home
4. Contact embassy for emergency assistance

Emergency Contacts

• Visa Global Assistance: +1-303-967-1096
• Mastercard Global Service: +1-636-722-7111
• American Express: +44-20-8840-6461

Backup Options

• Keep emergency cash in hotel safe
• Carry backup card from different bank
• Photo/photocopy of cards (secured)
• Know your bank's international collect number

Scams to Avoid

• ATM skimmers: Check for loose parts, use bank ATMs
• Quick-change artists: Count money carefully
• Fake police: Real police won't demand to see money
• Overcharging: Agree on prices beforehand
• Wrong change: Familiarize yourself with banknotes

Tax & Refunds

Kazakhstan has 12% VAT included in prices. Tax-free shopping for tourists available at participating stores:

• Minimum purchase: 30,000₸ in single receipt
• Look for "Tax Free" signs
• Keep receipts and forms
• Claim refund at airport (up to 12%)
• Process can be lengthy—arrive early

Quick Reference