Top payment methods in Kazakhstan: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Kazakhstan? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Kazakhstan, with a population of around 20.35 million people, has a GDP of approximately 300.54 billion making it the 49th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Kazakhstan is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)
The economy is dominated by the extraction and export of oil, gas, and mineral resources. It is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) with Russia and maintains significant trade and investment ties with China and the EU.
| Country | Kazakhstan |
|---|---|
| Population | 20.35 million |
| GDP (USD) | 300.54 billion |
| Global Ranking | 49th |
| Currency | Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Kazakhstan?
The financial ecosystem in Kazakhstan is dominated by the super-app Kaspi.kz, which provides a mobile platform for P2P transfers, QR payments, bill payments, and online shopping. Credit and debit cards are also widely used and accepted across the country. For business transactions and other larger payments, direct bank transfers are a common method.
How to pay in Kazakhstan
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Kazakhstan.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Cards (Visa/Mastercard) | Card payments are the dominant payment method. Debit cards are widely used for daily transactions, and QR code payments linked to banking apps are extremely popular. | Online/In-person |
| Digital Wallets (Kaspi.kz) | The super-app Kaspi.kz is a dominant force in the country, offering a digital wallet, P2P transfers, QR payments, and a huge range of other financial services. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Tenge) | Despite the high adoption of digital payments, cash is still widely used and accepted across the country, especially for smaller purchases and in informal markets. | In-person |
| Bank Transfers | Real-time bank transfers, often via a mobile app using a phone number, are a very common method for P2P payments. | Online |
Traveling beyond Kazakhstan? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Kazakhstan?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Kazakhstan.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.