Kazakhstan Relocation

RELOCATION TO KAZAKHSTAN

As relocation experts, at Move One we know how important it is to familiarize yourself with your potential new home before making the big move.

Move One is therefore pleased to present its country profiles which take a closer look at Relocation, Immigration, Moving and Pet Transportation issues in each of its locations.

Whilst being the ninth largest country in the world, Kazakhstan remains one the greatest undiscovered travel destinations. But thanks to the infamous film character Borat Sagdiyev and its oil, which have overshadowed the country’s diverse attractions, Kazakhstan is slowly revealing itself to the world.

Although Astana is rapidly transforming itself into a 21^st-century capital, Almaty still remains the commercial and social hub of the country, combining modern architecture, chic cafes and boutiques with leafy parks and beautiful mountainous views.

As one of the most economically advanced of the ‘stan’ states, Kazakhstan, is growing into a prosperous and modern Eurasian nation.

While the current President Nursultan Nazarbaev, who has ruled since Soviet times, suppresses political opposition, he has also managed to create an ethnically diverse and peaceful nation.

South Kazakhstan is the heart of Central Asian history offering numerous unforgettable adventures, from trekking through the snow-capped peaks and lakes of the Tian Shan and Altay Mountains to discovering underground mosques in the steppe and desert planes.

With tourism still in its early stages, foreigner are treated as guests by locals who will often go out their way to make them feel as welcome as possible.

Both Astana and Almaty are modern cosmopolitan cities where housing options are comparable to those available in Western capitals.

Accommodation is mainly available in urban apartment buildings that are finished to international standards. A furnished two bedroom flat with a bathroom and kitchen will typically cost 800-1500$ per month depending on whether the flat is in a new building or old building with renovated interior whereas an unfurnished flat will cost approx 600-800$.

Bear in mind that the closer you live to the city center the more expensive accommodation gets.

There are expensive penthouse flats that overlook the city and the surrounding steppe are available in Astana contrasting with the lower prices in the ‘old town’ that was mostly built during Soviet times.

And as an ever developing city, one of many innovative constructions underway in Astana is the Abu Dhabi Plaza residential complex designed by Norman Foster.

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Standards in the public health care system have deteriorated since the Soviet times and it is difficult to ascertain doctors’ level of expertise. Comprehensive medical insurance is therefore strongly advised.

There is, however, an expansive network of hospitals and emergency centers such as the Central Hospital, the Maternity and Childhood Institute Clinic and the Medical Teaching Institute Clinic in Almaty as well as the Spinal Center and Hospital of Rehabilitation Treatment in Karaganda.

Bear in mind that it is rare to come across foreign language speaking people, although numbers are on the rise.

For these reasons foreigners tend to go to International SOS clinics that are managed by international health care professionals alongside well-trained local staff to offer a range of services such as primary care and 24-hour emergency care.

In Almaty, the International SOS clinic has English speaking doctors in addition to the Maternity Center manager who speaks German. If needed these doctors will then take patients to specialists and translate whenever needed.

Recommended vaccinations	Special Precautions
Diphtheria	Yes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Malaria	No
Rabies	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes
Typhoid	Yes
Yellow Fever	No*

Note: Tap water should boiled or otherwise sterilized before being drunk or used to brushing teeth and making ice cube.

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Life in Kazakhstan is fairly cheap compared to other European cities, although costs do vary pretty dramatically especially in terms of clothing and restaurants. From expensive boutiques and luxury restaurants which charge exorbitant rates to cheap bazaars and small local restaurant, you will be able to shop according to your budget.

Here a few typical daily purchases which are prices (USD) at mid-range:

Public transportation fares (buses, trams and trolleys)	0.3
Petrol 1ltr.	0.55
Monthly grocery for one person	200
Milk 1ltr.	0.8
Eggs (a dozen)	1.2
Potatoes 1kg	0.4
Monthly energy costs apartment (100sq.m./1076sq.ft.)	35
Typical internet is a flat rate fee	30
Cable TV for 6 months	100
Three course meal in an up market restaurant for two (starter, main, desert and drinks)	60
A beer in a bar	1.5
A coffee in a bar/café	1.2
Shower gel 250ml./8.45oz.	1
Haircut	6
Pair of jeans	50

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While Kazakh is Kazakhstan’s official language, Russian is also spoken by 95 percent of the population.

