Almaty Travel Forum

I am going to fly into Kazakhstan through Almaty. Can anyone advise what items I should not bring into the country besides the obvious, illegal drugs, etc. I have traveled many times to the Middle East and those countries are very strict on many things. Don't know if Kazakhstan is as strict as theMiddle East. Also, are Credit Cards widely accepted?

Don't worry. Kazakhstan has the same kind of custom rules as Europe. You can bring limited alcohol, tobacco, porno magazines etc.
Credit cards are accepted in many places like hotels, high class restaraunts, supermarkets and some shops but to buy souveniers and eat in cafes you should have cash. This is not a big problem as ATMs can be found around the city. I would recommend you to cash money at the bank desk instead of ATMs as in the bant they take only about 2 % commission while ATM will charge you about 3% plus $5 per transaction.

Good luck!

Thanks so much. I appreciate your help. I have a two year assignment in Astana with my company. Will I like living in Astana? I did not mind living in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and a few other non traditional places. Is it at all dangerous?

I heaven't been to Astana but I am quite sure that it is much safer then Nyew York City. Since Kazakhstan capital moved to Astana most of money, care and control moved here too so it should be modern western style city. I can't tell you if you will like it or not. You will definiteley like local people but there is not much to see in this city and around. If you have chance you should visit places around Almaty. Once you get to Almaty and have 3 days more you should visit Kyrgyzstan as it is the country that everyone has to see and it is only 250 km from Almaty to Bishkek (capital of Kyrgyzstan).
Best luck!

Astana does not have much to offer. It is a pretty much oversized village. This is why I think they moved the capital there-- to develop the area.
If you have a chance-- go to Almaty-- beautiful, with lots of things to offer, great theater, opera, clubs, etc.