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Panfilova Street in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Pros and Cons of Living in Kazakhstan

By Joshua Wood, LPC

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.

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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.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"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.

"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," said one person in Kazakhstan.

About the Author

Joshua Wood 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.

Panfilova Street in Almaty, Kazakhstan
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