Although the Kazakh language is easier than the surrounding regions languages, for many foreigners it is perceived as very difficult to understand and to pronounce. However, those with a proficiency in Turkish have found it easier to relate to it as both languages are part of the Turkic language.

Many people under 20s as well as some customs and airport official know a little English, but it is still hard to get by without knowing a least the basics in either Kazakh or Russian. Familiarizing yourself with the Cyrillic alphabet and learning a few phrases will therefore enable you to communicate with locals on a daily basis, making your stay more enjoyable.

Recommendation: Make sure you have your address written on a card with you at all times in case you get lost.


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With the Kazakh state school system out the question for foreigners, the only alternative is the private sector. The larger cities in Kazakhstan offer a range of international schools, often based on either the American and British curricula:

Almaty International School
Haileybury-Almaty
Kazakhstan International School
KIMEP
Miras International School
QSI International School of Astana

However, some expats will choose, instead, to have their children attend boarding schools back home.

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Kazakhstan has a dry continental climate with cold winters and hot summers.

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There are a number of nightclubs and casinos in several cities across Kazakhstan; however, the most renowned concert halls and theaters are all located in Almaty.

Bear in mind that most theater performances and films are not played in English and subtitles are not provided.

The Kazakhstan English Language Theater (KELT) in Almaty, for example, offers English language performances. Other theaters also host international show that perform in their own language.

Although poor in English language entertainment, the country offers a wide range of alternative activities and trips. Its magical landscape and mountain ranges, offer the ideal environment for trekking and horseback riding.
Kazakhstan also has a wide range of internationally praised spas, including the Sari Agach in the south and the Zerenda in the Kokshetau region.

Kazakhstan’s larger cities have sport complexes, swimming pools and gyms but if you are feeling a little more adventurous, local travel agents organize rafting and canoeing trips on the Ili river between Lake Qapshaghay and Lake Balhash.

During the winter, complexes in the Zaili Alatau Mountains near Almaty offer incredible skiing and other winter sport activities.

Culture Shock – Kazakh Traditions and Customs

Kazakhs are very hospitable and will often go out of their way to please foreign travelers.

However, if you are not proficient in either Kazakh or Russian you will find the language a considerable barrier to truly enjoying life in Kazakhstan.

The majority expats find the food is surprisingly fattening, with most of the traditional dishes based on meat, pasta and potatoes.

Bear in mind that most foods are cooked in or with meat stock – vegetarians be wary! However, a lot of restaurant will accommodate you and if you are preparing your own food at home, there is no shortage of alternatives in the supermarket.

Steeped in Kazakh culture is the respect for elders and guests. For instance, a shortened form of a guest’s or elder’s name, with the added suffix ‘ke’ is often used as a mark of respect.

You will find it hard to say no when offered something by a local as ‘no’ is merely seen as a sign of politeness.

Bear in mind that Kazakhstan is a predominantly Muslim country. Formal dress is therefore often required when visiting the theater, or attending a dinner party and shorts should be restricted to sports grounds or the gym.

However well prepared new expats are, there will always be a certain degree of cultural adjustment, which will often take several months. So keep a positive attitude and give yourself time to settle into your new home!

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January 1,2 – New Year
March 8 – International Womens’ Day
March 22 – Nauryz Meyramy
May 1 – Kazakhstan National Unity Day
May 9 – Victory Day
June 10 – Day of the Capital
August 30 – Constitution Day
December 16 – Independence Day

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If you are considering moving to Astana, Kazakhstan, Move One’s relocation services include city orientation, home and school searches, immigration as well as door to door moving services worldwide and cover packing of personal effects, warehousing, pet transportation and fine art shipping. Should you need help with your corporate or individual relocation needs, or if you would like to receive a free moving quote, do not hesitate to contact us at relo@moveoneinc.com.