Is Astana Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Astana, now renamed Nur-Sultan, is relatively safe for solo female travelers. Most areas are well lit and populated until late, and people are generally friendly. However, like in any city, it's essential to remain vigilant especially after dark and in less crowded areas. Be cautious when taking public transportation, particularly taxis. Make sure to use trusted taxi services. Also, understanding a bit of the local language or having a translation app can be helpful as English is not widely spoken outside the tourist areas.

Safety rating

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How safe is Astana?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

Astana, now known as Nur-Sultan, is relatively safe for solo female travelers even at night. Like any other city, it does have its share of minor crimes but generally, the city center areas are safe and well-lit. Public transportation and taxis are reliable too. However, it's always smart to stay vigilant, avoid poorly lit areas and not to flaunt valuables when walking alone.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Astana, now known as Nur-Sultan, is generally safe and reliable. Buses run regularly during day hours and are quite crowded during peak hours. Metro is not yet in operation but its construction is ongoing. Taxis are also a common and convenient form of transportation in the city. Always remember to take official taxis or use ride-hailing apps for safety. Make sure to keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times, as one should do in any crowded place. Overall, the transportation system in Astana can be considered relatively safe for solo female travelers.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Astana, now known as Nur-Sultan, is the capital city of Kazakhstan and is relatively safe for solo female travelers. Street harassment is not a common issue here compared to other cities around the world. Locals are usually hospitable and helpful, but like in any other city, it's still advisable to always stay vigilant and avoid deserted and poorly lit areas late at night. Also, learning a few phrases in Russian or Kazakh could be useful when asking for help or directions.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Astana (now Nur-Sultan) is generally a safe city for travelers with low instances of petty crimes such as pickpocketing or bag snatching. However, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Having said that, crime rates have been decreasing over the years, and the city has been investing heavily into public safety. As a solo female traveler, it is always recommended to follow standard safety precautions like avoiding empty or poorly lit streets late at night.
Tap water:

Tap water:Moderate

While the local water supply in Astana is treated and technically safe to drink, it's been reported that the treatment might not remove all contaminants or bacteria. Coupled with the fact that the water is hard (high mineral content), it may lead to stomach upsets, especially for travelers not accustomed to the water. To avoid potential health risks, it is recommended to drink bottled water and use tap water for non-consumable purposes like bathing and handwashing.

Is Astana safe to travel?

Is Astana safe right now?

Before your visit to Astana, 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 Astana worth visiting?

Couple travel experience

Astana is a new city, built specifically as the capital. We spent one night in Astana and that was enough. I recommend visiting the mosque and the tower. About 1.5 hours from Astana is a former gulag (for women and children) - we hired a driver to take us there.

Posted: June 9, 2022
Things to do: 3/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Ainel

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Hi, my name is Ainel. I am from Kazakhstan, currently traveling in Spain and Portugal. Would love to get more acquaintance, advices, good places to know the culture and local information 😃

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Aya

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Hello. I am Aya. From Kazakhstan. I am an Arabic language translator and teacher. I Like travelling, meeting different people, different cultures, languages.

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