Medical care in Kazakhstan does not correspond to European standards. Minor illnesses can be treated in Kazakhstan. A Kazakh health and insurance company (Interteach, Tel: 62 99 60, 63 97 95) with local doctors working around the clock, an international private clinic (SOS, very expensive without membership!), the practice Med for all (German speaking) ( Address: 40 Baiseitowa Street, Tel.: 267 27 61) and a relatively Western-oriented dental practice in downtown Almaty enable the treatment of uncomplicated diseases. The Central Clinic of the Medical Center of the Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty (VIP Hospital, address: Shevchenko Str. 59, 480091 Almaty, Tel: 261 12 89, 261 12 79) corresponds approximately to western standards. The immediate treatment in the central clinic, the private clinic SOS as well as at Interteach basically requires membership in one of these organizations. As a rule, an annual contract with relatively high fees must be concluded. As a member, treatment costs can then be reimbursed after treatment. In an emergency, non-members are also treated, but at a very high cost, which is usually reimbursed in advance. For longer stays in Kazakhstan, membership in one of the organizations mentioned above should be checked. There are polyclinics in all districts of Almaty and in the larger cities of Kazakhstan. As a rule, you have to pay in cash in advance (US$ are usually accepted). Pharmacies in Kazakhstan are not equipped to European standards, but there are usually enough medicines available to treat uncomplicated diseases. Insulin and vaccines are usually in short supply and should be carried if necessary. In Almaty there is a so-called central pharmacy (address: Furmanow Street corner Gogol Street), smaller pharmacies can now be found in all parts of the city. The Central Pharmacy in Nursultan is located on “Gippokrat” Respublika Str. 132 / corner of Bogenbaj Batyra (tel: (7172) 39 60 00). Caution is advised when buying medicines in local markets, as these are often counterfeits that are difficult for the layperson to recognize. Check directoryaah for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers who want to enter within 6 days of staying in the infected areas designated by the WHO and who are over one year old. Excluded are travelers who have not left the transit area in the infected areas and transit travelers who do not leave the airport in Kazakhstan. [2] A certificate of vaccination against cholera is not an entry requirement, but there is a risk of infection in isolated cases. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel.
Food and drink
Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before drinking, brushing your teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Unpasteurized milk should be boiled. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterile water. Dairy products made from unboiled milk should not be consumed. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled. In summer there is an increased risk of diarrheal diseases due to the higher temperatures and the food prepared with more oil and animal fats than in Germany. The risk of food poisoning is particularly high in summer due to the lack of proper, air-conditioned food storage.
Other risks
The standard vaccinations for children and adults recommended by the Robert Koch Institute (including against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, measles, rubella, pneumococci and influenza) should be refreshed before the trip if necessary. Nationwide, from April to October, there is a risk of transmission of Lyme disease and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever from ticks, especially in grass, shrubs and undergrowth. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. For work or leisure activities with possible tick exposure in endemic areas, a vaccination against TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) is recommended. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. Until a few years ago, the plague was widespread in Kazakhstan. No cases of plague have been recorded in recent years. Protection against rats and fleas through safe sleeping places and more frequent linen changes as well as keeping away those who are already sick reduce the risk of infection. However, there is usually no risk of infection for tourists who are not particularly exposed. Anthrax occurs nationwide. Close contact with livestock and livestock products should be avoided in rural areas. There is also a risk of HIV infection in Kazakhstan. The known risks should be avoided. rabies occurs. Carriers include stray dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tuberculosis occurs nationwide. Infection occurs from person to person via droplet infection.
Money
Currency
1 tenge = 100 tiyn (no meaning in practice). Currency code: T, KZT (ISO code). Banknotes are in denominations of 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500 and 200 tenge. Coins come in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 tenge. However, coins are de facto not in circulation.
Credit cards
Major credit cards such as American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Diners Club are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, banks and larger shops in Nursultan and Almaty. There are ATMs in all major cities, most of which accept Visa.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used in larger cities in Kazakhstan at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Travelers checks are no longer accepted in Kazakhstan.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 09.00-12.00 and 14.00-16.00/18.00.
Foreign exchange regulations
Import and export to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) The import of local and foreign currency in cash or as traveler’s checks is unlimited. From an equivalent value of US$ 10,000, there is a declaration obligation. The export of local currency is prohibited. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared upon entry, minus the exchange amounts (declaration and exchange documents required). A proof of origin is also required for the export of foreign currencies from an amount equivalent to US$ 10,000.
Currency Exchange
US dollars and euros (newer bills in small denominations) can easily be exchanged everywhere. Currency exchange should only be done in official exchange offices. Money can also be exchanged in banks, but the exchange rate there is usually less favorable than in exchange offices. Converting tenge back into hard currency is difficult. All transactions must be entered on the foreign exchange form issued upon arrival in Kazakhstan. It is advisable to keep all receipts. It is best to take cash in US dollars or euros with you and exchange it if necessary. In general, however, payment in foreign currency is preferred. It is advisable to carry banknotes that are as small as possible.
