What happens if I don't have a passport?

Not having a passport can cause unnecessary delays or complications, so it's worth bringing it along, even if not required.

Can I use a different type of ID instead of a passport?

While not required, having a passport handy can provide extra peace of mind and avoid any potential issues.

What should I do if I encounter any issues at the border?

Stay calm, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. The border crossing process is designed to be smooth and efficient.

Are there any specific items I should not bring with me when crossing the border?

Be sure to check with the relevant authorities for any specific restrictions or requirements.

Can I cross the border with pets or animals?

Yes, but be sure to check with the relevant authorities for any specific requirements or restrictions.

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when crossing the border?

Don't assume you can cross the border without the required documents, and always check the latest border crossing requirements before your trip.

Can I use a credit card to pay for border crossing fees?

Yes, but be sure to check with the relevant authorities for any specific payment requirements or restrictions.

Asta 2025: Insider Tips for a Stress-Free Trip

I've been to Kazakhstan twice, but my last trip was back in 2019. I wrote about some cool spots on another review site at the time, but this time I wanted to share my experience with something a bit different. If you're planning a trip to Astana, you'll likely find plenty of interesting places to explore, so I'll focus on the practical stuff instead.

Border Crossings: What to Expect

I've crossed the Kazakhstan-Russia border by car and train without any issues. You won't need a passport or visa, but it's always a good idea to have your passport handy, just in case. If you do have a passport, it's worth bringing it along – I'll explain why later.

Driving across the border will take a bit longer, as you'll need to wait in a queue with other vehicles. The process is straightforward – document checks, a quick inspection of your car, and you're good to go. The same procedure applies when heading back into Kazakhstan. Be prepared to wait anywhere from 20 minutes to an eternity, depending on your luck. But don't worry, it's not a stressful experience.

I've gotta say, crossing the border by train is a breeze. The train barely stops, and when the border patrol gets on, it's just a quick check and they're back off. They'll ask you a few questions about where you're headed and what you're doing, but they're not too thorough. I didn't even get asked about my luggage, let alone have it searched.

That being said, there are a few things you might want to be careful with when it comes to bringing into the country:

Alcohol. Just be aware that you're only allowed to bring in up to 5 liters per person, or you'll get charged a duty.Cigarettes. Same deal - 200 cigarettes per person is the limit.E-cigarettes. Don't even think about bringing these in, as they're banned in Kazakhstan.Cash. If you're carrying a large amount of cash (over $10,000), be prepared for some tough questioning.But, in my experience, crossing the border was a piece of cake. No issues at all.

Getting Around

When I was in Astana, I got around by taxi - it's actually pretty cheap compared to back home. They mostly use Chevrolet Cobalt cars, which are pretty decent.

I would have preferred to take the bus, but I was warned that they don't accept cash anymore. You either need to buy a ticket or face a fine for not having one.

I'd have figured it out if it weren't for the super cheap taxis. From the airport to the city center (it takes about 40 minutes) the route costs 2300 tenge - that's roughly 400 rubles.

Within the city, a ride would cost around 200-250 rubles, which is ridiculously cheap, especially in my hometown where hailing a taxi can set you back around a thousand rubles.

And then there's the issue with Kazakh drivers. We decided to take a taxi from the train station to the hotel and... we crashed into another car right off the bat on our first ride through the city while changing lanes.

I'd like to think it was just a weird coincidence, but our subsequent taxi rides also left me feeling anxious. Again, I hope this is just a thing with taxi drivers (although in Astana, the sound of the horn already feels like a part of the city's vibe).

Yeah, I haven't driven in Rostov, Makhachkala, or any African countries, so maybe I'm just not used to how they drive... but in Astana, be prepared for some aggressive driving.

I've got to give credit where credit is due - the prices and hospitality are top-notch. When I asked the taxi driver if I could pay with a 2000 tenge note (the ride cost 1600 tenge), he asked me to translate, but I told him I'd be unable to do so due to sanctions. He let me off with paying zero tenge for the 10-minute ride. Leaving the 2000 tenge note without change was also an option, but I decided against it.

