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Car Rental in Kazakhstan
Car Rental in Kazakhstan: What You Need to Know
Understanding Local Laws and Requirements
When renting a car in Kazakhstan, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the local driving laws and requirements. The minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old, and you must have held a valid driver’s license for at least one year. It’s also mandatory to have third-party liability insurance when driving in Kazakhstan.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
When selecting a rental car in Kazakhstan, consider the type of terrain you will be driving on. If you plan to explore the countryside or venture off the beaten path, a 4×4 vehicle may be more suitable. However, if you will be primarily driving in urban areas, a compact car may be more practical.
Booking in Advance
To ensure availability and secure the best rates, it’s advisable to book your rental car in advance. This is especially important during peak travel seasons when demand for rental cars may be high.
Driving Tips
When driving in Kazakhstan, keep in mind that the speed limit in urban areas is typically 60 km/h, while on highways it is 90 km/h. It’s also important to be mindful of road conditions, as some areas may have potholes or unpaved roads.
Renting a car in Kazakhstan can provide the flexibility and freedom to explore this beautiful country at your own pace. By understanding local driving laws and requirements, choosing the right vehicle, booking in advance, and being mindful of driving tips, you can have a smooth and enjoyable car rental experience in Kazakhstan.
Rental Requirements
Age Limits
To rent a car in Kazakhstan, the minimum age is usually 21 years old, and the maximum age is 70 years old. Some car rental companies may have different age restrictions, so it’s best to check with the specific company before booking.
Driving License Requirements
To rent a car in Kazakhstan, you will need a valid driver’s license from your home country. If your driver’s license is not in English or Russian, you may also need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). Additionally, most car rental companies require that you have held your driver’s license for at least one year.
Documentation
When renting a car in Kazakhstan, you will need to present a valid passport, a credit card in the primary driver’s name for the security deposit, and any additional documentation required by the car rental company. It’s important to have all necessary documents ready when picking up your rental car to avoid any delays.
Insurance Information
When renting a car in Kazakhstan, it’s important to understand the insurance options available to protect yourself and the vehicle.
Basic Insurance
The basic insurance typically included when renting a car in Kazakhstan covers Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection. This helps to minimize your financial responsibility in the event of an accident or theft of the vehicle.
Additional Insurance
In addition to the basic insurance, there are options available for additional coverage. Personal Accident Insurance provides coverage for medical expenses in the event of an accident, while Supplemental Liability Insurance offers protection in the event of third-party claims.
Insurance Tips
For travelers renting a car in Kazakhstan, it’s recommended to check existing travel insurance policies to see if they provide any coverage for rental vehicles. This can help avoid paying for duplicate coverage and ensure you have the protection you need while driving in the country.
Local Driving Laws and Regulations in Kazakhstan
General Traffic Rules
Driving Side: In Kazakhstan, driving is on the right side of the road.
Speed Limits: The typical speed limits are 60 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on highways.
Other Useful Info: Traffic signs and signals are in Kazakh and Russian languages.
Overtaking and Lane Usage
Overtaking Rules: Overtaking is only allowed on the left side of the road when it is safe and legal to do so.
Lane Discipline: Drivers should keep right except to overtake on multi-lane roads.
Other Useful Info: Be cautious of livestock crossing rural roads.
Seat Belt and Child Safety
Seat Belt Laws: Seat belts must be worn by all occupants of the vehicle.
Child Safety: Children under 12 years old or under 150 cm in height must use a child safety seat.
Other Useful Info: It is illegal to transport a child in the front seat without a child restraint system.
Use of Mobile Phones
Mobile Phone Restrictions: The use of handheld mobile devices while driving is prohibited.
Other Useful Info: Hands-free devices are allowed for phone calls.
Alcohol and Driving
Legal Blood Alcohol Limits: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%. Penalties for DUI/DWI are severe.
Zero Tolerance Policies: There are strict rules for commercial drivers and drivers with less than two years of experience.
Other Useful Info: Random police checkpoints for alcohol testing are common.
Tolls and Charges
Toll Roads: There are toll roads in Kazakhstan with various payment methods.
Congestion Charges: There are no urban congestion charges in Kazakhstan.
Other Useful Info: Toll fees can be paid in cash or with prepaid cards.
Roundabouts and Intersections
Navigating Roundabouts: Roundabouts are common in Kazakhstan, and drivers inside the roundabout have the right of way.
Intersection Rules: Traffic lights and road signs dictate right of way at intersections.
Other Useful Info: Be cautious of pedestrians at intersections.
Headlight and Windshield Wiper Laws
Headlight Usage: Headlights must be used at all times, including during daylight hours.
Windshield Wiper Rule: There is no specific requirement to turn on headlights when using wipers.
Other Useful Info: It is recommended to keep headlights on at all times for visibility.
Emergency Vehicles
Right of Way for Emergency Vehicles: Drivers must give way to emergency vehicles with lights and sirens activated.
Other Useful Info: Pull over to the side of the road to allow emergency vehicles to pass.
Driving Tips for Kazakhstan
Road Conditions
Kazakhstan has a diverse range of road conditions, from well-maintained highways to rough and unpaved rural roads. It’s important to be prepared for a variety of terrains, including mountainous regions and open steppes.
Urban vs. Rural Driving
In urban areas like Almaty and Nur-Sultan, you can expect more congested traffic and stricter enforcement of traffic laws. Rural areas may have less consistent road quality, so be mindful of potholes and other obstacles.
While GPS is widely available in Kazakhstan, it’s a good idea to have a physical map as a backup, especially when traveling to more remote areas. Familiarize yourself with Cyrillic script, as many road signs and place names are in Russian.
Other Useful Tips
– Keep an eye out for livestock on the roads, especially in rural areas.
– Be aware of the potential for extreme weather conditions, including snow and ice in the winter.
– Plan your route and rest stops in advance, as services may be limited in some areas.
Roadside Assistance and Emergency Procedures
Breakdown Procedures
If you experience a breakdown while driving in Kazakhstan, pull over to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights. Contact the rental company’s 24/7 assistance line to report the issue and follow their instructions for further assistance. Do not attempt to make any repairs on your own unless it is safe to do so.
Emergency Services
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, 103 for ambulance, and the rental company’s roadside assistance number provided to you at the time of rental. Save these numbers in your phone and keep them handy while driving.
Rental Company Policies
Most rental companies in Kazakhstan offer 24/7 roadside assistance and towing services in case of a breakdown. It is important to review the terms and conditions of your rental agreement to understand the specific support offered by the rental company in the event of an emergency. Be sure to have a clear understanding of the procedures to follow in case of a breakdown before you start your journey.
Where can you Rent a Car in Kazakhstan?
You can browse all the city locations below, sorted alphabetically. Use Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F on a Mac) to quickly find the one you want to explore.