Living in Kazakhstan

"Before retiring in Kazakhstan, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, as English is not widely spoken. It is also important to research the cost of living in the area, as prices can vary significantly from city to city. Additionally, expats should be aware of the local laws and regulations, as well as any visa requirements that may apply. Finally, expats should consider the availability of healthcare services in the area, as well as any insurance coverage they may need," said one expat who made the move to Kazakhstan.

"Make sure they are well paid Almaty is expensive more than London or Amsterdam and much more than US cities. Have good medical insurrance you need to be flown out for almost anything. Only come if you like out door activities, skiing, walking, there is limited cultual activity though what there ia is more accessible than other cities in the world. Opera and ballet is inexpensive. There are several art galleries and many up and coming artisits. Buy the biggest stongest car you can afford, land cruiser or similar the traffic is deadly, don't take the local gypsy cabs unregulated cars which pick up people, they are very dangerous. Take great care crossing the road. Bring as much of everything that you can, it is probably available here but you won't like the price, lack of choice or quality," explained one expat living in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

"Almaty International Women's Group despite the name it is open to both men and women. They have a guide, lots of activities and meet every Wednesday in the Ankara Intercontinental Hotel, 10.30 to 12.00 Otherwise expat bars Mad Murphy's Dostyk Avenue very well known," commented one expat who made the move to Almaty.

"Expats in Kazakhstan often join international clubs and activities such as the American Women's Association, the British Business Club, and the International Women's Club. These clubs provide a great way to meet other expats and locals, and to learn more about the culture and language of Kazakhstan. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as concerts, festivals, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to Kazakhstan, which can be a great way to connect with other expats and locals," remarked one expat living in Kazakhstan.

"I belong to the marries group and really don't know any single people here so I can't judge. The married lot socialise with each other, dinner's parties, trips to the mountains and places of interest. There always seems plenty going on. Many of the employed people spend a lot of time travelling within the country, its 2000KM to the capital Astana from Almaty and 3,000 to the Caspian. So they tend to want quiet weekends," remarked one expat who made the move to Almaty.

"Living in Kazakhstan as an expat or digital nomad can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The country offers a unique blend of modern and traditional culture, with a wide range of activities and attractions to explore. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and camping in the summer. The country also offers a wide range of cultural experiences, from traditional Kazakh music and dance to modern art galleries and museums. The cost of living in Kazakhstan is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads. The country also offers excellent healthcare and education facilities, making it a great place to live and work," explained one expat living in Kazakhstan.

"Kazakhstan has a relatively low crime rate compared to other countries. However, there have been reports of organized crime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking in the country. Additionally, there have been reports of corruption and bribery in the government and business sectors," remarked one expat living in Kazakhstan.

"Kazakhstan is a culturally diverse country, with over 130 ethnic groups living within its borders. Kazakhs, Russians, Ukrainians, Uzbeks, and Uyghurs are the largest ethnic groups in the country. People in Kazakhstan are generally accepting of differences, and the country has a long history of peaceful coexistence between its various ethnic groups. The government has also taken steps to promote tolerance and acceptance of diversity, such as introducing a national holiday to celebrate the country's cultural diversity," commented one expat who made the move to Kazakhstan.

"It's generally very relaxed. There is no dress code the women in summer wear very revealing clothes. Generally people are smartly dressed only the expats wear shorts in town. I have never seen homosexuals openly walking hand in hand as in Europe so I have the impression this is not tolerated, nor people kissing on the streets, so I assume its not done," remarked one expat living in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

"I'm pretty satisfied and my child seems to be happy :) It's all about your expectation in education," said one parent with children at QSI School Atyrau in Atyrau.

