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Digital Nomad Guide to Kazakhstan | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Panfilova Street in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Digital Nomad Life in Kazakhstan

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Summary: Digital nomads like living in Almaty, Kazakhstan because it is a vibrant city with a low cost of living, a diverse culture, and a great quality of life. The approximate population of Almaty, Kazakhstan is 1.8 million. The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Almaty is around $500-$1000 USD. It costs around $400-$600 USD to rent a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Almaty. The best neighborhood to live in Almaty is Medeu, which is known for its beautiful views of the mountains and its close proximity to the city center. The weather in Almaty, Kazakhstan is generally mild with temperatures ranging from -4°F to 86°F.

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How do I meet people in Kazakhstan?

When we asked people living in Kazakhstan about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"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," said one expat who made the move to 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," explained one foreigner living in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

What is life like in Kazakhstan?

When we asked people living in Kazakhstan what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"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 foreigner 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 person living in Kazakhstan.

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Where should I live in Kazakhstan?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Kazakhstan is to use online resources such as websites and social media. Websites such as Expat.com, ExpatRentals.com, and RealEstate.kz are great resources for finding rental properties in Kazakhstan. Additionally, social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram can be used to search for rental properties in Kazakhstan. Additionally, it is possible to find a place to live in Kazakhstan by asking around in the local community. Many people in Kazakhstan are willing to help expats find a place to live, and it is possible to find a place to live through word of mouth," said one expat in Kazakhstan.

What do I need to know before moving to Kazakhstan?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Kazakhstan, they said:

"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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Almaty.

"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," explained one person living in Kazakhstan.

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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Kazakhstan?

"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," said one person in Kazakhstan.

"The hot chai and the willingness of the Kazak people to help in different situations," said one expat who made the move to Semey.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in Kazakhstan?

"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 foreigner who made the move to 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 person living in Semey, Kazakhstan.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Kazakhstan for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Kazakhstan for a while, you will need to obtain a valid visa. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a temporary residence permit. You may also need to provide proof of health insurance, proof of financial means, and a valid passport," said one expat who made the move to Kazakhstan.

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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Kazakhstan?

We asked people in Kazakhstan if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"I think my humorous blunders are usually related to me using charades in my endevours to communicate. For instance, asking for chicken breast fillets and leather bags can be embarrassing to say the least," said one person in Semey.

"It is important to be aware of cultural differences when visiting Kazakhstan. It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to dress modestly. Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics, religion, and the Soviet Union. It is also important to avoid making negative comments about Kazakhstan or its people. Additionally, it is important to avoid touching someone without their permission, and to avoid public displays of affection. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local etiquette when it comes to dining, such as waiting to be invited to eat before starting, and not leaving food on your plate," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Kazakhstan.

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What are healthcare services like in Kazakhstan?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Kazakhstan, they replied:

"Kazakhstan offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and preventive care. The public healthcare system in Kazakhstan is funded by the government and is available to all citizens. The quality of public healthcare in Kazakhstan is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained medical staff. Foreign residents in Kazakhstan have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Kazakhstan can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. In addition, many expats opt to purchase private health insurance to cover any additional costs," explained one expat living in Kazakhstan.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Kazakhstan?

"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," commented a person living in Kazakhstan.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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.

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Panfilova Street in Almaty, Kazakhstan

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Contribute to Kazakhstan Network Contribute
Help others in Kazakhstan by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Kazakhstan.

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