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Almaty

Is Almaty Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Almaty generally maintains a safe environment for solo female travelers. The local residents are friendly and there's a low crime rate, especially targeted towards tourists. However, like any other city, it's advised to be cautious while traveling at night and in less crowded areas. Also, it's recommended to be extra cautious while using public transport and always keep your belongings closely monitored. Language barrier may be an issue, hence learning a few basic phrases in the local language could be helpful. Like in many locations, it's beneficial to seem confident and to be aware of local customs and traditions.

Safety rating

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

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How safe is Almaty?

Safety at night:Moderate

Almaty has an average level of safety for solo female travelers during the night. It is generally safe in busy areas and main streets where there's good lighting and people around. However, for more secluded or poorly lit areas, it is wise to be cautious as it can be unpredictable. Like everywhere, local insights and staying alert are key.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Almaty like buses and trams are generally safe during the day with a lot of locals using them. However, the metro can be crowded and some vigilance is needed against pickpockets. Taxis, on the other hand, should be booked through reputable providers. At night, it's safer to use a taxi rather than buses and trams.

Street harassment:Low

Almaty is fairly safe regarding street harassment, though experiences can vary. Generally, locals are respectful and keep to themselves. However, it's always important to remain attentive in crowded areas such as markets and public transports. In tourist areas and during the day, harassment is unlikely. During the nighttime, it is recommended to avoid less crowded areas. Cultural respect and appropriate dress are advised.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Almaty generally maintains a moderate level of petty crimes. These include offences like pickpocketing, bag snatching, and minor frauds, especially in crowded areas such as local markets, public transport stations, and tourist spots. It is advisable to take usual precautions such as not flashing expensive belongings, keeping your valuables secure, and being cautious of your surroundings.

Tap water:Moderate

While Almaty's tap water comes from good sources, it undergoes an old Soviet-era purification process that might not remove all contaminants, making it not always advisable for drinking. Some locals drink it without issues, but visitors, especially those with sensitive stomachs, are often suggested to stick to bottled water or filtered water just to avoid possible health problems.

Is Almaty safe to travel?

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Is Almaty safe right now?

Before your visit to Almaty, it's essential to check travel advisories for Kazakhstan, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.

🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The United States government advises exercising normal precautions in Kazakhstan. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: June 30, 2023

🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Canadian Government advises taking normal security precautions in Kazakhstan. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: May 6, 2024

🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Kazakhstan due to the risk of civil unrest. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: April 10, 2024

Is Almaty worth visiting?

Family travel experience

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

Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5

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Solo travel experience

I spent the whole day walking around Almaty and although the city is small, there is a lot to see. I downloaded the izi.travel app, which is like an audio guide. It really helped me navigate through the city, as there was no proper "city center". Additionally, when I reached a specific place, the app would turn on, telling me about its historical background.

Posted: April 2, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Hello! I'm Moldir, but you can call me Molya or Molly. I am a passionate traveler and language enthusiast. I love exploring new cultures, meeting people, and sharing experiences. As a local, I offer a warm and welcoming environment, eager to exchange languages and cultural insights. See you!

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I'm delighted to introduce myself as a spiritual individual with a deep passion for yoga, nature, and meditation. Exploring the profound connections between mind, body, and soul is an integral part of my journey, and I find solace in embracing the wonders of the natural world. With an open-minded outlook on life, I constantly seek new experiences and knowledge. I believe in the power of expanding one's horizons, and I'm always eager to explore different perspectives, cultures, and philosophies. Connecting with diverse individuals and learning from their unique stories and wisdom is an enriching aspect of my life's tapestry. Not only do I have a genuine curiosity for spiritual practices, but I also possess a playful sense of humor and a sharp intellect. Finding joy and laughter in life's adventures is an essential part of my outlook, allowing me to navigate the world with a light-hearted and positive approach.

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