Almaty Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Almaty.
Healthcare System
Kazakhstan operates a mixed healthcare system with both public and private facilities. Public healthcare is available but quality varies significantly. Private clinics and hospitals in Almaty offer much higher standards and are the preferred option for international visitors.
Hospitals
Recommended hospitals for tourists include Interteach Medical Center, Almaty International Clinic, and Nurly Tau Medical Center. These private facilities cater to expatriates and tourists, accept international insurance, and have English-speaking doctors. Emergency rooms at major hospitals are available 24/7.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (аптека/apteka) are widespread throughout Almaty and well-stocked with both local and international medications. Many common medications available by prescription-only in Western countries can be purchased over-the-counter. Pharmacists are generally knowledgeable but may not speak English. Major chains include Europharma and Sadykhana.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is not legally required but is strongly recommended. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation, as serious conditions may require transfer to facilities outside Kazakhstan. Private medical facilities often require upfront payment or proof of insurance before treatment.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's letters, as specific brands may not be available
- Private clinics typically require cash or credit card payment upfront; keep receipts for insurance claims
- Tap water in Almaty is not recommended for drinking; stick to bottled water to avoid gastrointestinal issues
- Air quality can be poor in winter due to heating and geography; those with respiratory conditions should monitor air quality indexes
- Altitude sickness can affect visitors engaging in mountain activities; acclimatize gradually if hiking in nearby mountains
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas, particularly targeting tourists who appear distracted or display valuables openly
Driving standards can be erratic with poor lane discipline, speeding, and aggressive driving common. Pedestrian crossings are not always respected
Police may conduct document checks, and corruption, while decreasing, can still occur with officers seeking bribes from foreigners
Almaty sits at approximately 800m elevation with popular mountain areas reaching over 3,000m, which can cause altitude sickness in susceptible individuals
Harsh winter conditions with temperatures dropping below -20°C, icy sidewalks, and occasional avalanche risks in mountain areas
Card skimming and fraud can occur at ATMs and some retail establishments, particularly smaller venues
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unofficial taxi drivers or even some official taxis quote inflated prices to tourists, particularly at the airport, train station, or outside hotels. Some drivers claim the meter is broken or take unnecessarily long routes.
Street money changers or small exchange offices offer attractive rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists, provide counterfeit bills, or swap denominations during the transaction.
Individuals posing as police officers approach tourists claiming to check for counterfeit money or drugs, then steal cash or valuables during the 'inspection' or demand bribes.
Some restaurants, particularly in tourist areas or nightlife districts, add extra items to bills, charge inflated prices for items not on the menu, or include excessive service charges.
Budget accommodations advertised online look nothing like the actual property, or hidden fees are added upon arrival that weren't mentioned in the booking.
Sellers at tourist areas offer SIM cards at inflated prices or sell cards that don't work, or street vendors offer to 'help' with phone issues then steal the device.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for longer stays
- Keep copies of important documents separate from originals; store digital copies in cloud storage
- Learn basic Russian phrases as English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas
- Keep emergency contact numbers saved in your phone
- Be aware that some areas have limited mobile coverage, especially in mountains
- Avoid political discussions and demonstrations; photographing government buildings may be restricted
Transportation Safety
- Use official taxi apps (Yandex Taxi, InDrive) rather than street taxis
- The metro is safe, clean, and efficient but watch for pickpockets during rush hour
- Avoid unmarked taxis and shared taxis with strangers
- If renting a car, ensure comprehensive insurance and be prepared for aggressive driving
- Public buses are cheap but crowded; keep valuables secure
- Walking is generally safe during daylight in central areas; less so at night in peripheral districts
Money and Valuables
- Carry only necessary cash and cards; leave extra valuables in hotel safe
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible
- Notify your bank of travel to Kazakhstan to avoid card blocks
- Keep small denominations for markets and small purchases
- Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers but cash is still widely used
- Be discreet when handling money; avoid displaying large amounts in public
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes for passports and valuables
- Check that room locks and safes function properly upon check-in
