Astana, Kazakhstan Report of what it's like to live there - 09/13/10
Personal Experiences from Astana, Kazakhstan
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, fourth experience.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
About 14 hours if going from Dulles-Frankfurt-Astana. All flights go through Frankfurt or Vienna. Most people prefer going through Frankfurt as the airport is better.
3. How long have you lived here?
Almost two years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Spouse works at U.S. Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Mostly apartments, very short commute (15-20 minutes).
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You could survive without using the consumable shipment but the prices are very high for imported goods and most of the goods are imported. Fresh produce in winter is higher in price if you are buying vegetables other than carrots, potatoes and cabbage. Bring bleach as I still haven't found what the locals use and the water has a high mineral content.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Peanut butter, as I don't like the type available here. Also: cereal,brown sugar and bleach.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
KFC and some non-American chains are available at the malls. Moderately priced.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Pouch mail. Restrictions on what we can send out if it isn't a return item from a purchase.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Domestic help is available. Not sure of cost.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Gyms are available but very expensive.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
We use cash. You can use CC but it is mostly a cash society.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Haven't seen any english newspaper. We have AFN.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Basic Russian is very useful.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
They do have handicap parking spaces at some of the shopping areas but it would be very difficult for a person with physical disablities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are cheap. Haven't used the buses or trains.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
You can bring whatever type vehicle you want as long as you bring snow tires. They clear the roads very well in winter. We have ordered extra parts through the pouch as they can be expensive locally. Service is available locally, we haven't used it so not sure of the quality. Parts are shipped here so are expensive.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
ADSL. I think it is around $50 a month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Bring a quad-band phone and purchase minutes as you need it.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Pet care is available but methods are primitive.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
No.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
At work, professional. In public, you can wear what you want. The Kazaks dress nicely when they are out--the women even wear spiked heels in winter.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No-very safe.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
No but get your rabies shot if you run or ride a bike, as sometimes dogs are roaming and can be aggressive.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Good.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Very cold in winter, and summer is both hot and cool in temperature.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Have heard good things about Miras and QSI-no personal experience with schools.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Yes-no personal experience.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, it is improving as the expat community gets bigger.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Medium-sized and growing.
2. Morale among expats:
Depends on who you talk to--don't expect a lot from the embassy community-- they have low expectations.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
At home, we have dinners, play games. The International Women's club has a really nice charity ball in early December. We go out to dinner.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It's good for families and couples. Singles may find it boring.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not sure.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Haven't heard anything.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
This is our first post with snow in winter--so we are enjoying winter sports--ice skating, cross country skiing and sledding.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
In winter they build an ice city at the city park -- with ice slides which are fun to sled down -- and an ice rink. There is a small English library here with a coffee shop that serves American-style coffee.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Nice fur hats and coats. Pottery from Uzbekistan.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Saving money.
11. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes. It is an excellent hardship post--clean and safe.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
whatever you don't want to make room for in your apartment.
3. But don't forget your:
winter clothes.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Kazakstan by Brandt (travel guide)
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
It can be boring, so bring hobby-type things to do. As long as you dress properly in winter, it is nice to go outside. The sun shines here a lot, so it isn't a gloomy winter -- which has been a plus. There are some nice things (rock climbing wall, play centers, amusement rides and video games) for kids to do inside at the malls. Each year we have seen improvements to the city.
