Places to exchange currency in Kazakhstan

When I arrived in Astana, I made the mistake of exchanging €100 at the airport counter and got a poor rate. Later, in the city, I found a small “Obmen” near the train station that gave me way more tenge for the same amount. On my next trip, I just used a Kaspi ATM at the airport and it was hassle-free. Taxis and corner shops all wanted cash, but bigger restaurants took my card. I’d say ATMs and city exchanges beat airport counters every time.

Kazakhstan’s airports do have currency exchange counters, but they take a margin. Safer plan is ATMs - Halyk, Kaspi, and Sberbank are the main ones to trust. They dispense tenge at fair rates. In cities like Almaty and Astana, you’ll find “Obmen” exchange bureaus everywhere, offering competitive rates for USD and EUR. My advice: withdraw a little at the airport for taxis, then do the bulk of your exchange in town. Cards work in restaurants, but street kiosks and buses need cash.

I wouldn’t rely on airport counters in Almaty. I used a Kaspi ATM right after arrivals and got tenge at the official rate. Later, I saw plenty of “Obmen” exchange offices downtown with good rates if you’re carrying USD. Taxis and metro in Almaty required cash, while restaurants often took cards. I withdrew 20,000 KZT at the airport and it lasted me two days. Then I just topped up in town with Halyk Bank ATMs. ATMs are safer and quicker than counters.

At Almaty and Astana airports, exchange counters exist but rates aren’t great. I prefer ATMs from Halyk Bank, Kaspi, or Sberbank. They give tenge at the official rate and usually work fine with foreign cards. I normally withdraw 10,000-20,000 KZT on arrival for taxis and food, then top up in the city if needed. Exchange offices in town (often marked as “Obmen”) offer slightly better rates for USD or EUR. For everyday expenses like metro rides or cafés, small cash is essential.