Money & duty free for Kazakhstan
Exchange rates:
Kazakh TengeC$1 = лв250.15
€1 = лв350.26
£1 = лв415.29
US$1 = лв335.55
Currency & Money
Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT; symbol ₸). Notes are in denominations of ₸ 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500 and 200. Coins are in denominations of ₸ 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1.
In Kazakhstan, credit cards (particularly Visa and MasterCard) are widely accepted in urban areas such as Almaty and Astana. However, in rural regions or when dealing with street vendors, cash remains the preferred payment method.
ATMs are readily available throughout major cities, including at airports, banks, and shopping centres. They typically accept international cards such as Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro.
Local currency: There are no restrictions on importing Kazakh Tenge (KZT). However, exporting Kazakh Tenge is prohibited.
Foreign currency: There are no limits on importing foreign currencies, but amounts exceeding USD $10,000 (or its equivalent in another currency) must be declared upon arrival. When leaving Kazakhstan, you can export foreign currency up to the amount you declared upon entry. If the amount exceeds USD $10,000, you must provide proof of origin and declare it at customs.
Authorised exchange bureaus are available in Kazakhstan. USD and EUR are the most commonly exchanged currencies in Kazakhstan. However, travellers should ensure that the banknotes they bring are in good condition (clean and free from tears or markings), as damaged or worn bills may be refused or exchanged at a less favourable rate.
Kazakhstan duty free
Travellers can bring goods for personal use into Kazakhstan without paying customs duties and taxes within the following limits:
• By air: Up to €10,000 in value and 50 kg in weight.
• By road, railway, water transport, or on foot: Up to €500 in value and 25 kg in weight.
These regulations apply to all countries except the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Travelers from the following EAEU countries are exempt from these customs duties: Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia.
In addition:
• Individuals aged 21 and over can bring in up to 3L of alcohol products.
• Individuals aged 18 and over can bring in 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars (cigarillos), or 250 grams of tobacco, or a mix of tobacco products with a total weight not exceeding 250 grams.
Weapons and ammunition, narcotics and psychotropic substances, hazardous materials, cultural and historical artefacts, and counterfeit goods.
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