A Day hike tour to Aksu Canyon

ATMs are widespread in the major cities, in banks, hotels and shopping centres, but most dispense only tenge. Every city has exchange offices for US dollars, euros, roubles, pounds, Chinese yuan and Kyrgyz som, and changing dollars or euros into tenge is easy at banks and exchange offices.

International cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and large supermarkets. Smaller shops usually take cash only and often have little change, so carry smaller notes.

Always carry original identification such as your passport, as police patrols may ask for it. When approached by a police officer, driver or official, ask to see their identification.

• Petty crime such as pickpocketing, bag theft and car break-ins is common. Keep valuables out of sight and be vigilant, especially at night.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended or with strangers.
• Be careful of online scams.
• Stay away from demonstrations and political gatherings, and leave the area if there is unrest nearby.

• Avoid walking alone and arrange transport in advance. Do not use unofficial taxis.
• On trains, keep your passport and travel documents safe and lock the compartment, especially on night trains.
• Roads are well maintained in and around the major cities, but rural roads may be in poor condition.

• Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is banned near schools, playgrounds and medical facilities, in public places such as museums, public transport, airports, stations and underpasses, and in cars carrying children.
• Possessing or using illegal drugs can lead to a long prison sentence.
• Photography is restricted near military sites, border areas, airports and some official buildings. Avoid sharing images that could be seen as disrespectful to religion, culture or national symbols.
• Same-sex relationships are not illegal, but tolerance varies, especially outside the major cities.

If you enter visa-free, your passport only needs to be valid for the length of your stay. With a visa, it must be valid for six months beyond the end of your stay.

For a tourist visa from an embassy or an electronic visa, you first need a letter of invitation (LOI). You may need to register after arriving in the country.

Kazakhstan has a harsh continental climate, at its most extreme in the central steppe and around the capital, Astana. Temperatures can rise above 40°C in June to August and drop to −20°C in December to February.

Medical staff often speak little English.

Non-prescription medicines are easy to buy. For prescription medicines you need a prescription from a local doctor, or a foreign prescription translated into Kazakh or Russian.