- Keep windows and doors locked, especially on ground floors
- Be cautious of strangers who approach you in hotel lobbies
- Verify staff identity before allowing entry to your room
- Book accommodations through reputable platforms with verified reviews
Food and Water Safety
- Drink only bottled water; avoid ice in drinks unless at upscale establishments
- Choose busy restaurants with high turnover for better food freshness
- Be cautious with street food; ensure it's freshly cooked and hot
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer before eating
- Peel fruits and vegetables or wash with bottled water
- Dairy products from reputable stores are generally safe
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card from official providers (Kcell, Beeline, Tele2) for data and calls
- Download offline maps of Almaty before arrival
- Have your hotel address written in Russian and Kazakh for taxi drivers
- Use translation apps; Google Translate works offline with downloaded language packs
- WiFi is available in most cafes, restaurants, and hotels
- Keep your embassy's contact information readily accessible
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; remove shoes when entering mosques
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially elderly or in traditional dress
- Respect local customs; public displays of affection should be minimal
- Remove shoes when entering someone's home
- Accept hospitality graciously; refusing food or drink can be considered rude
- Avoid sensitive topics like politics, ethnic relations, and comparisons with Russia
Mountain and Outdoor Safety
- Hire experienced local guides for serious mountain activities
- Check weather forecasts before heading to mountains; conditions change rapidly
- Inform someone of your plans and expected return time
- Carry adequate supplies including water, warm clothing, and emergency equipment
- Stay on marked trails; unmarked areas may have hazards
- Mobile coverage is limited in mountain areas; consider renting a satellite phone for remote expeditions
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers generally report feeling safe in Almaty, though experiences vary. The city is more progressive than many parts of Central Asia, with many women working professionally and moving freely. However, traditional attitudes persist in some contexts. Solo women travelers should exercise standard precautions but can navigate the city comfortably with awareness.
- Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention; while Western clothing is common in Almaty, conservative dress is appreciated, especially outside tourist areas
- Use official taxi apps rather than street taxis, especially at night; share ride details with someone
- Be prepared for occasional stares or comments, particularly if traveling alone; this is usually curiosity rather than threat
- Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas or peripheral districts
- Book accommodations in well-reviewed, central locations
- Be firm but polite if experiencing unwanted attention; saying you're meeting your husband/boyfriend can be effective
- Solo dining is generally acceptable in restaurants, though you may attract some attention
- Join group tours for mountain activities rather than hiking alone
- Keep phone charged and have emergency contacts readily accessible
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Women-only sections exist on some public transport during rush hour
- Harassment is less common than in some neighboring countries but can occur; report serious incidents to police or tourist police
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Kazakhstan (decriminalized in 1998), but same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized. There are no specific anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, and no legal recognition of gender identity changes.
- Exercise discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity; avoid public displays of affection
- LGBTQ+ venues are extremely limited and operate discreetly; research thoroughly before visiting
- Be cautious about using dating apps; meetings should be in public places and safety precautions taken
- Consider booking accommodations that are known to be LGBTQ+-friendly through international chains
- Avoid discussing LGBTQ+ topics openly in public or with strangers
- Be aware that local attitudes may be conservative; prepare for potential discomfort or discrimination
- Travel with a companion if possible rather than solo
- Have contact information for your embassy in case of incidents
- Some international organizations and expat communities may offer support networks
- Pride events do not occur publicly in Kazakhstan
- Transgender travelers may face particular challenges; ensure documentation matches presentation to avoid complications
- Hotel staff may question same-sex couples sharing rooms; booking two beds or separate rooms may avoid issues
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Almaty and Kazakhstan. While not legally required for entry, the potential costs of medical treatment, evacuation, or trip disruption make comprehensive insurance critical. Private medical facilities, which offer the best care for tourists, require upfront payment and can be expensive. Medical evacuation to facilities outside Kazakhstan for serious conditions can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
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