Is Kazakhstan Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Kazakhstan generally presents a standard level of security for solo female travelers. It's advisable to respect local customs and dress modestly. In general, Kazakh people are very hospitable and helpful. The country is developed and crime rate is not high, but caution is necessary, especially at night and in isolated areas. It's recommended to be alert and aware of one's surroundings at all times, use registered taxis, and steer clear of unknown areas after dark. Female travelers have reported feeling safe, but staying vigilant is crucial.

Safety rating

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How safe is Kazakhstan?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Kazakhstan in general is safe for solo female travelers at night, especially in major cities where areas are well-lit and populated. However, as in any country, you should always exercise caution. Avoid less populated areas or any locations that look unsafe. Public transport is not advisable after dark and it is recommended to use trusted cab services. Always remember to share your whereabouts with someone you trust and stay alert to your surroundings.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

On the public transportation front in Kazakhstan, it presents a mixed bag. Local buses and trams are prevalent, but often crowded and in various states of repair. It can be difficult for foreigners to navigate due to lack of English signs. However, the metro system in Almaty is modern, clean, well-maintained, and generally safe during regular operating hours. Taxis are commonly used but ensure they are licensed and always negotiate fares before getting in. Uber-like apps such as Yandex.Taxi are also available and can be safer and more reliable options.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Kazakhstan is generally considered to be safe for solo female travelers when it comes to street harassment. Incidents of catcalling or inappropriate behavior in public places are not commonly reported. As always, it is recommended to maintain usual precautions such as avoiding deserted areas at night and dressing modestly to respect local customs. Paying attention to personal safety and remaining vigilant in unfamiliar surroundings is always wise while traveling.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Kazakhstan is considered relatively safe for tourists with petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching being infrequent. However, it is always wise to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas and busy public transport. The overall crime rate is low, but occasional incidents do occur. Avoid exhibiting flashy signs of wealth and keep your belongings secure at all times.

Is Kazakhstan worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 9 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.7/5

Safety

4/5

Food

3.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5
Sandra

Sandra

Australia

Kazakhstan, Solo travel

I loved my time in Kazakhstan. I felt safe everywhere, including walking around at night in all the cities and at sites with my earphones in. I wasn't bothered, hassled, or harrassed by Kazakh men once. It was a relief and a pleasure! I visited Almaty and some of the mountains and lakes nearby; Astana; and Turrkistan. There were SO many interesting and beautiful things to see and do at each place. Almaty is a particularly gorgeous city: very livable and full of great museums, cafés, parks, theatres, churches, etc. The metro is great (and stunning!), taxis (I think it was Grab?) are cheap, and the sites are interesting. I stayed in a cute vintage-inspired Airbnb and was cosy and comfortable. Ascension Cathedral was a highlight. There's also lots of Soviet history (buildings, mosaics, museums with stories) everywhere if you're interested in that. I did have a few poor experiences with people in customer service (especially at metro stations and restaurants) being unnecessarily rude, and definitely didn't get the 'Kazakhstan is so warm, friendly, and welcoming' thing people talk about. I also faced some troubles from men in large tour groups from India, which was a shame. Astana is... ok 😂 I love quirky architecture, so that part was interesting, but it's definitely got a cold/dead vibe compared to Almaty. I also found people even colder and ruder here, lol. Still, I'm glad I went. It's really like nowhere else in the world, and I say that having been to over 50 countries! I also stayed in an Airbnb with a STUNNING view of the city, and I was so obsessed with it. I would just sit on my bed and stare out the window for hours lol. Turkistan is gorgeous 😍 I absolutely adored my time there. I stayed in the new Karavan Sarai, which is super different to how I usually travel, and I was mesmerised by it. It had Venice vibes with awesome Islamic architecture and culture. The people were also far friendlier here. The ancient mosque site nearby is gorgeous, and such a good introduction to Islamic architecture, culture, and history if it's new to you. I caught the train from there across the border to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and that was also a highlight. I'm vegan and found the food was below average everywhere. Almaty has the best options: heaps of them, and some super delicious things, too. I still think about the incredible vegan lagman I had at As-Kazan Gogolya at least once a month! I'd go back just for that – it was that good. Tokyo Ramen was also a standout. There's a solid train network throughout the country, although the vast distances mean flying is often easier, quicker, and – in my experience – cheaper. I went in winter and loved it, although Astana was definitely too cold, even for a winter bunny like me (-10°C, but with a CRISP and constant wind) and walking on the sidewalk ice there proved more dangerous than I expected. I also had a fall (at the world's highest ice rink, no less!) and ended up in the ER, which was actually a great experience: service was prompt, I got an X-ray done, was given clear treatment instructions, and everything was 100% free. Overall, Kazakhstan was a super easy, reasonably affordable, very interesting place to travel to as a solo female, and I highly recommend it. If you're a photographer, you'll adore it. If you're a foodie, maybe less so 😂 But if you have any interest at all in culture, it's a haven. So definitely go!

