Almaty - Post Report Question and Answers
What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
A lot of cultural events, concerts, festivals, parties, holiday celebrations. Any time of day as it is safe to be out and about day and night. American diplomats do a lot of outings together, good morale. - Sep 2023
Limited English-language movies at 1-2 movie theaters on limited runs, ballet, opera, symphony, live music, pubs/bars and restaurants. - Aug 2015
Expats socialize a lot - dinner parties, dining out, meeting up for hiking/skiing, kids' activities. Our lives feel full. - Feb 2013
There are plenty of restaurants and bars. There's also a ballet/opera theater and a symphony. Movies are dubbed into Russian. They get random sporting events on a regular basis (ski jumping, rugby, volleyball, ice field hockey??). - May 2012
Because there is no safety concern, you can go out to eat with friends and not worry about being out late (though babysitting can be an issue). There are a lot of activities within the USG community and also an "International Women's Club" which is a good networking tool, especially if you are not working, as most of their events/meetings are during the work day. - Mar 2010
Most entertain at home. There are no movies (in English), and as mentioned above, the restaurants are expensive. There are lots of opportunites to view ballet, symphony and opera, and the quality is pretty high from what I've heard. - Mar 2008
