Pros and Cons of Living in Kazakhstan
Last updated on Feb 01, 2024
Summary: The pros of living in Kazakhstan include its diverse culture, its rich history, and its beautiful landscapes. Kazakhstan is also home to a variety of different ethnicities, making it a great place to experience different cultures. Additionally, Kazakhstan has a strong economy and is a great place to start a business. On the other hand, the cons of living in Kazakhstan include its harsh climate, its lack of infrastructure, and its limited access to modern amenities. Additionally, the cost of living in Kazakhstan can be quite high, making it difficult for some people to afford.
What are the pros and cons of living in Kazakhstan?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Kazakhstan responded:
"Expats and digital nomads living in Kazakhstan appreciate the country's low cost of living, which allows them to stretch their budget further. They also enjoy the country's diverse culture, which is a mix of Russian, Central Asian, and European influences. Additionally, the country's natural beauty, from its mountains to its steppes, is a major draw for many expats. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads find the language barrier to be a challenge, as the official language is Kazakh and Russian is widely spoken. Additionally, the country's infrastructure can be lacking in some areas, making it difficult to access certain services," said one expat in living in Kazakhstan.
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What do expats in Kazakhstan appreciate most about the local culture?
"The hot chai and the willingness of the Kazak people to help in different situations," said one person in Semey.
"Expats in Kazakhstan appreciate the hospitality of the local people, the vibrant culture, and the stunning natural beauty of the country. They also enjoy the unique cuisine, which is a mix of traditional Kazakh dishes and influences from other cultures. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's rich history and the fact that it is a safe and welcoming place to live," remarked one expat in Kazakhstan.
With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family. We provide the reassurance of comprehensive core cover, and the flexibility of adding as many extra benefits as you want to ensure you have a plan perfectly suited to your needs.
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What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats in Kazakhstan often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the country's traditional values and customs can be difficult to adjust to, as they are quite different from those of many Western countries. Furthermore, the country's bureaucracy and paperwork can be a source of frustration for expats, as it can be difficult to navigate. Finally, the country's climate can be a challenge for expats, as it can be quite extreme, with hot summers and cold winters," remarked one in Kazakhstan.
"The language barrier and being one of the few westerners to live in the city . Also, it is difficult to not be able to get a lot of the regular groceries," explained one expat.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Kazakhstan?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Kazakhstan?
- Will I be able to find a job in Kazakhstan?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Kazakhstan appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Kazakhstan?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Kazakhstan accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Kazakhstan like?
- How are healthcare services in Kazakhstan?
- What are medical services in Kazakhstan like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Kazakhstan?
- What are emergency services like in Kazakhstan?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Kazakhstan?
- How are local medical facilities in Kazakhstan?
- As a foreigner living in Kazakhstan, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?