Where to exchange currency on a trip

Exchange points in the city

In Almaty, currency exchange points are concentrated near markets, in shopping centers and near major transport hubs. Exchange rates at the airport are usually less favorable than in the city, so it is better to exchange currency in advance. A tourist flying from Almaty often takes part of the money in tenge and part in dollars. During the trip, currency will be useful for taxis, cafes and small purchases.

If going to a country with a closed economy, the local currency is exchanged already on site. During the trip, it is convenient to have small banknotes so as not to look for change. Part of the sum should be kept separately from the main one, it is calmer on the road that way. It is not worth exchanging currency during the trip through private individuals: the exchange rate there is unpredictable.

When it is more profitable to take money

The season affects exchange rates no less than ticket prices. A tourist from Almaty flying in high season pays more both for the flight and for the exchange. During the trip, currency is needed by those going to countries where cards are not accepted everywhere. It is more convenient to exchange currency in advance if the flight is at night or with a transfer.

During the trip, exchange rates at the transfer airport are almost always worse than in the city. A tourist who exchanges currency during the trip little by little loses more on the difference. Part of the expenses is covered by card, and cash is taken for the first day. During the trip, currency will be useful on the way back too, so the remainder is not spent down to zero.

Exchange at the arrival point

During the trip, currency is exchanged already on the first day, and here it is important not to rush. A tourist from Almaty often exchanges currency right at the arrival airport, losing on the rate. During the trip, currency at a city bank is usually more profitable than at the baggage claim counter. It is worth exchanging currency at a bank branch or at a large exchange point.

During the trip, currency is needed for transport, so a small sum is exchanged immediately.

Exchange rates in different countries

Exchange rates depend on the country, and there is no universal advice here. During the trip, the currency of some countries is freely exchanged everywhere, others only in banks. A tourist from Almaty more often goes to Turkey, UAE, Egypt and Asian countries. During the trip, currency in these places is exchanged without difficulty, but exchange rates differ.

Exchanging currency at the hotel is convenient, however the rate there is noticeably worse. During the trip, currency at the arrival airport is always more expensive than in the city. A tourist who exchanges currency at the market risks running into a counterfeit. During the trip, it is better to exchange currency where there is a cash desk and a receipt.

Storing cash

During the trip, currency requires care, especially in crowded places. A tourist from Almaty carries money in hand luggage, not in checked baggage. During the trip, currency is divided into several parts and lies in different places. Exchanging currency in large banknotes is inconvenient: they are not always accepted. During the trip, currency in small banknotes helps out at markets and in taxis.

Exchange rates are not worth tracking at every point: it takes away rest time. During the trip, currency is stored in a secret pocket or in the hotel safe.

High season and off-season: the difference in exchange rates

During high tourist season, exchangers in tourist areas offer a less favorable rate than in the off-season. The peak falls on June–August and December–January, when currency is exchanged en masse. During this time, the spread between buying and selling widens, and during a trip to a resort the difference is felt especially strongly.

In the off-season — spring and autumn — competition between exchange points is higher, and exchanging currency turns out to be more favorable. A tourist from Almaty should take this into account when planning: shifting a trip by a month in either direction can save a noticeable amount. Large sums during a trip are better exchanged in parts, monitoring the rate.

Destinations where tenge is exchanged readily and where it is not

In major tourist cities of Southeast Asia, tenge is accepted more readily than in the provinces. In Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, exchangers in tourist centers are familiar with the Kazakhstani currency, but outside them there is almost nowhere to exchange it. In Europe, tenge is practically not quoted, and during a trip one has to rely on dollars or euros.

In Japan and South Korea, exchanging tenge for local currency is virtually impossible. In Australia and New Zealand, there is only one way — through US dollars or euros. In the UAE and Turkey, exchangers at the arrival airport give a worse rate than in the city, but for small sums the difference is insignificant.

Europe: where the euro is not the national currency

In Czechia, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Sweden, the national currency is not the euro. During a trip through these countries, exchanging euros on site is possible, but the rate in tourist centers is often unfavorable. In Prague and Budapest, exchangers on central streets lower the rate, whereas points off to the side offer fair conditions.

