If you have a week, we'd suggest: Arrive a day early, 17 April to avoid jetlag (believe me, youâll have it!) Celebrate 18-20 April Explore Almatyâs old town 20-21 April Explore Kazakhstanâs beautiful nature - see info on multi-day tours and gallery for inspiration - 21-23/24 If you have to choose between Almaty old town and a tour, go for the tour and experience the beautiful surrounding nature! Check the gallery and Things to Do for inspiration.
Most places in Almaty will take contactless and card payment however we'd recommend always having some Kazakh Tenge on you. We'd recommend a travel debit card (Wise, Revolut etc..). There are plenty of ATMs in the city. If you're going on a multi-tour outside Almaty, take cash as ATMs will be very difficult to find.
You'll need to download the Yandex Go app which is the Uber alternative. It is nearly impossible to hail a cab on the street, so it highly recommended to download the app. When using Yandex please book Comfort+ or Premium cars only (unless you want a Soviet automotive history lesson!) If you find yourself in a situation that you do not have Yandex and cannot get a cab through hotel you can try to hail a regular car on the road. There are drivers that will give you a lift for a charge. Although, please negotiate rate in advance 5,000-10,000 in the city. We only recommend this option as a last resort.
We recommend getting a local sim card at the airport in the arrivals hall. There are also a number of phone shops throughout the city - your hotel will be able to help you find one. You'll need your passport to register. You can also get an eSim from a number of providers.
- V Aeshthetics (insta @v.aesthetics.kz/ WhatsApp+7 701 022 6660 ) - 5 mins drive from Sadu / 15 mins walk from Sadu although the walk is alongside a road - Beauty Lab ( WhatsApp +7 701 032-00-10) 13 mins walk from Sadu
There are several coffee shops 5-7 mins walk from Sadu Hotel. Follow directions to Villa Boutiques & Restaurants and look for Astra or Costa. https://maps.app.goo.gl/gEiVF7133rAr2hmM7 If you are staying at Ritz, look for Starbucks and Cafeteria next to the hotel.
ABR+ group operates a portfolio of Almaty's best restaurants. For easy reservations, download their Abr+ app. Recommended restaurants: Auyl, Tor, Ogonek, Afisha Coffee shops: Julius, Aroma, Cafeteria https://abr.kz/en/restaurants
Entry to Kazakhstan is visa free for most countries. Please check the rules for your specific country.
For those of you looking for a little more guidance for Indian clothing below are some suggestions for both men and women, and some places in Toronto and London where you can find Indian clothing shops. **It is customary NOT TO WEAR BLACK ATTIRE at Indian weddings** In general, shopowners can help you choose something appropriate if you let them know its for an Indian Sangeet (we are looking to have more FESTIVE AND COLOURFUL ATTIRE, if you tell them itâs an Indian Wedding they may give you something too formal). Feel free to use your creative license ;) -----------WHAT TO WEAR----------- FOR WOMEN 2-piece Lengha or Kurta, or Saree. A Lengha or Kurta will be easiest for those not accustomed to wearing Sarees. FOR MEN Kurtas are most appropriate, no need to get a sherwani Some examples can be found here: http://bit.ly/3XfebVp. -----------WHERE TO BUY----------- |ONLINE RETAILERS| https://www.lashkaraa.com/ |TORONTO| Toronto has many clothing shops in Brampton, Scarborough, Gerrard Street. A google search will render you plenty of choices. -Downtown/Central- There are numerous shops on Gerrard Street between Greenwood and Coxwell. Maharani Fashions and Nucreation are some of the more well known retailers. -East End of Toronto- Shreeji Boutique (2 Delawana Dr, Scarborough, ON M1G 2A8) SHE Next Fashion 2960 Danforth Ave, East York, ON M4C 1M6 -West End of Toronto- Mahodaya Shrewani - 20 Maritime Ontario Blvd Unit 9, Brampton, ON L6S 0E7 |UK| There are a number of areas with Indian shops in London. A few main areas below. Ealing Road, Wembley The Broadway, Southall Upper Tooting Road, Tooting