Transportation-wise, you won't have any issues - the familiar Yandex Taxi service is available throughout the city, with plenty of cars on the road.

Money and Currency

I think it's common knowledge by now that Russian Visa/Mastercard cards don't work globally. You can't use them to pay anywhere except Russia.

The Russian payment system MIR works in Kazakhstan, so it seems like you can just use your Russian card and let the currency conversion happen automatically.

However, the reality is quite different. MIR only works with VTB, so I can only use my VTB card to pay in places that have VTB's equipment. Spoiler alert - you won't find any VTB terminals in the places I've been to. Instead, most restaurants and shops have Halyk Bank's equipment, which stopped working with MIR due to sanctions.

I had a backup plan - to get a card with the Chinese payment system UnionPay and pay with it. In theory, there shouldn't be any issues. But in practice, it's business as usual.

First off, by 2025, out of 10 banks that issue UnionPay debit cards, only two are left - Rosselkhozbank and the Asia-Pacific Bank (ATB).

Let's talk about the second option. ATB was founded in 1992 and was primarily popular on the Far East, used for trading with China. Of course, they became one of the first banks to offer UnionPay cards to individuals back in 2023. The catch is that the monthly maintenance fee is 400 rubles, and the card issuance fee is 5,000 rubles.

Getting a card from Rosselkhozbank is a better option - both the issuance and maintenance fees are free if you use the card.

In Kazakhstan, you can only pay with UnionPay at Halyk terminals, which are most common, but you might also encounter terminals from other banks, causing some inconvenience.

So, the bottom line... - cash is not convenient, you can lose it, and no one gives change. But it's the only option that guarantees you won't have any issues. I recommend choosing cash to avoid problems in another country.

I tried to exchange my money at every bank in my hometown, but none of them would give me Kazakhstani tenge. They all told me they don’t work with that currency. Don’t worry, though - in Kazakhstan, you can easily find exchange points everywhere, including right near the train station and airport. I even exchanged some money at a stop in Petropavlovsk.

Network and Roaming

If you’re planning a long trip (a week or more), using roaming services from Russian operators isn’t the best idea. Most of them offer daily plans. For example, MTS offers unlimited internet for 550 rubles a day.

Getting a local SIM card isn’t hard, but make sure to do it at a mobile operator store. They’ll set it up in 5 minutes and connect the same tariff plan you have in Russia. It costs around 500 rubles a month for 30 GB and 200 minutes. I got a SIM card from Activ.

I strongly advise against buying a SIM card at a supermarket. The salesperson straight-up lied to me, selling a completely useless SIM card for 3,000 tenge. It didn’t come with any tariff plan, which was just a marketing gimmick. When I asked if I could pay 3,000 tenge and get the tariff plan activated immediately, they just said yes. Don’t be a fool, and don’t fall for it.

Pricing and Value for Money

Prices are super low compared to Moscow, which is a big plus. But, interestingly, products in Almaty are actually pricier than in the city.

I was blown away to find that fast food is actually more expensive here. I paid 550 rubles for a meal at Burger King, which is the same price I'd pay back home for 350 rubles. The same story with KFC - everything's way more expensive.

As for restaurants, a meal for one at a decent place will set you back around 1,000 rubles. And a coffee at a nice café? That's 160-170 rubles.

Prices here are roughly comparable to those in a provincial Russian city.

Politics and Attitude

In 2019, I didn't encounter any issues. Everywhere accepted Visa/Mastercard, and you could even use rubles at some stores near the border. Plus, Russian was widely spoken.

I was curious to see what changes might have taken place over the past six years. And I'm happy to report that nothing's changed - for the better, I'd say!

Yes, I did notice that I heard more Kazakh being spoken, but locals switch to Russian effortlessly if you start a conversation with them. This isn't just about service staff, either - it's the people in general. There's no language barrier, no hatred, no misunderstanding.

In Astana, I found the locals' attitude towards Russians to be generally neutral and welcoming. Big thanks to them for their hospitality!