In Sweden and Croatia, cards are used almost everywhere, and cash is needed minimally. In Schengen countries, it is worth keeping a little euro on hand in case a card does not go through in a small shop or cafe. It is not worth exchanging large sums at once — it is better to do it as needed.

Asian countries where dollars or euros are needed for exchange

In Japan, South Korea, and China, exchanging tenge for local currency is practically impossible. During a trip there, dollars or euros become the only working instrument. In China, currency exchange is permitted only in banks and some hotels; there are no street exchangers. In Japan, exchange points are concentrated in airports and major banks; the rate there is predictable but not always favorable.

In South Korea, it is more convenient to exchange dollars at bank branches rather than in hotels. A tourist from Almaty should take a supply of dollars before departure so as not to look for an exchange in a hurry.

Banks, hotels, and official points instead of street exchangers

In China, currency exchange is possible only in banks and some hotels; there are no street exchangers. During a trip to Cuba and North Korea, exchange takes place exclusively at official points at a fixed rate. Exchanging currency on the street in such countries is risky and fraught with problems. In India and Egypt, official points are concentrated in airports, banks, and major hotels.

A tourist from Almaty should keep exchange receipts: they are sometimes checked upon departure. During a trip to such destinations, it is better to exchange small sums as needed, rather than all at once.

Restrictions on the import and export of national currency

In India, Egypt, and Morocco, restrictions apply to the import and export of national currency. During a trip, this means it is better to exchange money in portions so that no extra banknotes remain upon departure. The national currency of these countries is almost impossible to exchange back outside the state.

A tourist from Almaty should plan expenses so that by the end of the trip no large sums in local money remain. Small leftovers are easier to spend at the airport or keep as a souvenir.

Visa and entry rules change: check with the primary source — the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan, kgd.gov.kz. The information on this page was verified on 15.09.2026.

Calculating the amount for the first days and a reserve for the unforeseen

For the first days of the trip, an amount covering transport, meals and small expenses is enough. It is not worth changing currency in advance for the entire duration: during the trip the exchange rate may change, and extra cash will have to be stored. A reserve for the unexpected is another amount on top of the base one, preferably in dollars or euros.

In countries with high inflation, for example in Argentina and Turkey, the exchange rate changes daily, and it is better to change currency in small portions. A tourist from Almaty should keep the reserve separate from the main money so as not to lose everything at once.

What denomination of banknotes to take with you

Large 100-dollar banknotes in Thailand and Vietnam are exchanged at a more favorable rate than small ones. During the trip this is a noticeable saving if you change currency in substantial amounts. At the same time, in some countries old-style or damaged banknotes are not accepted at all.

A tourist from Almaty should take banknotes of different denominations: large ones for exchange, small ones for payments on the spot. Euros in small banknotes are more convenient for tips and small purchases. Changing currency at Almaty airport before departure is usually less profitable than in the city.

Withdrawals at ATMs and double commissions

ATMs abroad often charge a commission from both sides when withdrawing cash from Kazakhstani cards. During the trip this means that the issuing bank and the bank owning the ATM withhold their share. Changing currency via an ATM is convenient, but with frequent withdrawals commissions eat up a noticeable part of the amount.

In European countries, when paying by card, some establishments add a commission, especially for small amounts. A tourist from Almaty should withdraw money in large portions and less often in order to reduce losses. In Norway, Iceland and Finland almost all payments are made by card, and cash is needed minimally.

Tips and payments where cards are not accepted everywhere

In the USA, tips make up 15–20% of the bill in restaurants and cafes, and they are usually left in cash. During the trip this is a separate expense item that should be taken into account in advance. In Turkey and Egypt, locals prefer to receive payment in dollars or euros rather than in the local currency. Changing currency in such places is more convenient with small banknotes, so as to pay without change.

In countries with a hot climate, cash is better stored in several places: thefts happen in hotels. In Bali, exchangers with a favorable rate often stand away from tourist streets, and it is calmer to change currency there.