Money and duty free for Kazakhstan
Currency and Money
Currency information
Kazakh Tenge (KZT; symbol лв). Notes are in denominations of лв 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500 and 200. Coins are in denominations of лв 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1.
Credit cards
Major European and international credit cards, including Diners Club and Visa, are accepted in the larger hotels in Almaty and in major shops and restaurants. Facilities exist for credit card cash withdrawals in Kazakhstan.
Travellers cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars. Traveller's cheques are accepted at larger hotels and at banks in the big cities.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1800. Banks close for lunch 1300-1400. All banks are closed Sat-Sun.
Currency restrictions
The import of local currency is unlimited, provided it is declared on arrival; the import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided amounts exceeding US$3,000 or equivalent are declared on arrival. A proof of origin is needed for amounts of foreign currency exceeding the equivalent of US$10,000. The export of local currency is prohibited. The export of foreign currency is unlimited, provided the amounts exported do not exceed the imported amounts and a proof of origin is given for amounts exceeding the equivalent of US$10,000.
Currency exchange
The national currency, the Tenge, may only be obtained within Kazakhstan. Conversion of the Tenge back into hard currency may prove difficult. Foreign currency should only be exchanged at official bureaux and all transactions must be recorded on the currency declaration form that is issued on arrival. It is wise to retain all exchange receipts, although they are seldom inspected. Unless travelling with a licensed tourist company (in which case, accommodation, transport and meals are paid before departure), money should be brought in US Dollars cash and exchanged when necessary.
Kazakhstan duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Kazakhstan by travellers over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 3L of alcoholic beverages.
• Other goods for personal use up to the value of €500 and up to 25kg (by land) or up to the value of €10,000 weighing no more than 50kg in total (by air).
On entering the country, you must complete a customs declaration form, which you must retain until departure. This allows the import of articles intended for personal use, including currency and valuables, which you must register on the declaration form. You must export these at the end of the stay. Customs inspection can be long and detailed. It is advisable to keep receipts for items bought in Kazakhstan in order to avoid difficulties at customs on departure.
Banned Imports
Photographs and printed matter directed against Kazakhstan, military arms and ammunition, narcotics and live animals.
Food must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate.
Banned Exports
Arms and ammunition, precious metals and stones, and furs.
Antiquities and art objects require an export permit.
