If you're planning a trip to Almaty, Kazakhstan, you may be contemplating the different methods of transportation on how you can get around. Is it better to rent a car? Is it better to just use ridesharing apps?
I lived in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for one and a half years and made frequent trips to Almaty, Kazakhstan. So I know a thing or two about the different transportation methods. If you are planning on traveling outside of Almaty such as making day trips, and coming with a group of 2 or more, I'd recommend renting a car. Renting a car in Kazakhstan is extremely affordable compared to Western countries and it'll give you a lot more flexibility and opportunity to explore at your own pace.
If you are going to be staying in Almaty for a few days as a solo traveler or group, I recommend that you get around using ridesharing applications. However, during the winter season, I recommend getting a car. Because during the winter, there may be limited car options in ridesharing applications and less hesitant in taking you to the mountains, due to the weather and snow. Or, if you're interested in booking day trips with a designated tour guide and transportation, here are some I can recommend:
Is there Uber or Lyft in Kyrgyzstan?
As of September 2024, Uber and Lyft are not available in Kazakhstan. So, these are the other alternatives you have while you're here.
Yandex Go
Yandex is widely used in Central Asia and works exactly like Uber or Lyft. It works in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and more. You do have the option to connect your Visa Card for payments or directly pay in cash to the driver. I have tried to connect my international Visa Card but failed a few times so I recommend keeping cash in hand. Also, the app is completely in English so it is super easy to navigate. You have different options as to the car type you'd like such as Economy, Comfort, and Business. What's cool about Yandex is that you can use it for taxi services, but they also offer courier delivery as well.
Foreigner-friendly options are quite limited, but I am slowly starting to see more local ridesharing apps emerge. Whether you're a local or a visitor, I hope you can use the ridesharing app as a seamless and reliable way to navigate in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Here are some other essential apps I recommend that you download for your trip to Kazakhstan: 5 Essential Apps for Your Trip to Kazakhstan.
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