Almaty Uncovered: A Travel Blogger’s Guide to Living in Kazakhstan
Living abroad is every traveler’s dream. It is part of the experience of being a travel blogger, writer, and influencer. When thinking of living abroad, so many mainstream tourist places such as Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Bangkok come to mind. Even tropical hotspots like Mexico and Bali are often in the conversation.
I wanted to do something different and spend a summer living in Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. It was an opportunity to experience what it is like to live abroad, be like a local, practice speaking Russian, and immerse myself in new cultures and customs.
Which Neighborhood Am I Living In:
I rented an apartment in the Almaty District, about 4 km from the city center. The area is quiet and has more locals and fewer tourists, though it is still accessible to the city center. The Almaty District offers a unique blend of modern convenience and local charm. Tole Bi Street, the main thoroughfare, is lined with quaint shops, cafes, and essential services, making it an ideal location for anyone wanting to experience life like a local.
How Did I Find My Apartment:
I found my apartment through Booking.com, and it was offered for an affordable price of $1,300 USD for the month. The apartment is in a new modern building called Nomad Deluxe Apartments. It had perfect ratings on Booking.com and features a scenic view of the Alatau Mountains of Almaty. Imagine waking up every morning to the breathtaking view of the Alatau Mountains. I turned that dream into a reality by living in Almaty.
What Does My Apartment Include:
My apartment is a 50-square-meter one-bedroom featuring a working desk in the bedroom, a pullout couch in the main room, a kitchen, a small closet with a washing machine, and a bathroom with a shower and sink. It is on the 12th floor of a low-rise building, providing minimal noise disruptions and not too high up, allowing me time to get up and down to the lobby.
Nightime views from my apartment in Almaty. A clear evening makes the skyline of Almaty shine bright with the modern buildings and mountains in the distance.
Living in Almaty:
My goal has been to live abroad, travel, and work remotely as a travel writer. Living on the autism spectrum, this is a challenge I wanted to try. Having traveled to Kazakhstan and Central Asia the previous year, Almaty was a city that caught my eye the single day I was here. The vibes, character, charm, and sense of adventure provided me with the motivation to choose Almaty. Being relatively unknown in the Western world, it was an opportunity to try something different. While living in Almaty has been an enriching experience, it hasn't been without its challenges.
Challenges Living Abroad:
Language Barriers & Communication:
The biggest challenge has been the language barriers. In Kazakhstan, the primary language is Kazakh, with Russian as the second language. Though I chose to live in Almaty to practice my Russian skills, it has been difficult in situations such as communicating with servers in restaurants and making specific food requests.
Dealing with allergies to peanuts and lentils adds to the anxiety when abroad and having to communicate it directly. Misunderstandings can occur, such as receiving the wrong food or drink, even when communicating clearly in English.
These barriers can make it difficult for servers to fully understand, creating challenging situations that require patience, calmness, and improvisation to resolve. My best advice is to meet a local friend, use Google Translate, or hire a local tour guide who can speak the language and make communication much easier.
Climate Adjusting:
I decided to spend July-August living in Almaty. Summer in Kazakhstan is brutally hot. Almaty is located in the southeast of Kazakhstan, where it is much hotter than in the north of Kazakhstan. It gets as high as 36 degrees Celsius (98 degrees Fahrenheit) during the middle of the day. It has led to heat exhaustion and has tired me out on several days during my time here. To beat the summer heat, I often visited the numerous parks and enjoyed ice-cold drinks at local cafes. The city’s many fountains and tree-lined streets also provide some much-needed shade.
Note: the mountains in Almaty have a high elevation and temperatures drop when ascending up the mountain range. Bring a light sweater and/or jacket for the changing temperatures and sometimes unpredictable weather changes that can occur in the mountains.
Sites to See in Almaty:
Almaty is the cultural tourist hub of Kazakhstan and offers plenty of sites for locals and tourists. If you are into hiking and adventure, visit Shymbulak Ski Resort in the mountains. Panfilov Park features the Ascension Russian Cathedral and Second World War monument for faith-based and history buffs. If you want to take day tours, rent a car or hire a local tour guide to organize a trip to Kolsay Lakes, Kaindy Lake, and the Charyn Canyon region. During my visit to Shymbulak Ski Resort, I hiked up the scenic trails and was rewarded with breathtaking views that made the effort worthwhile.
Hiking and observing the breathtaking views of Shymbulak. Some of the most incredible views in Kazakhstan.
Restaurants in Almaty:
My favourite part about living in Almaty is embracing the international cuisines offered. From traditional Kazakh horse meat to Uzbek pilaf/plov, Georgian Adjarian Khachapuri and Khinkali, Turkish doner kebaps, and Western fast food franchises such as Burger King and KFC, there is food for everyone here in Almaty. Please refer to my Restaurants In Almaty blog to learn more about my experience eating in Central Asia’s largest city. My go-to place in Almaty is Kazakhstan’s national coffee franchise, Coffee Boom. It has a diverse range of coffees, breakfasts, smoothies, and international cuisines plus a working space with wifi to be productive and relax on a hot (or cold) day.
What Have I Learned About Myself:
Living abroad for a month has taught me valuable life lessons. I have grown wiser and more patient in difficult situations, such as struggling to communicate due to a language barrier. Remaining calm and breathing has allowed me to relieve my anxiety, and being open to spontaneous activities has resulted in more positive travel memories. I have operated away from a routine, tried new restaurants, went with the flow more, and felt better not being on a schedule. For travelers with autism who prefer more of a routine and organized tour, that’s completely okay too! That being said, I learned a lot by trying this new mindset, and you can do it too!
Sunset views at Kok Tobe Hill in Almaty! A spot in Almaty for amazing views and a family friendly environment.
Conclusion:
Would I live in Almaty again if I had the choice? It depends on my situation. If I can master my Russian (and Kazakh) language skills, I would be open to doing another month abroad here. With this in mind, my confidence in living abroad solo has gone up, and I now have the mentality to do it again. Preferably, it will be a destination where the language barrier will be minimal.
Living in Almaty has not only broadened my horizons but also deepened my appreciation for different cultures. This experience has enriched my life and my travel writing, and I am excited to continue sharing these adventures with my readers.
Stay tuned for more articles on the sites, restaurants, and activities I experienced in Almaty and Kazakhstan!
Have you ever lived abroad? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
