Kazakhstan — Currency & Money

Tenge (KZT). Cities are surprisingly cashless — locals pay by Kaspi QR, and Visa/Mastercard work in most urban terminals and ATMs (Halyk and Kaspi machines are everywhere) — but carry cash for bazaars, small towns and anything informal. Exchange offices ('obmen') are plentiful with fair posted rates; avoid airport rates. Tipping 5–10% is appreciated; many restaurants add a service charge instead. Everything except imported alcohol is cheap by Western standards.