Relocation Guide: Kazakhstan Our guide to living and working overseas
Kazakhstan Overview of Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan declared itself an independent country in 1991, the last Soviet republic to do so. Officially known as the Republic of Kazakhstan, it is the world’s largest landlocked country. Kazakhstan is an outlying district of the Muslim world and a meeting point of Russian, Chinese and central Asian civilisations.
Area: 2,724,900 km2 Capital City: Astana Currency: Tenge (KZT) Government: Presidential Republic Language: Kazakh & Russian Population: 16 million Population Density: 5.4/km2 Religion: Islam / Christian
Air Energi in Kazakhstan
Air Energi have been established in Kazakstan since 2009. We have a branch in the city of Atyrau, which is Kazakhstan’s oil capital. Atyrau is the base town for many oil and construction companies and there are a large number of oil and gas engineers working in this country.
About Atyrau
Atyrau (pronounced in English as: ah-teerow) is known as the oil capital of Kazakhstan, and oil, gas, minerals and fishing are the main industries here. The province boasts the unique Tengiz oil field, the development of which started in the 1990s. The Ural river divides Atyrau into two parts: Europe and Asia.
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Oil and Gas in Kazakhstan
The official development goal of Kazakhstan is to increase oil production to approximately 3.5 million barrels per day, of which about 3 million barrels per day will be exported. Once this objective is reached, Kazakhstan will move from being the world’s 14th largest net exporter with 1.1 million BPD to be the world’s 4th largest exporter after Saudi Arabia, Russia and Norway.
Geography
Vast in size, the geography and terrain is amazingly diverse and boasts prairies, steppes, rock-canyons, rolling hills, deltas, snow-capped mountains and deserts.
Climate
This is a land of climatic extremes - as hot as 45C in the summer to -50C in the winter. The best time to visit most of the country is April-June or September-October, when the daytime temperatures are cool.
Banking Information
Cash is the best option when coming to Kazakstan, as shops, restaurants and boutiques that accept card payments are few, US dollars are widely accepted. Bring enough money for your trip as travellers’ cheques are not normally accepted. If you are bringing more than 3,000US$ into Kazakhstan you should declare these amounts on arrival into the country and when exiting.
Accommodation
It is advisable to make reservations in advance, either directly or through a travel agency. Most hotels deliver a basic level of comfort, although Western standards should not be expected.
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Cost of Living * This is an approximate guide only
Costs vary dramatically in terms of clothing and restaurants. There are luxury stores and elite restaurants which charge exorbitant rates. If you go to bazaars and the cafeterias, life is much cheaper. 2 bed apartment KZT 90,000.00 Milk 1ltr KZT 200.00 Cheese 500gr KZT 475.00 Eggs 10 (large) KZT 200.00 Bread (white loaf) KZT 50.00 Landline Telephone (monthly rental) KZT 750.00 Doctor’s visit KZT 2,250.00 Mens shoes KZT 15,000.00 Pair of jeans KZT 12,000.00
Food and Drink
Kazakhstan food is a reflection of the country’s unique ethnic and religious composition. Cuisines such as European, Japanese and Indian can be found in the major cities.
National Specialities
Kazi and chuzhuk (horsemeat sausages), Kaurdak (mutton stew), besbarmak (made from horse meat or mutton and dough),Shashlyk (skewered chunks of mutton barbecued over charcoal). Yoghurt and milk products are part of the Kazakh diet. Sweet dishes include honey pastries and halva. Kazakh tea or chai is very popular and there are national cafes called Chai-Khana (tearooms) where visitors may sip this Kazakh speciality. It is drunk very strong with cream. In the steppe and desert regions where camels are bred, the camel’s milk, called shubat, is offered to guests.
Etiquette
Many Kazakh men will not shake hands with women. A woman should extend her hand, but if it is not accepted, she should not be © Air Energi 2013
insulted. Business cards are extremely important to establish one’s position, navigate bureaucracy and open doors. Likewise, show the card of someone significant when trying to gain access or secure an appointment. Greetings are rather formal due to the hierarchical nature of society. The Kazakhstan people are very hospitable and enjoy hosting dinners in their homes. Traditionally, you will be served tea and bread, which is considered sacred, and is a sign of respect. Dress conservatively in clothing you might wear to the office. Kazakhs value dressing well over comfort. To dress too informally might insult your hosts.
