Work, Study, and Community Life: how it works in Kazakhstan — first-hand
From real experience
serviceTo find work and suitable housing in Petropavlovsk, North Kazakhstan Region (SKO), explore local job boards and real estate agencies.
The city's proximity to Russia makes it an attractive option for those seeking accessible relocation. Researching the local job market and rental property listings will provide the best insight.
✓ 2 reports from chats
how-toFor enrolling Russian children in schools in Kazakhstan, prepare the following documents: birth certificate (SORS), child's international passport, your Kazakhstan residence permit (VNZh) or temporary residence permit (RVP), medical certificates (065/u, 052-2/u, sometimes 026/u), and potentially the child's academic record from their Russian school.
A local medical record will also be needed, which can be processed based on the Russian one. Procedures may vary by city; for instance, Almaty assigns schools by district, while other regions might offer more flexibility. Enrollment is generally straightforward as education is mandatory for all children.
✓ 1 report from chats
how-toAccessing Big Almaty Lake (BAO) is possible with a full-drive SUV up to the eco-post, after which vehicle access is restricted.
Options include leaving your car and using an electric scooter or walking. For Kaindy Lake, drive to the parking area in Saty village, where 'Bukhanka' vehicles offer transport to the trail. Horseback riding tours to nearby Kolsai Lakes are also available. While driving directly to Kaindy is not permitted, roads allow access near Kolsai Lakes for suited vehicles. A combined trip to Kaindy, Kolsai Lakes, and Charyn Canyon is feasible with an early start.
✓ 1 report from chats
how-toFor apartment rentals in Kazakhstan, consider the following platforms: Krisha.kz is a popular real estate portal where you can find various listings.
Be cautious of unusually low prices, as they often indicate shared accommodation (subletting or room rental) rather than an entire apartment. Note that full access to contact numbers on Krisha.kz might require authorization with a Kazakhstan phone number. OLX.kz is another viable option for finding rental properties, including apartments and rooms.
✓ 1 report from chats
how-toTo visit Kolsai Lakes and Kaindy Lake, leave your car at the parking lot in Saty village and use local transport ('Bukhanka' vehicles) or hike.
A full-day trip is best spent exploring Kolsai Lakes and the Charyn Canyon, offering diverse landscapes. Horseback riding is an option at Kolsai Lakes. For maximum experience, start early, consider car rental, or stay overnight. Black Canyon is also a highly recommended scenic spot in the area.
✓ 1 report from chats
tipFor relocation to Kazakhstan and general daily life, reaching a B2 level in the Kazakh language is advisable.
While resources for adult learners might be less abundant than for English, platforms like qazaqshatime.kz, online courses, YouTube channels (e.g., Sergey Khvan), and language learning apps are available. Acquiring basic phrases and correct pronunciation can significantly aid integration and interaction. Kazakh is known for its rich phonetic system, making its study a rewarding experience.
✓ 1 report from chats
tipFor a single day trip prioritizing maximum scenic impressions, Kolsai Lakes are recommended over BAO due to travel time.
While BAO offers mountains, a lake, and forest, Kolsai Lakes, along with the nearby Charyn Canyon and Black Canyon, provide a more extensive and varied experience. Driving to Kolsai and exploring the canyon can be completed within a day if starting early. BAO is closer but offers a less diverse landscape for a full-day excursion.
✓ 1 report from chats
how-toIf an event ticket purchase requires a Kazakhstani bank card and you do not have one, consider these options: 1. Ask a trusted contact in Kazakhstan to purchase the ticket for you.
Be cautious of potential scams. 2. Explore services that specialize in facilitating cross-border payments or ticket purchases for international clients. Verify the legitimacy and fees of any such service.
✓ 1 report from chats
serviceFor organized tours and excursions within Kazakhstan, consider contacting local travel agencies or tour operators.
Searching on platforms like Instagram for 'travelmangystau' or similar region-specific travel accounts can provide recommendations. For specific regions like Mangystau, online searches may reveal local guides or companies offering tours.
✓ 1 report from chats
serviceFor booking short-term accommodation in Kazakhstan, popular platforms include Booking.com, Krisha.kz, and OLX.kz.
While Booking.com is a global platform, Krisha.kz and OLX.kz are local classifieds websites. For car rentals, consider options like Yandex.Rentals or local rental agencies.
✓ 1 report from chats
tipIndividual tours to Charyn Canyon are available for those who prefer a less crowded experience.
These tours can be arranged to suit personal preferences for pace and privacy, offering a more personalized exploration of the canyon.
✓ 1 report from chats
riskResidents of Kazakhstan cannot drive cars with Russian registration, even if they have obtained a Kazakhstani Individual Identification Number (IIN) or have a residence permit (ВНЖ).
Insurance and technical inspection are insufficient for this purpose.
✓ 1 report from chats
riskIt is unlikely that medications like Fenibut or other tranquilizers can be purchased without a prescription in Kazakhstan.
Pharmacies typically require a valid prescription for such controlled substances. Over-the-counter options might be limited to basic supplements like magnesium.
✓ 1 report from chats
caseVELO nicotine pouches are reportedly difficult to find in Astana.
Availability may be limited or non-existent through standard retail channels.