"Kazakhstan has a number of excellent international and bilingual schools. The British International School of Almaty is one of the best international schools in the country. It offers a British-style education to students from Nursery to Year 13, with a focus on developing the whole child. The school has a strong emphasis on academic excellence, with a wide range of extra-curricular activities and a strong commitment to developing global citizens. The International School of Astana is another excellent international school in Kazakhstan. It offers a comprehensive international curriculum to students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. The school has a strong focus on developing the whole child, with a wide range of extra-curricular activities and a commitment to developing global citizens. The International School of Aktau is a bilingual school in Kazakhstan. It offers a bilingual education to students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12, with a focus on developing the whole child. The school has a strong emphasis on academic excellence, with a wide range of extra-curricular activities and a commitment to developing global citizens. The International School of Atyrau is another excellent bilingual school in Kazakhstan. It offers a bilingual education to students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12, with a focus on developing the whole child. The school has a strong emphasis on academic excellence, with a wide range of extra-curricular activities and a commitment to developing global citizens," commented one expat when asked about in Kazakhstan.

"Not good for High School and teenagers as curriculum, class sizes and teaching too restrictive and narrow. If checking out lower school, ask for proof of teaching credentials and language support given to non-English speakers in the classroom. Check out the standard of English of teachers in lower school and also those of classroom assistants. Talk to other parents on a pre-assignment trip.The school is not value for money and unaffordable unless a company picks up the tab for tuition. Ask for a copy of the school handbook Ask about staff turnover and religious affiliation. Look closely at textbooks and the so-called 'Mastery' learning system where students can only get an A or a B grade," explained one expat in Atyrau, Kazakhstan with kids at QSI Atyrau.

"The cost of living in Kazakhstan is generally considered to be quite affordable. Prices for basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are generally lower than in many other countries. However, the cost of living can vary depending on the city and region. For example, living in the capital city of Nur-Sultan is more expensive than living in smaller cities and towns. Additionally, the cost of living can be higher in areas with higher levels of tourism," commented one expat who made the move to Kazakhstan.

"Kazakhstan has a generally low cost of living compared to other countries. The capital city of Astana and the largest city of Almaty tend to have higher costs of living than the rest of the country. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Kazakhstan is around $400 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment is around $600 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Kazakhstan can cost around $10 USD per person," remarked one expat in Kazakhstan.

"The cost of living in Almaty is "Euro light". For example, American groceries and fruits and vegetable out of season can be very expensive. However, there is always an abundance of season produce that is extremely inexpensive. Gas is very cheap. Buying a car can be expensive. Household items, clothing, and public transportation is far less expensive than Western prices. Housing can be expensive closer to downtown, but in the outlying areas of the city, all with excellent public transportation, homes and nice apartments are much more reasonably prices, and well below Western prices," wrote one expat living in Almaty.

"Almaty abounds with activities for all ages. The Kok Tobe gondola soars to Medeu Winter Park and beyond, year round. From the top, there is a children's carnival area and many hiking trails and restaurants, and skiing an ice skating in winter. There are three ski resorts within 45 minutes of Almaty. There are countless hiking trails in the mountains and by the many lakes that surround the city. There are private gyms and swimming and tennis clubs, and several golf courses. There is horse trekking just outside the city. There are thermal hot springs at the foot of the mountains, sledging hills, and nordic ski trails," commented one expat living in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

"Kazakhstan offers a variety of recreational facilities for its residents to enjoy. Popular activities include skiing and snowboarding in the winter months, as well as hiking, camping, and fishing in the summer. There are also many parks and gardens throughout the country, providing a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. For those looking for a more urban experience, there are plenty of shopping malls, cinemas, and restaurants to explore. Additionally, Kazakhstan is home to a number of cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theatres," remarked one expat living in Kazakhstan.

"Almaty has four true seasons, and each is glorious. The majestic mountains that ring the city are lush and green in the summer and snow covered in winter. They beckon those who love to hike, ski, or just be outdoors. Almaty's summers are warm but not humid. It is a dry climate. Winter sees quite a bit of snow, but wind chill is not a factor due to the mountains. Spring and fall are colorful and lovely," remarked one expat living in Almaty.

