A common complaint for budget travelers in the past has been the price tag on travel in Kazakhstan. But things changed in 2015 when a currency devaluation against the dollar slashed prices in half for foreigners, making it much more affordable for budget travelers. Tourism is a very new industry in Kazakhstan, but more entrepreneurs are offering services, making tours and activities cheaper as well.
In short: like the rest of Central Asia, travel in Kazakhstan is good value for money.
For info on money exchange, withdrawing money, what currency to bring etc., see money in Kazakhstan.
Transport
Transport between cities is not expensive, seeing the size of the country. Getting to remote destinations will weigh heavier on the budget, though, since you will need to take a taxi, a tour, or a rented car.
- Train Almaty – Shymkent: 6-12$ (platzkart), 10-15$ (kupe)
- Flight Almaty – Astana (budget airline): 35-50$
- Bus or metro in Almaty: 25 cents
- Taxi from the airport to the center in Almaty: 5$
Car rental in Kazakhstan starts from 40$/day.
More details about transport in Kazakhstan on the overview page.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Kazakhstan is less of a problem for backpackers than it was a few years back. Most cities have a hostel nowadays, and Almaty suddenly has an unsustainably large amount of them. For travelers who can afford to enjoy themselves, it is a similar situation: the boom years have seen decent hotels constructed all over the country, and now that Kazakhstan is bust, prices are no longer ridiculous.
Homestays are still overpriced for what they offer (but less overpriced thanks to the devaluation).
- Dorm bed: 3-12$
- Double in a cheap hotel/homestay: 15-30$
- Apartment: 15-50$
- Double in a nice/very nice hotel: 40-140$
- Double in a 5-star hotel: 150-250$
More tips and info on your sleeping options at accommodation in Kazakhstan.
Food
A decent meal and a drink in a simple local restaurant will cost around 3$. Fast food sells for 1-3$. At the market you can expect prices to be around 30-70% of Western prices for basic foodstuff. Don’t be afraid to try a slightly fancier restaurant, prices for a meal will rarely go above 10$. Upmarket restaurants charge 25$ to 50$ for a meal.
Almost all mid-range restaurants offer a filling lunch special, which goes for 5-10$. Take advantage of it.
Tours and activities
Things are also moving in the right direction here. The tourism industry is slowly developing: guides are getting better, more tourists are coming and it is pushing prices down. Transport is often a big chunk of the price of a tour in Kazakhstan, but if you join a scheduled group tour (previously not available due to not enough tourists), you can squeeze costs considerably there and get a really good deal. Besides, getting there is also a big part of the adventure.
It’s very difficult to give estimates due to the huge variation in distances, activities and accommodation. Use the filter in our tours section to get an idea for your wishes.
Horse riding is still a better deal in Kyrgyzstan, although the gap is closing. Skiing is very much a luxury sport in Kazakhstan and prices are higher here than in Kyrgyzstan.
Classical performances are very cheap, but going out to clubs or concerts is not – expect Western prices at the bar. Entrance to museums is usually negligible, say, 1$. A nice left-over from Soviet times.
Find out more about our selection of tours in Kazakhstan, or our custom tours.
Visas and flights
How much does it cost to get into Kazakhstan? Depends on your nationality. 20-something countries get the visa for free. Another 30 or so pay around 35$/€. If your passport is from the wrong neighbourhood, you will need an extra letter of invitation, which will cost you around 80$/€.
See the visa page to find out which box you belong in.
If you are flying in and out of the country, expect to pay around (this is a very rough estimate) 300-500$/€ for a return flight from Europe or Asia.
Q&A
Budget and expense questions for your trip are welcome in the Silk Road travel budget forum thread.