Living in KZ part 1

Living in Kazakhstan part 1

I enjoyed reading this blog http://www.kzblog.net/2010/12/29/survey-of-expats-about-life-in-kazakhstan/ and express similar sentiments to the author of KZblog. In the article reference is made to another blog and I am sure there are various local bloggers that could provide expatriates with additional insight; however, for us here we are unable to access certain blogs or blogging sites, so I am unable to recommend any of them... more interested in this topic see the link below. http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/kazakhstan-puts-pressure-on-bloggers

I agree with KZblog that the locals can come across as unfriendly and lacking common courtesy to strangers. Although KZblog seems to be living in Astana, I doubt there is a major differences between what they experience in Astana and what we as foreigners experience in Almaty.  And I don’t think there is much that I can add to what has already been said on KZblog.

The police can be a bit of a hassle and having yellow number plates (as foreigners), you tend to be a huge walking (or driving target in this case)... many suggest always keeping 2 000KZT in the car .... These guys are under paid and it is obvious when public holidays are approaching ( if you catch my drift)... luckily I don’t drive or own a car here and am happy with using public transport or taxis. Another thing that might also not be mentioned to newcomers is to always carry identification (passport with registration) with you, especially in the evenings when you are more likely to be stopped by police.

Visa issues - Personally, I am not sure who is to blame for the issues with visas that most foreigners seem to experience. Some blame the confusing laws and others blame the incompetence of the company staff... and in part... maybe it is due to the local employees lack in understanding what a foreigner goes through to relocate to Kazakhstan only to be worried for the next few months whether your work permit or visa will be approved or not.