Tips on Almaty Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe!

Almaty Warnings and Dangers

Watch out for taxi scams, canals and customs in Almaty.

Airport Taxis

Scam taxis may be waiting when you arrive at Almaty Airport, as well as other cities in CIS countries. You would be better off hiring a transport company. There are some transport company counters at the airport’s waiting area. If you want to take a taxi, call 555-333 for a secure company.

Not Venice

Be careful with the small canals by the roads. In some places small bridges cross wide channels, in some others they’re only 30cm and you have to jump to get across. They can be dry or full of flowing water, especially after a good rain when water is coming down from the mountains. If you’re not used to it this can be dangerous, so pay attention.

Currency Exchange

When leaving Kazakhstan you must declare any foreign currency you are taking out of the country and present one of the following documents to prove the origin of such currency;
-your original customs declaration showing the amount of currency you imported into Kazakhstan
-receipts issued by exchange offices of authorized banks in Kazakhstan when you purchased foreign currency
-documentation issued by authorized banks evidencing cash withdrawals from a foreign currency account or receipt of foreign currency by bank transfer

These documents must cover the total amount being exported.
Transfer of foreign currency via credit cards does not need to be declared.
If you try to export foreign currency without documentation, it may be seized by customs and will be returned to you next time you enter Kazakhstan.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings and dangers in Almaty.