Where can I buy Kazakh Tenge!?

aac89

I'm travelling to Kazakhstan next week, but I can't seem to find anywhere that sells the local currency (Tenge).

I'm aware that it is a rare currency, but does anyone have any suggestions? Do you think I should simply take GBP cash in hand and then change it when i get to the airport in Kazakhstan? Or maybe try to withdraw from a cash machine out there?

(thanks in advance)

Pollycat

Could it be that it's a closed currency and you can't actually get it until you get into the country?

aac89

It's possible. I've even had some exchange bureaus tell me that I should go over there with US dollars instead of British pounds, as they won't change pounds straight to Tenge over there!

Doshwaster

aac89 wrote: »

It's possible. I've even had some exchange bureaus tell me that I should go over there with US dollars instead of British pounds, as they won't change pounds straight to Tenge over there!

Well, they probably would but I would suspect that you'd get a much better exchange rate for US dollars (though take into account the exchange costs for buying USD in the first place)

When travelling off the beaten track it's always a good idea to have a wad of dollar bills with you.

mvteng

I was travelling via Amsteram Schipol airport & got some Tenge there at a bureau de change (This was about 5-6 years ago)

Large towns in Kazakhstan do have cashline machines, but they didnt work for any of my cards (maestro & mastercard) but worked for 1 of my colleagues cards.

Large hotels take cards & will give you cash back on them.

One thing that we were told was that the locals are mad for western goods, & that western clothes / ipods etc are great bargaining tools. However, I never tried this myself, so can't vouch for it.

We also had the old tricks of Taxi drivers agreeing a price, then driving off, turning round & telling you they were doubling the price to get you where you want to go

p.s. the airport I flew to was little more than a metal shack. No shops / facilities, etc. Also be prepared for a long long wait whilst your documents / visa are being checked

hanwellmike

US dollars are widely used as the second currency there so if you cannot get Tenge from an exchange make sure you have some dollars (in small denominations). I worked there for a number of years (in Atyrau and Aktau) and I got my Tenge from the ATM's. I presume you are travelling to Astana or Almaty which are larger cities (and airports) ?