Aktau City Guide

Local dishes like Beshbarmak, Laghman, and Plov are popular. There's growing international food, mainly Russian, Georgian, and Turkish. Vegetarian and vegan options are limited but improving. Some places stay open late.

Nightlife includes cafes, bars, and clubs mainly by the waterfront. It's modest but decent for the city's size.

Coffee culture is growing with several cafes and some specialty shops.

Not required but appreciated. 5-10% in restaurants if no service charge. Rounding up fares in taxis is common.

SIM cards can be bought at official stores, mostly in malls. Main providers: Kcell, Beeline, Tele2/Altel. Passport required for activation. eSIMs available with some providers.

Central areas and promenade are clean. Some variation in residential zones.

Limited 24/7 services. Some pharmacies and minimarts are always open but food and clinics mostly close at night.

Large supermarkets like Anvar and Magnum carry some imported goods. Local bazaars offer fresh produce and meat. Shops mostly open 9 AM to 10 PM, including Sundays with some reduced hours. Bargaining is usual only in bazaars.

Card payments work in most major shops, restaurants, and hotels. Cash is needed for smaller vendors, markets, and public transport.

ATMs are common in malls, banks, and large hotels. Halyk Bank and Kaspi Bank machines are frequent. Fees vary by bank, usually low for local cards.

Local schools teach in Kazakh and Russian. Nazarbayev Intellectual School focuses on STEM. International schools are rare; some private schools offer bilingual programs.

Very small community with no dedicated nomad spaces or events. Mostly informal expat groups.

Parks and the Botanical Garden provide green areas. The promenade has shaded walkways.

Popular running along the promenade with good lighting and views; dust can be an issue when windy.

Several gyms offer standard fitness options.

Tennis courts found in sports complexes; bookings done directly.

Padel courts are rare but present in newer sports centers.

Yoga classes are offered at fitness centers; some English instruction possible.

Local gyms offer boxing, wrestling, karate, and taekwondo. Few English-speaking instructors.

No skiing options; landscape is flat desert.

Seasonal swimming, jet-skiing, and boat rides are available but informal.

No real surfing spots due to calm, enclosed sea waters.

Limited diving due to low water visibility and few marine species.

Public and private clinics are available, but advanced care usually requires travel to larger cities. English-speaking staff are rare outside private clinics. Pharmacies are widespread and often open late.

Tap water isn't safe to drink due to minerals and possible contamination. Use bottled water instead.

Playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes are available, especially near the promenade and residential areas. Family attractions include the Botanical Garden and Caspian Sea promenade.

Conservative attitudes prevail. No legal protections or safe spaces.

Pet friendliness varies; vet services exist but few pet-friendly venues or parks.