"The weather in Kazakhstan is generally dry and continental, with cold winters and hot summers. In the winter, temperatures can drop to below freezing, while in the summer temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. The country experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with the highest temperatures occurring in the south and the lowest temperatures occurring in the north. Kazakhstan also experiences strong winds, especially in the winter months," said one expat living in Kazakhstan.

"Downtown, there are may pubs and restaurants. In the spring and summer, Almaty has somewhat of a sidewalk cafe atmosphere. There is every variety of restaurant imaginable, from fast food to English pub to high end French and Italian dining and ethnic cuisines like Uzbek and Georgian. Drinking with friends is a usual activity in Almaty, and everyone at the pubs seems very friendly. Karaoke bars are also big in the city," remarked one expat living in Almaty.

"One of the most popular restaurants in Kazakhstan is the Beshbarmak restaurant in Almaty. Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant serves traditional Kazakh cuisine, including the national dish of beshbarmak, a hearty stew made with lamb, potatoes, and noodles. The restaurant also offers a variety of other dishes, such as shashlik (grilled meat skewers), plov (rice pilaf), and lagman (noodle soup). The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Another popular restaurant in Kazakhstan is the Kebab House in Astana. This restaurant specializes in kebabs, but also offers a variety of other dishes, such as shashlik, plov, and lagman. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The restaurant also offers a variety of desserts, such as baklava and halva. Finally, the Chayhana restaurant in Almaty is a great place to enjoy traditional Kazakh cuisine. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including beshbarmak, shashlik, plov, and lagman. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The restaurant also offers a variety of teas and coffees, as well as traditional desserts," said one expat living in Kazakhstan.

"The local supermarkets Magnum and Ramstore abound in Almaty. They have most everything foreigners could want in grocery and household items. The prices are far less than Western prices. For specialty groceries, Interfood and ADK have several locations in town, and the Gourmet Market at Esentai and Colibri offer many high end Western grocery products. Additionally, small and convenience markets like Bekker's and the local bazaars carry many grocery and household items and can be found in every neighborhood of the city. There are several malls (Dostyk Plaza, Esentai, Aport) which carry Western clothing brands, from luxury brands like Chanel and Burberry to H&M, Zara, and Mango. There is an amazing chain call SportMaster which has several locations and excellent prices on sporting goods and clothing. Armada has a seemingly endless array of furniture, and there are eveb pop-up IKEA stores in a couple of locations in town," commented one expat living in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

"People living in Kazakhstan typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local markets, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Many people also shop online for groceries and other items. Additionally, there are a variety of specialty stores and boutiques throughout the country that offer unique items," remarked one expat living in Kazakhstan.

"Kazakhstan requires a visa for foreigners. Work visas can be obtained through employers. Travel visa for Americans are good for 30 days. The visa process can be quite arduous, and many foreigners do a visa run to the border with Kyrgyzstan, which is quick and cheap," wrote one expat living in Almaty.

"In order to visit Kazakhstan, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, and other supporting documents such as a letter of invitation from a host in Kazakhstan, proof of financial means, and a medical certificate. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Kazakhstan, foreign nationals must submit an application to the Migration Police. The application must include a valid passport, a medical certificate, proof of financial means, and a letter of invitation from a host in Kazakhstan. The application must also include a copy of the applicant's birth certificate, a copy of their marriage certificate (if applicable), and a copy of their criminal record (if applicable). Once the application is approved, the applicant will be issued a residence permit," commented one expat who moved to Kazakhstan.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Kazakhstan can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, the cost of healthcare in Kazakhstan is higher than in many other countries, and health insurance premiums can be quite costly. However, the government does provide some subsidies for health insurance, which can help to reduce the cost of coverage. Additionally, there are a number of private health insurance companies that offer competitive rates and coverage options," remarked one expat in Kazakhstan.