In Kazakhstan, particularly in Astana, people primarily use their smartphones for payments, essentially turning their phones into bank cards. You can order food, even get a small credit without additional fees, and pay for bus rides using a QR code.
Astana
During my time in Astana, I encountered challenges with public transportation. I had both cash and a functioning credit card, but neither was accepted for bus fare. The only payment method available for bus tickets is scanning a QR code linked to a local bank account app, which poses difficulties for tourists who lack a Kazakh bank account.
For travelers, two options are available for taking the bus:
- Ask locals to scan the QR code for you, and pay them in cash.
- Note: Language barriers might exist, so consider translating your request on your phone
- Take a picture of the receipt, as it serves as your ticket. Be prepared to show it during ticket inspections.
- Some travelers opt not to pay and hope for the best. Inspections are infrequent, especially during rush hours when buses are crowded.
While I was never checked during my time in Astana, the uncertainty can be unsettling. Unfortunately, these options may not be ideal, but tourists often have no other choice, as self-payment isn’t an option.
Alternatives in Astana
In addition to buses, you can use taxi services like Uber or Indriver, which are relatively more expensive but still reasonable when compared to prices in many other countries. These services usually require an internet connection and often accept cash.
Alternatively, if you don’t mind walking, the city center in Astana is quite pedestrian-friendly.
Almaty
Almaty presents a different challenge for public transportation. Travelers in Almaty need the Onay app, which is primarily available in Kazakh or Russian. While the language barrier can be overcome to some extent, the real challenge lies in payment. To use this app, you need a card to load money onto, usually just a few Euros. However, getting money onto the card can be complicated, as it often requires a Kazakh bank account. This system works well for locals, but it can be a significant challenge for tourists.
Much like in Astana, you may encounter two options in Almaty. Yandex is a popular app among locals for transportation, but tourists might find it challenging to download. Indriver, on the other hand, is often available and provides a reasonable alternative, even if it’s not the cheapest option.
Summary
In the two major Kazakh cities of Astana and Almaty, using public transportation as a tourist can be challenging, as the standard payment methods are often inaccessible. The situation may be similar in other major cities, but in more rural areas, shared rides often require cash, which is more typical in other Central Asian countries. It’s essential to be aware of these challenges before your visit, as it can be a significant hurdle.
This information is based on my experiences from October 2023, with no immediate signs of change. However, as more tourists visit, the situation might evolve in the future.
