Kazakhstan
Central Asia · Kazakh · Tenge
A half-full cup of tea means stay and talk; a full one means your host is done with you, so sip accordingly.
Today in Kazakhstan
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5 phrases you need in Kazakhstan
- HelloСәлеметсіз беsah-leh-met-SEEZ beh
- GoodbyeСау болыңызsow boh-LUH-nyz
- PleaseӨтінемінuh-tee-neh-MEEN
- Thank youРахметrakh-MET
- Excuse meКешіріңізkeh-shee-ree-NYIZ
The Trovlr app drills all 8 Kazakhstan phrases with audio, Duolingo-style. Get the app →
Know before you go
money
Locals pay for everything with Kaspi QR codes, which foreigners cannot use; carry tenge cash for bazaars, shared taxis, and small cafes.
transport
Yandex Go is the standard ride app in Almaty and Astana; for the long hauls, overnight Talgo trains are comfortable and far cheaper than flying.
etiquette
Tea is poured in small amounts on purpose so it stays hot and the conversation continues; never place bread upside down or throw it away in front of hosts.
connectivity
Local SIMs from Beeline or Tele2 are very cheap but require passport registration; grab one at an official store in the airport or a mall.
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