Advice for Expatriates
Keep personal belongings, especially your passport, safe and out of sight, as several incidents of passport theft have been reported in the last year. Most visits are trouble-free. However, muggings have increased on the expatriate community in Atyrau and Aktau in western Kazakhstan. Local expatriate nightclubs and bars are generally safe, but for foreigners the advice is to be vigilant when out and about. Keep your drink with you in bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Do not give an opportunity to be taken advantage of. If you are troublesome to the police, they can take you into custody and you may be deported. Take taxis to and from hotels and never walk the streets after dark, as streets and stairwells will be poorly lit. Where possible, pre-arrange transport with friends, colleagues or official taxi firms. Do not accept a lift, or share an unofficial taxi. There are many bars and restaurants in Atyrau, including several ex-pat places (eg. TGI Fridays).
Lost and stolen passports
If you lose your passport you must report this immediately to the police and obtain a police report. The British Embassy in Almaty does not issue full passports and, before setting off, you should ensure that your passport has sufficient validity and a good number of unused pages. However the Embassy is able to accept applications for new passports, which will be forwarded to the British Embassy in Moscow for processing. Please be aware that this may take between 4-6 weeks. Temporary passports, valid for one year, are available in Almaty and can usually be produced within 24 hours.
Airports in Atyrau
Atyrau Airport is the only airport serving this city region. The airport has recently been modernised with computerised check-in banks for faster passenger ticket processing, although you should still expect immigration to take a while to complete. Delays can be frequent over the winter months due to snow and ice www.atyrauairport.com
Transport to the City
The Airport is not far from the town - 5 km about 15 minutes drive from the city. You can reach the airport by taxi or the public bus. It Š Air Energi 2013
will cost around 1,000 - 1,200 Tenge to get to the airport in a taxi (approx).
Public Transport
We advise against using local buses or minibuses as maintenance of these vehicles is generally poor. Driving can be erratic and care should be taken crossing roads. Pedestrian crossings are rarely respected.
Driving in Kazakhstan
Traffic drives on the right. Most expats in the region do not drive, but instead have drivers. If you are going to drive, it can be a challenge, but an entertaining one. Traffic police are active on the roads in large numbers, and take great pleasure in issuing dubious fines, generally in cash. Service stations and petrol pumps can be limited outside the main cities, so take what you may need with you. There is a reasonable network of roads in Kazakhstan connecting all the towns and regional centres. You should ensure that your vehicle is properly maintained and in good condition for lengthy journeys across Kazakhstan. In some remote parts of Kazakhstan animals can be seen regularly on the roads and can be especially difficult to see in the dark. Many roads are poorly maintained and road www.airenergi.com
works or damaged roads are often not clearly signposted. During the winter, roads are often hazardous due to snow and ice.
Healthcare
Details of health cover will be discussed with you upon enrolment.
Health Warnings
Rural areas: tick-borne encephalitis is common in the mountains and forests, particularly from April to June. Occasional cases of brucellosis can be picked up from infected meat. There have also been occasional outbreaks of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in southern Kazakhstan. In summer seasons, mosquitoes are quite troblesome in Atyrau and Aktau, especially in the evenings and in rural regions.
Vaccinations
Recommended for all travelers: Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B. Check with your medical practitioner 3 months before your departure.