Posted: August 9, 2025Experienced: October, 2024
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Ayazhan

Ayazhan

Kazakhstan

Almaty, Group travel

I feel safe, because there are a lot of other people that also do it. You should take warm clothes, water, food, snacks, some sweets, maybe chocolate, spf, T-shirt, socks, good mood. No need to pay for entry or overnight stay, take everything with you, you just need to rent a tent and other accessories.

Posted: May 23, 2025Experienced: July, 2024
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Kokshetau, Solo travel

I felt myself safe, but i didn't walk alone during nights, only during a daylight. There aren't that many attractions to visit, but I felt myself more calm there. After being surrounded by city noise for a long time, I felt like Kokshetau was a calming reset place for me.

Posted: April 17, 2025Experienced: February, 2025
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Kazakhstan, Solo travel

I loved Kazakhstan and with a clear heart I can recommend it. Almaty and Astana are amazing cities, and the Tien Shan mountains are astounding. People in Kazakhstan are also some of the friendliest I have ever met, and I felt so safe there.

Posted: December 26, 2023
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Almaty, Family travel

in July 2023, my family and I flew to Kazakhstan (Almaty). This was my first trip. Although we did not visit many places, I really enjoyed this trip. Almaty has landscapes of incredible beauty, mountains, nature, fruits and berries grow right on the streets. The city itself is also very beautiful, because it has beautiful architecture and many garlands and lights, as well as many restaurants with live music, decorated with garlands and flowers. To be honest, I didn't really like the local cuisine, since I'm not a fan of spices and fatty foods (this is purely my personal opinion), but some dishes were really tasty, and, importantly, everyone in Kazakhstan is served in large portions ;) What As for prices, for me, being a Russian, the prices were quite amazing, since everything here costs 2-3 times lower than in Russia (I even managed to bring a whole suitcase of snacks and drinks lol ). I also want to note that Kazakhstan has a rather warm climate, I can’t stand the heat, but here it felt much more pleasant, and we also lived in an observatory on a mountain, which helped us escape the heat. We visited the famous Medeo and climbed 842 steps, terribly tired, but admired the beautiful views. We also went up the funiculars to Kok-Tube, where we visited the zoo, fed the animals, and also visited the amusement park there. Not far from this place we also went to the cinema. We also visited the Butakovsky waterfall, where we were able to fully experience and see the beauty, and also take many beautiful photos. We also visited an open water park and a market. Also we visited the park of the first president, where we just walked, ate ice cream and admired the viewsWe had such a short but eventful vacation, I liked everything very much and I would like to visit Almaty again ♡

Posted: June 18, 2023Experienced: June, 2022
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Is Kazakhstan safe for women?

Safety index

3.8 /5

Based on 37 local experiences

Crime index

2.2 /5

Based on 37 local experiences

Shymkent

If you’re alone , At night You can safely walk and chill at the city center . But in a small streets you should be careful because there are some men who tries to know you . But if you’re with your friends or with a guide that’s not a problem.

Posted: August 2, 2025
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Safety in Kazakhstan