Money in Kazakhstan: Tenge, Kaspi and How Much Things Cost
Kazakhstan is an affordable, card-friendly destination once you understand the local money habits — chiefly the tenge and the near-universal Kaspi payment app. Here's what travelers need to know.
The currency: the tenge
Kazakhstan's currency is the tenge (KZT), symbol ₸. Notes come in denominations up to 20,000 ₸. Exchange rates move, so check a converter before you travel, but Kazakhstan is generally inexpensive for visitors from Western countries — a good coffee, a bus ride or a plate of manty all cost very little.
Cards, Kaspi and cash
Almaty is remarkably cashless. International Visa and Mastercard work in most hotels, restaurants and shops, and contactless is normal. Locals overwhelmingly pay with Kaspi, a homegrown app that handles cards, transfers and QR payments — you'll see Kaspi QR codes everywhere, including small stalls and taxis.
As a visitor you don't need Kaspi; a normal contactless card covers city life. But carry some cash for national-park fees, rural stops, small cafés and markets, where cards may not be accepted.
ATMs and exchange
- ATMs are plentiful in Almaty and dispense tenge; withdraw in the local currency (decline "conversion" offers for a better rate).
- Exchange offices (obmen valyut) are common and competitive; US dollars and euros are the easiest to change. Bring clean, unmarked notes.
Tipping
Tipping is modest and appreciated, not obligatory. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving around 10% is generous; some add a service charge. For guides and drivers, a tip for a good day is welcome but never expected.
Roughly what things cost
Prices change, but as a rough guide in Almaty:
- Local bus ride: a fraction of a dollar with an Onay card.
- Coffee in a café: a couple of dollars.
- Casual meal / plate of manty: a few dollars.
- Yandex Go across town: usually just a few dollars.
- Private day tour: priced per vehicle, so it splits well among a group.
A note on our pricing
Our tours are quoted in US dollars, per vehicle (not per person) — a starting "from" price — and payment is arranged directly, usually by Kaspi or cash. There's no online payment gateway; you book a request, we confirm, and settle simply.
Do it with us
We keep pricing straightforward and quote up front. Browse the tours or message us on WhatsApp — we usually reply within about 15 minutes.
Quick questions
What currency is used in Kazakhstan? The tenge (KZT), symbol ₸.
Can you use credit cards in Kazakhstan? Yes, widely in Almaty — Visa and Mastercard and contactless are normal. Carry cash for parks, markets and rural areas.
What is Kaspi? Kazakhstan's dominant payment app, used by locals for cards, transfers and QR payments. Visitors can get by with a normal contactless card.
Is Kazakhstan expensive? No — it's affordable for most Western travelers, with cheap transport, food and everyday costs.
Do you tip in Kazakhstan? Tipping is modest and optional — around 10% in restaurants is generous, and a tip for a good guide or driver is appreciated.