Emergency Numbers Police / Ambulance / Fire 112
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Local Information International Airport
Atyrau Interational Airport Telephone: +7(7122) 20-92-92, 97-05-05 Website: www.atyrauairport.com Website: www.avia.kz
Railway Station Atyrau Railway Station 1, Baimukhanov Street Tel: +7 (7122) 99 55 49
Medical Centres
Interteach Medical Center 98, Vladimirskaya Street, Telephone: +7(7122) 28-10-50 Interteach Medical Center for children 17, Satpaev Street Telephone: +7(7122) 20-02-60 Dostar Med Prestige Health Center Telephone: +7 (712 2) 45-03-30, 45-03-31 www.dostarmed-atyrau.kz
Taxi Service
Center M 56A Syrym Datov Tel: +7 (7122) 30 07 58
Travel Services
Travel Club 9A, Abaya Street Tel: +7 (7122) 58 66 17 Email: atyrau2@travelclub.kz
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Business Centres Atyrau Plaza 19, Satpaev Street Tel: +7 (7122) 99 60 20 Premier Atyrau 48, Azattyk Street Tel: +7(7122) 35 54 11
Restaurants
Kharizma 43A, Aiteke Bi Street Tel: +7(7122) 97-02-83 Kharizma restaurant is a combination of Eastern, European and Kazakh culture. There is an Irish pub inside that has live music and a Kalian room. Open from 12pm until late. Paparazzi 1, Alipov Street Tel: +7 (7122) 35 40 23 Italian restaurant with Italian interiors and excellent food. This restaurant has a relaxed Italian atmosphere and features a live band some nights. Guriev 6, Azattyyk Street Tel: +7 (7122) 32 85 40 Guriev is a restaurant with traditional Russian cuisine. Open from 12 until late.
Bars
East West Night Club 6, Azattyk Street Tel: +7 (7122) 32 85 40 Vanil 1 Azattyk Street, Beibarys Complex Tel: +7(7122) 32-75-28, +7 701 543 4918 Vanil is a lounge bar with European cuisine, cocktails, live music and a relaxed atmosphere.
Places of Interest Atyrau Cinema 30 Satpaev Street Tel: +7 (7122) 30 07 58 Orthodox Church 4, Taimanova Street Tel: +7(7122) 27-10-35 Catholic Church 3 Avangard District Tel: +7(7122) 28-16-86
Shopping
Shopping center “Atyrau” (Ardager) 17, Satpaev Street Tel: +7(7122) 20-39-30, 20-39-31 Shopping center “Nasikha” (Rahat) 116A, Mahambet Street Tel: +7(7122) 35-51-16
Cinzano Bar 25, Baurzhan Momyshuly Street Tel: +7 (7122) 32 11 59
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© Air Energi 2013
Tra vel Tips Be prepared
Generally, overseas travellers are more likely to be injured through unintentional injuries than to be struck down by exotic infectious diseases. In fact, accidents and traffic collisions are the most frequent cause of death among travellers, so ensure you have good insurance and if you are hiring a vehicle, ensure it is in good working order. It will be beneficial to have some vehicle maintenance knowledge if you are planning on travelling to the more remote areas of the world, where a breakdown in harsh conditions can cost your life.
Copy your documents
In the unfortunate event of your luggage going missing, or your passport / wallet is stolen or lost, it is a good idea to have copies that can help you with re-issues. Take 2 colour photocopies each of your passport, plus visa stamps and documents, driving licence, important prescriptions or other ID documents. Make 2 sets of the documents and keep these copies separate from your main luggage, preferably in 2 separate bags. It is also a good idea to copy scanned or phtocopied documents to an Internet based e-mail account. Make sure someone at home knows how to access it in case of an emergency.
Vaccinations
Check with your medical practitioner on what vaccines are required before your travel. Due to your medical history, you may require more than one dose, or you may need boosters for childhood vaccines. Check the latest travel advice and travel bulletins for your destination before you depart, and also while travelling, so you can ensure you have the latest information. Common diseases contracted by travellers include those which are the result of eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or not practising safe sex, plus a number of mosquito or tick-borne diseases endemic to tropical areas. Be sure to take measures to avoid being bitten such as wearing light-coloured clothing that covers your arms and legs, regularly applying an appropriate insect repellent and staying in mosquito-proof accommodation or using bed nets.
Taking medicines with you
Book a checkup at your doctor or dentist, dbefore you leave. If you wear glasses or contacts lenses, bring an extra pair of glasses and your prescription. Persons taking prescription medications should make sure they have an adequate supply for the trip, and/ or bring their prescription, making sure it includes the medication trade name, manufacturer’s name, generic name, and dosage. Prepare a simple medical kit of over-the© Air Energi 2013
counter medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, antihistamine, antiseptic, diarrhoea medication), bandaids, thermometer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. When travelling overseas with medicine, (including over-the-counter or private prescription) it is important that you talk to your doctor and discuss the amount of medicine you will need to take. Carry a letter from your doctor detailing what the medicine is, how much you will be taking, and stating that it is for your own personal use. Leave the medicine in its original packaging so it is clearly labelled with your own name and dosage instructions. If you have to inject your medication, inform your airline before you travel and, if necessary, arrange a letter from your doctor explaining why you need to carry them.
