Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) is the official currency of Kazakhstan. But purchasing it in India before your travel is not a good idea. Why?
Kazakhstan is a less explored country. Therefore, the availability of KZT is limited, making it an expensive foreign currency in India.
In this blog, you will find the best currency for Indian travellers visiting Kazakhstan and how to exchange it.
What is the Best Currency to Take to Kazakhstan?
The best currency to carry to Kazakhstan is the US Dollars. It is widely available in India at affordable rates. Plus, as it is a global currency, you can easily exchange it for KZT in Kazakhstan. Carrying US Dollars as cash or loading them into a Forex card from a trusted provider like ExTravelMoney ensures a cost-effective trip.
Are USD and INR accepted in Kazakhstan?
US Dollars are accepted for payments in popular tourist areas of Kazakhstan. However, hotels and restaurants often charge unfavourable exchange rates when you pay in USD.
On the other hand, Indian Rupees are generally not accepted in the country due to its low demand.
How to Buy Currency for Kazakhstan Trip in India?
Since US Dollars is the best option for your Kazakhstan trip, there are several reliable places to buy it in India. Here are the most popular and secure options:
Option 1: Airport Exchange Counters
Indian and Kazakhstani airports have exchange counters operated by well-known forex vendors. However, these vendors tend to charge premium exchange rates due to high rental costs at these locations. Travellers often pay it as they rush to exchange currency before departure. These vendors exploit this situation.
Option 2: Banks
Most banks in India offer foreign currency services, including the option to buy US Dollars. While banks are a dependable option, their rates and fees are typically higher, and the process can be slower.
Option 3: Currency Exchange Stores
These stores are available in cities and may offer competitive rates. However, be careful, as some may try to sell counterfeit currency. It’s best to visit stores you personally know or are well known.
Option 4: Online Forex Platforms
For a more convenient approach, online forex platforms like ExTravelMoney are an efficient option. ExTravelMoney compares rates from various vendors nearby to offer you better exchange rates. This service allows you to exchange currency from the convenience of your home, saving time and effort.
Pro Tip: Keep track of the mid-market exchange rate, the average rate between buying and selling prices (shown on platforms like Google). Knowing this rate can help you determine if a vendor’s markup is fair.
Check Today's Interbank Rates
Best Way to Buy Currency for Kazakhstan Travel from India
As you have figured out the best place to buy US Dollars for your trip, let’s find out the most convenient method to buy and carry it to Kazakhstan.
Currency:
- Kazakhstan is primarily a cash-based economy. Therefore, carry a sufficient amount to make payments at places that do not accept card payments.
- Buy US Dollars from an online forex provider and convert it to Tenge on reaching Kazakhstan.
Single Currency Forex Card:
- In India, Forex cards can’t be loaded with Kazakhstani Tenge. Instead, you can load US Dollars, which on withdrawals and card payments in Kazakhstan, converts to KZT.
- Keep a small amount of Dollars as cash and load the majority onto a single-currency forex card.
- Forex cards allow you to lock the USD exchange rate, helping to shield your funds from exchange rate fluctuations.
- Payments and withdrawals in Kazakhstan shall be done in KZT according to the then exchange rate.
- Unlike debit and credit cards, forex cards typically only charge a USD 2-3 fee per ATM withdrawal and incur no other charges.
Where to Exchange Currency in Kazakhstan?
Here’s where you can withdraw or exchange USD for KZT in Kazakhstan:
ATMs:
- ATMs are widely available and accept forex, debit, and credit cards.
- Use the MasterCard or Visa ATM Locator to find the nearest ATM. Remember to choose ones near banks for easy assistance if needed.
- While Kazakhistani banks typically don’t charge ATM fees, Indian banks and forex providers might, so limit the number of withdrawals and take out larger amounts.
- Always withdraw in Tenge instead of USD to avoid extra fees and unfavorable rates.
Foreign Exchange Centers:
- Only use licensed and authorised centres to avoid scams and high markups.
- Avoid temporarily set-up stalls, as they might sell counterfeit Tenge.
Banks:
- Banks offer reliable exchange rates, but the fees may be slightly higher.
- The procedure might take some time and require you to stand in long queues.
- The working hours for banks on weekdays are around 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Saturdays shall be a half-day and Sundays shall be a bank holiday.
Can You Use Indian Debit and Credit Card in Kazakhstan?
Yes, Indian debit and credit cards can be used at ATMs and POS machines in Kazakhstan, though international usage fees apply. Inform your bank about your international travel plans to prevent account freezing due to suspected activity.
Debit Cards: Keep them for emergencies, as they often have high foreign transaction fees.
Credit Cards: They are more usable, but also come with significant charges. Confirm all fees with your bank before travelling.
Bank Charges for Using Indian Cards in Kazakhstan
| Card Type | Charge Type | Fee/Percentage of Transacted Amount |
| Debit Card | Foreign Transaction Fee | 2.5% – 3.5% |
| Currency Conversion Fee | 1% – 2% | |
| ATM Withdrawal Fee | 4% | |
| Credit Card | Foreign Transaction Fee | 3.5% |
| Overseas ATM Withdrawal Fee | Rs. 125 per transaction |
What To Do With Excess Kazakhstani Tenge After Travel?
Due to the low demand for Kazakhstani Tenge in India, most banks and exchange vendors won’t accept it, making it difficult to sell leftover Tenge upon return.
To avoid this, exchange any remaining Tenge for US Dollars while still in Kazakhstan. Once back in India, you can easily sell USD through a forex platform like ExTravelMoney.
How Much Cash Can You Take In and Out of Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan Customs Rules: Travellers must declare any foreign currency over USD 10,000 upon entering Kazakhstan, but are prohibited from taking out that amount or its equivalent.1
Indian Customs Rules: Travellers can carry foreign currency up to USD 3000 as cash. On returning to India, they can bring back USD 5000 in cash. The remaining amount (annual LRS limit USD 250,000) can be loaded onto a Forex card.2
When travelling to Kazakhstan, having minimum US Dollars in your wallet and maximum in your Forex card is the best way to ensure a smooth travel experience. Avoid the stress of high exchange rates and last-minute confusion by purchasing with ExTravelMoney.
Also Read: The Ultimate Travel Checklist for Indians Heading Abroad
Ann Mariya Job is the Associate Content Writer at ExTravelMoney.com. Holding a Bachelor’s in Journalism, she excels in creating deeply researched, engaging, and crisp content. Her work helps readers understand the complexities of foreign exchange, overseas money transfers, and international travel.