Almaty is the largest tourist center in Kazakhstan and one of the most convenient cities in the country for travel. The city combines well-developed infrastructure, proximity to mountains, rich culture and clear urban navigation, which makes it a comfortable destination to travel to at any time of the year.
Geographical location and time zone
Almaty is located in the south-east of Kazakhstan, at the foot of the northern foothills of the Tien Shan, in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau in the sixth time zone. The difference from Greenwich is +6 hours. Tourists from Europe and America may need a short period of adaptation to the changing times.
The peculiarity of the city is the height difference. The southern regions, located closer to the mountains of Almaty, rise above 1,700 meters above sea level, and the central part is located at an altitude of about 785 meters. Due to this, Almaty always feels the proximity of the mountains and the fresh air.
Languages of communication in Almaty
Almaty is the most multinational city in Kazakhstan. Representatives of more than 40 nationalities live here. The official language is Kazakh, and Russian is widely used as the language of interethnic communication. Many people know and speak English.
This is convenient for tourists: all city information, street signs, names of attractions and public transport are duplicated in Kazakh and Russian, and in tourist places often in English. English-speaking staff usually work in hotels, cafes, museums and sightseeing areas.
How to navigate the city
It is easy to navigate in Almaty even without a map. The city is built according to the chess principle – the streets run parallel and perpendicular to each other, forming understandable blocks.
Relief plays an additional role. Almaty residents use the concepts of "up" and "down": "up" – towards the mountains, "down" – away from the mountains. The mountains are visible from almost anywhere in the city, so it's easy to determine the direction. City signs, bus stop maps, and information desks will also help tourists.
Mobile communications and the Internet
Mobile communication in Almaty is affordable and inexpensive. Tourists can purchase a SIM card from any operator with favorable rates and mobile Internet up to 4G. Communication salons are available in all areas of the city. To register a room for foreign citizens, you will need a passport.
Free Wi-Fi is available in many public spaces, shopping malls, parks, and catering establishments. In cafes and restaurants, it is enough to ask the staff for a password.
Security in Almaty
Almaty is considered one of the safest cities in Central Asia. The city has a well-developed video surveillance system, the streets are well lit, and police patrols operate in the evening.
Road safety is at a high level due to the automatic detection of violations and severe fines. In emergency situations, you can call 101 or 112 universal number – the call is free for all operators.
Transportation in Almaty
Almaty is the main transport hub of Kazakhstan. Almaty International Airport serves a large number of domestic and international flights and is a key aviation hub in the region.
The railway connection is represented by Almaty-1 and Almaty-2 railway stations, from where trains depart in all directions. Public transport includes metro, buses and trolleybuses.
The Onai transport card is used for travel, which is valid for all types of transport. The Almaty metro consists of a single line running through the city center and residential areas, and is convenient for tourists.
Taxis are available through the popular Yandex-Go and taxiregion services, and the average cost of trips around the city remains affordable, ranging from 1,500 tenge to 3,500 tenge, depending on the distance. In the warmer months, electric scooters can be used.
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