Preparing your trip to Astana: advices & hints - things to do and to obey

1. Local people are very attentive when it comes to consuming alcohol. Drinking spirits can be prohibited during certain religious holidays and fasting.

2. It is allowed to discuss different themes with local people. However, tourists shouldn’t criticize their culture, lifestyle, and religious traditions. Even business travelers should not limit themselves to talks about business only with their colleagues.

3. Local people are not always punctual and can be late even for a business meeting. If a ticket to some concert or show has a specific time indicated, perhaps, it will start somewhat later.

4. Many public offices and banks start their work at 9.00. As a rule, working hours end at 18.00. Lunchtime usually starts at 13.00 and lasts one hour.

5. Local people usually follow a number of interesting traditions. Tourists should be careful and try not to break the etiquette rules. This concerns not only home celebrations but also visits to local restaurants. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

6. Use informal language only when dealing with close friends and family members. When talking to little-known people, it is important to follow all etiquette rules.

7. There are virtually no places where smoking is banned in Astana. It is only prohibited to smoke inside buildings, but all trading centers and cafes always have a special area for smokers.

Excursion over cultural sights of Astana - 'must visit' points of interest

In Astana, visitors will find dozens of different landmarks – historical places of interest and modern architecture iconic places, cultural venues and theatres, museums and beautiful …

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8. When heading to a walk in the city, check your outfit. The clothes shouldn’t be too bright or provocative. Office type clothes are the best. In Astana, many locals might not understand people who denim and sports clothes and can consider that a sign of bad taste.

9. It is better to book tables in many prestigious restaurants in advance. Tips are always included in the total bill, but visitors can also leave an extra reward to a waiter. A tip of 5 to 10% of the total is enough.

10. Local car drivers are not distinguished by a strict following of the traffic rules. Therefore, it is important to cross the road carefully even in specially designated areas.

11. Tourists shouldn’t make independent tours to the outskirts of Astana. The best way to explore them is together with an experienced guide.

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Astana - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

What to visit being in Astana - unique sights

Duman Oceanarium

From the series “The Coolest and Largest Oceanariums in the World”

Check on the map: Duman Oceanarium on map

Distance from Astana center - 3.8 km.

Surprisingly, one of the most incredible aquariums of the planet can be found among the desert steppes of Kazakhstan. The Duman Oceanarium, which was opened in 2003, presents to the visitors a rich collection of marine life featuring about 2.5 thousand representatives. The volume of the central aquarium is 3.5 million liters. A project of oceanarium was developed by the best specialists of the Chinese company Asiocean International, as well as specialists from Russia. Actually, Duman is a huge entertainment complex, which in addition to the huge aquariums with marine life and traditional acrylic tunnel, has lots of amazing surprises. … Read further

City tours, excursions and tickets in Astana and surroundings

Kazakhstan: travelling advices

2. A service fee of 5 – 15% can be already included in the total if it is a high-class hotel or restaurant. It is recommended to leave tips to drivers. Tips in other venues are not common.
When visiting a local market, tourists need to be prepared for high prices. Local sellers increase prices deliberately because bargaining is common in Kazakhstan. Don’t be shy and bargain!
4. The majority of foreign guests are obliged to get temporary registration. This registration must be obtained within five days of arrival. A failure to do that may result in a fine when leaving the country.
5. Don’t forget to buy entrance tickets when visiting national parks and nature reserves. Attention: there are fraud cases with tourists involved. Swindlers claim they are customs officers or ecologists and force tourists to pay the fine. Vacationers need to be careful in order not to become victims of these impersonators. … Open

Preparing your trip to Astana: advices & hints - things to do and to obey

What to visit being in Astana - unique sights

Duman Oceanarium

City tours, excursions and tickets in Astana and surroundings

Kazakhstan: travelling advices

Photos of Astana

Services search (pharmacy, police, parking, banks) on Astana map

Tips for the cities around Astana