Almaty is Kazakhstan's largest city, sitting by the Tian Shan mountains. It mixes Soviet-era and modern buildings. The city is affordable and has a growing café culture with easy access to nature. It's good for work and exploring.
Lifestyle🍽️
Local dishes include Beshbarmak, Laghman, and Samsa. The city has diverse international food. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. Some spots open late.
Nightlife mixes bars, pubs, clubs, and live music venues. Options range from casual pubs to large dance clubs.
Coffee scene is lively with many specialty cafes and good quality brews.
Tipping is appreciated in restaurants (around 10%) if no service charge is included. Taxi tips are optional, rounding up is common.
SIM cards are sold at the airport and mobile stores. Providers include Beeline, Kcell, and Tele2/Altel. ID registration is needed. eSIMs are available but less common.
Services & Infrastructure
Central areas are kept clean with regular waste services. Recycling exists but is limited.
Some pharmacies and minimarts open 24/7. Late-night fast food and cafes exist. Limited night clinics.
Supermarkets like Magnum, Small, and Galmart stock some international goods. Green Bazaar offers fresh local produce. Bargaining is common at markets but not in supermarkets.
Card payments work in big shops, supermarkets, and restaurants. Cash is still handy for markets, small vendors, and public transport but digital payments are growing.
ATMs are easy to find in banks, malls, and stores. Some may charge local fees; home bank fees depend on your bank.
International schools like Haileybury and Miras offer British and IB curricula. Local schools teach in Kazakh and Russian.
Work & Digital💻
Community is growing with meetups and active online groups. Co-living is emerging but not widespread.
Nature & Activities🌿
Several large parks and river walkways provide good green space.
Parks and river paths provide good running routes. Running groups exist. Air quality can be poor in winter.
Many gyms offer day passes and cover a range from budget to premium facilities.
Many tennis courts and clubs with indoor and outdoor courts. Padel is less common but growing.
Padel is becoming more popular but still limited in availability.
Several yoga studios with various styles and some English-speaking instructors.
Multiple gyms offer boxing, Muay Thai, judo, karate, and BJJ. Some have English-speaking instructors.
Shymbulak Ski Resort is 25 km away with good snow and slopes for all levels from late November to April.
Limited water sports; some lakes outside city allow kayaking or paddleboarding but no major options.
No surfing as Almaty is landlocked.
No diving available in this landlocked city.
Health & Safety🏥
Public healthcare varies; private clinics have English speakers and better service. Pharmacies are common and some open 24/7.
Tap water is mostly safe if boiled or filtered but many prefer bottled water due to old plumbing.
Community & Family
Parks such as Central Park and First President's Park have playgrounds. Kid-friendly cafes and attractions like the zoo and Kok Tobe cable car are popular.
Moderate acceptance with some safe spaces but public attitudes can be conservative. Legal protections are limited.
Pet-friendly places are mixed. Veterinary care and pet supplies are widely available. Some green spaces allow dogs on leash.
Quick Facts
Power is usually stable with few outages. Infrastructure is good for a major city.
City lies at the foot of Tian Shan mountains with trails nearby.
⚠️Natural Disasters Risk
🌦️Seasonal Issues
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