Useful information about Astana
Geographic location and time zone
Astana is the capital city of Kazakhstan and is located in the northern part of the country, in the Central Asian steppe region. Astana is located in the UTC+6:00 time zone year-round.
Climate
Speaking about Astana, it is impossible not to mention its weather. Astana has a sharply continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold, long winters. Summers are usually from June to August with average temperatures ranging between 25-30°C (77-86oF). Winters last from November to March with temperatures that can drop to as low as -40°C (-40oF), making Astana one of the coldest capitals in the world. The city experiences strong winds throughout the year, and snowstorms are common during the winter months. Visitors should pack warm clothing if they plan to visit during this time.
Average monthly and average annual temperatures in Astana (oC)
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Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Okt |
Nov |
Dec |
Av. annual |
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Astana |
14,2 | -14,1 | -7,1 | 5,2 | 13,9 | 19,5 | 20,8 | 18,8 | 12,3 | 4,6 | -5,4 | -12,1 |
3,5 |
How to navigate through the city
Astana is located on the steppe plain and is divided into two parts by the Esil River – the right and left banks. The right bank is considered historical and has some early 20th-century architectural monuments, parks, squares, and Soviet-era residential areas. On the other hand, the left bank is associated with the modern history of the city, and it is where many entertainment venues, administrative offices, and new residential neighborhoods are located.
Astana is divided into five administrative districts: Saryarka, Baikonur, Almaty (on the right bank), and Esil and Nura districts (on the left bank). The city has a classic chess building system with parallel and perpendicular streets, which makes it easy for tourists to navigate. Most public transport stops are equipped with city maps, and there are street signs at intersections to help visitors find their way around.
Tourist maps are published in several languages and distributed for free at the airport, information centers, and main attractions in the city. It is also recommended to download apps like 2GIS or Yandex maps, which contain the most up-to-date information about the city and its facilities. Apple maps may not be as informative. With these resources, navigating the city of Astana should be relatively easy for visitors.
Languages
Astana is a vibrant and multicultural city, home to people from various ethnic backgrounds. Kazakhs, Russians, Tatars, Uzbeks, Ingush, Azerbaijanis, Chechens, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Germans, Koreans, Poles, and many other ethnic groups live in the city. To cater to the diverse population, all information for guests of the city is presented in three languages – Kazakh, Russian, and English.
Due to historical reasons and the multinational composition of the inhabitants of the capital, the Russian language is widely spoken in everyday life alongside the state Kazakh language. Hotels, restaurants, and other establishments that frequently cater to foreign guests typically have staff who speak English.
If you want to know more about the Kazakh language and even learn some essential phrases, feel free to read this article.
Mobile communication and Internet
Kazakhstan is known for its affordable and fast internet, and this holds true for Astana as well. Large cities in the country offer cheap and speedy internet services, making it convenient for tourists to stay connected. Visitors can purchase a local SIM card from any mobile operator and avoid hefty roaming call charges. All telecom operators offer affordable rates for tourists with a prepaid number of free minutes and a 4G internet traffic package. Mobile communication salons are available in all districts of the city, including large shopping and business centers.
Free Wi-Fi is also available in many cafes and restaurants. Visitors can ask the staff for the password to connect.
Transport
The Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport is located just 13 km (8 mi) from the new city center and is named after the First President of Kazakhstan. It is one of the largest airports in Kazakhstan and ranks second in terms of passenger traffic after Almaty International Airport. The airport is also considered one of the busiest in Central Asia. The taxi drive from the airport to the city typically cost 1500-3500 tenge depending on the distance and time of day. It's important to note that some unofficial taxi drivers may try to scam tourists by charging exorbitant rates. We strongly advise against using the services of unofficial taxi drivers who often wait for clients at the entrance to the airport. Download apps like YandexGo or Uber which have preset prices and ensure a safe and comfortable ride.
The public transportation system in Astana consists of buses and fixed-route taxis, with over 100 bus routes operating in the city. Passengers can track buses in real-time through mobile apps such as Astra bus or 2GIS. The cost of a bus ticket is 90 tenge, payable with a transport card, QR code, or in cash to the driver. If you pay in cash, the cost is 150 tenge. A transport card can be purchased at ticket vending machines (view their location here). You can add money to the card through the Astra bus mobile app or local banking apps.
Astana also has various taxi services available, including international companies like YandexGo, Bolt, and Uber, as well as local private companies such as Astana Taxi, Saryarka Taxi, InDriver, Ecotaxi, and Region. The average fare in the city ranges from 700 to 2000 tenge, depending on the distance.
In recent years, the city has made significant efforts to improve conditions for cycling, scooters, and electric vehicles. New cycle paths and lanes are being equipped every year, and rentals of these modes of transport are available throughout the city. Foreign cyclists should be aware that in Kazakhstan, bicycles are considered a means of transportation, and in the absence of a cycle path or lane, cyclists are obliged to comply with all traffic rules when moving on the carriageway.
For those who prefer train travel, there are two train stations in Astana, the old station and the new station called Nurly Zhol. Both stations are located on the right bank of the city. Train tickets can be purchased at either station or on the official website of Kazakhstan’s Railway Company. The website has an English version.
Safety
Astana is widely regarded as one of the safest cities not only in Kazakhstan but also in Central Asia. The city has implemented advanced security measures to ensure the safety of its residents and visitors alike. The streets are equipped with CCTV cameras that provide real-time information to the police, making it easier to monitor and respond to any incidents. Additionally, many public and residential buildings are also equipped with video surveillance systems.
The city also has a strong police presence, with officers patrolling the streets at night. They are readily available to provide assistance or information as needed. In 2019, the tourist police were introduced to the city to ensure the safety of visitors. These officers are fluent in at least three languages: Kazakh, Russian, and English, making it easier for tourists to communicate with them.
However, like in any other city, in Astana visitors may encounter petty theft, robbery, and scams. To avoid being targeted by pickpocketers, it's best to be cautious in crowded areas and on public transportation, especially on buses. When exploring the city's nightlife, it's important to keep an eye on your drink and never leave it unattended in bars and nightclubs. You should also avoid accepting drinks from strangers.
It's worth noting that political demonstrations and large crowds should also be avoided. While protests are generally peaceful, they can sometimes turn violent. Additionally, it's important to be aware of the potential for police corruption in the city, as this can sometimes be an issue.
To minimize the risk of becoming a victim of crime or scams, it's best to take common-sense precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and keep your valuables out of sight. If you do become a victim of a crime or encounter any issues, you can contact the tourist police or the regular police for assistance.
Also, Astana takes traffic safety seriously, and the rules of the road are strictly enforced. The city has constant video monitoring to ensure that drivers are following traffic laws. Violations of traffic rules can result in heavy fines or even the deprivation of a driver's license. For example, crossing a double solid line can result in the immediate loss of a driver's license. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to arrest for 15 days and deprivation of driving rights for up to 7 years.
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