Geographic Location and Time Zone

Almaty, a city located in the southeast of Kazakhstan, falls within the sixth time zone with a time difference of +6 hours from Greenwich Mean Time (UTC +6).

Situated at the foothills of the Tien Shan mountain range, Almaty boasts a diverse geographical landscape. Some parts of the city reach elevations surpassing 1700 meters (5577 ft) above sea level, while the central area is typically found at an average altitude of 785 meters (2575 ft) above sea level. This unique topography adds to the city's charm.

Languages

Almaty stands out as the most cosmopolitan city in Kazakhstan. With over 40 different nationalities and ethnic groups calling it home, the city embraces diversity. This multiculturalism has resulted in the adoption of Russian as the second language of international communication alongside the state language, Kazakh. Consequently, all essential information, street signs, tourist attractions, and other relevant details are invariably presented in two or three languages: Russian, Kazakh, and occasionally English.

While the prevalence of foreign languages varies across the city, it is not uncommon to encounter passersby or public service employees conversing in a foreign language, predominantly English. Institutions and accommodations that frequently host foreign guests usually have staff members proficient in English to cater to their needs and ensure effective communication.

If you want to know more about the Kazakh language and even learn a couple of phrases, read this article.

How to navigate through Almaty

Navigating through Almaty is straightforward due to its distinct topography and well-organized urban layout. The city's southern and southeastern regions, situated near the mountains, sit at a considerably higher altitude than its northern counterpart. Almaty's urban planning follows a chess-like system, with parallel and perpendicular streets dividing the city into manageable blocks.

To provide directions or describe a location within the city, Almaty residents commonly use the terms «up» and «down» in conjunction with the number of blocks. For example, they might instruct someone to walk up Abylai Khan Street for three blocks and then turn onto the upper side of Kabanbai Batyr Street, where they will find the Stolichny grocery store.

Determining the upper part of the city is remarkably simple as the mountains serve as a clear reference point visible from every corner of the city. Simply glance towards the side where the mountains are, and you can establish the upper part of Almaty.

To assist tourists in navigation, numerous tourist signs and Tourist Information Centers, such as «Visit Almaty», are scattered throughout the city. Maps of the city can be found at public transport stops and major shopping and entertainment complexes.

Mobile communication and Internet

In Almaty, visitors can purchase SIM cards from various mobile operators and enjoy cost-effective calling rates while avoiding expensive roaming charges. All major operators provide special affordable guest rates tailored for tourists, ensuring seamless connectivity with internet speeds reaching up to 4G. Cell phone shops can be found in every district of the city, making it convenient to acquire a SIM card and stay connected during your visit.

Moreover, Almaty provides Wi-Fi coverage in numerous public areas. You will often find Wi-Fi access points available in parks, squares, and other public spaces. To connect, you may be required to log in using your cell phone number. Many dining establishments also offer Wi-Fi for their clients. You won't need a local phone number to access the network; simply ask the staff for the Wi-Fi password.

Transport

Almaty Airport is one of the largest airports in Central Asia. With approximately 200 takeoffs and landings occurring each day, the airport handles a significant volume of flights. With its busy schedule and occasional congestion, it remains the largest transportation hub in Kazakhstan and ranks among the regional leaders in terms of international destinations served. For detailed information on flight routes to and from Almaty Airport, you can refer to this link.

Almaty-1 and Almaty-2 Railway Stations are important hubs for passenger and freight trains in all directions. Almaty-1 serves as the largest railway hub in Central Asia, while Almaty-2 is a historical architectural monument from the 1930s. Train tickets are sold on the Kazakhstan Railway Company’s official website.

Almaty's public transportation system has significantly improved in recent years. It includes the subway, buses, and trolleybuses. To use these modes of transport, you will need an ONAY transport card, available for purchase at kiosks that sell newspapers. The fare for the ONAY card is 500 tenge (~1.12 USD) while one ticket costs 100 tenge (~0.22 USD). If you don’t have a transport card, you can pay in cash directly to the driver. In this case, one ticket will cost 200 tenge (~0.44 USD).

Taxi services: Almaty offers various taxi services for tourists, including Uber and YandexGo. The average cost of a city trip ranges from 1000 to 2000 tenge (~2.25-4.5 USD). Tracking vehicle locations is convenient with apps like «Citybus» for Android and «Almaty Bus» for iOS.

Bicycle rental: AlmatyBike operates a successful bike-sharing system in the city. Visitors can make use of its services, especially considering the significant improvements in Almaty's bicycle infrastructure in recent years.

Almaty subway: The city's subway system currently has a single branch that spans the entire central business district and residential areas, comprising 11 stations. Plans are underway for the construction of new lines and stations. To travel on the subway, you can use the same ONAY card used for buses. Alternatively, you can pay with any Visa or MasterCard directly at the turnstiles. The fare remains 80 tenge (~0.18 USD). You can distinguish the entrance to a subway station by the big red letter M meaning Metro.

Tourists visiting Almaty are captivated by the city's enchanting attractions and its surrounding beauty. Discover more about the must-visit destinations and noteworthy sights in this article.