Lost Luggage
Your health on long-haul flights
Personal Safety
Keep important medication with you in case your luggage goes missing. To help avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT): drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and whilst seated, stretch and rotate your feet and lower legs. Walking around the cabin at regular intervals will help.
Scuba Divers
If you have been scuba diving, don’t travel in an aircraft for at least 24 hours after your final dive.
Coping with Jetlag
Factor the effects of jet lag into your itinerary. In order to cope with Jetlag you should get a good deal of sleep before your journey. It is also important to rest as much as possible during your flight. Planning to arrive at your destination as near to the time when you normally go to sleep will also help with the adjustment. If you are able to plan your itinerary allow time on arrival for adjustment or plan meetings at similar times to back home. Some people advise changing their watches to destination time when they get onto the plane. While this helps many people, for those who are on regular medication, such as diabetics, watches should remain on home time until you are able to adjust your medication to local times on arrival at your destination or as suggested by your health advisor. On arrival at your destination get active as soon as possible, as exercise has been proven to improve productivity. Adjust your meals and activities to local time as soon as you can. Exposure to light is also a good way of naturally allowing your body to adjust. If you need to take a short nap, do, it will help refresh you, but don’t forget to use an alarm clock or wake up call to get you up!
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If you happen to lose your baggage on arrival at your destination airport, tell the airline immediately and get suitable compensation. Agree on an amount you can spend on essential items that you will need and give them an address to deliver the luggage to when they find it. It is wise to make a copy of your passport details and any other important papers or vaccination certificates that you are carrying with you when you travel. Leave them in a safe place in the office or copy to an Internet based e-mal account. Make sure someone at home either a partner or friend knows how to access it in case of an emergency. You will need photo identification even for air travel within the UK.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times; thieves will use many tricks to distract you - wiping something off your shoulder while an accomplice is picking your pocket, getting young children to surround you while they plan to rob your belongings. Trust your instincts, especially when visiting countries where a high poverty rate comes along with high petty crime rates. When not attending meetings, try to blend in with the crowd when out and about - try not to look like a visitor! When enjoying the local nightlife, guard your food/drinks and keep your wits about you. Beware of the fact that you will be an easy target after a few too many drinks. Avoid walking home to your hotel late at night, even if it is close by. Get a taxi. Don’t take shortcuts through poorly lit areas, it pays to trust your instincts in these situations. Keep your wits about you when making new friends - men and women may come across very friendly indeed if you are the route to an easier life. Be careful of telling people where you live.
Unsafe Water - What to do
If travelling to more remote areas with poor sanitation - only drink boiled water, hot beverages, such as coffee and tea, canned or bottled carbonated beverages, beer, and wine. Ice may be made from unsafe water and should be avoided. It is safer to drink from a can or bottle of beverage than to drink from a container that was not known to be clean and dry. However, water on the surface of a beverage can or bottle may also be contaminated. Therefore, the area of a can or bottle that will touch the mouth should be wiped clean and dry.
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Frequently asked questions Do I need a visa to enter Kazakhstan? Yes, a full valid visa is required. We can assist you with this. Can I take my family with me? Yes. There are also two English schools sponsored by AGIP KCO and Tengizchevroil. Do I need a local bank account? No, an international account will be sufficient. Will I need a medical? No medical healthcare checks are required.
Contacts Air Energi Caspian LLP Atyrau Office 6 office, 4 floor, 113 Kulmanov st. Atyrau Kazakhstan 060011 Phone: +7 7122 306033 caspian@airenergi.com Air Energi Caspian LLP Aktau Office 6 office, 4 floor, 113 Kulmanov st. Atyrau Kazakhstan 060011 Phone: +7 7292 470 093 Fax: +7 7292 470 089 caspian@airenergi.com