Local Customs & Etiquette in Astana, Kazakhstan
1. Astana's Greeting Culture
Upon meeting someone, Kazakhs shake hands and maintain eye contact. It's impolite to initiate conversation without exchanging pleasantries first.
- Formal greetings: Kazakhs use formal titles and surnames when addressing strangers or seniors.
- Eye contact: Maintaining eye contact during a conversation shows respect and interest.
- Pleasantries: Exchanging pleasantries like 'Salaamat, asan birgemis' (Hello, good day) is essential before diving into the conversation.
2. Table Manners
Dining etiquette in Kazakhstan involves placing hands on the table when eating. It's also customary to keep the right hand free for gesturing.
- Hand positioning: Keep one hand free while eating to indicate politeness and openness.
- Table manners: Use a knife and fork together when eating. If only one utensil is provided, use it effectively.
- Passing food: When passing food, do so with the right hand to avoid offending the person.
3. Gift Giving Customs
Gifts are given on special occasions such as weddings and birthdays. Odd-numbered gifts (except for flowers) are considered auspicious.
- Odd numbers: Gift an odd number of items to symbolize good fortune.
- Presents for hosts: Bring a small gift when invited to someone's home.
- Timing of gifts: Avoid giving gifts in public places, as it may be seen as boastful.
4. Business Etiquette
Punctuality is highly valued in Kazakhstan. Dress professionally and maintain a formal demeanor during business meetings.
- Punctuality: Arrive on time for appointments to show respect.
- Formal dress code: Dress professionally and conservatively during business meetings.
- Gift exchange: Exchanging gifts with a business partner can be part of the business culture, but should not be expected.
5. Public Behavior
In public places, maintain a respectful and orderly demeanor. Avoid loud conversations and inappropriate gestures.
- Respectfulness: Speak quietly and avoid raising your voice in public spaces.
- Orderliness: Maintain order when standing in lines or navigating crowded areas.
- Inappropriate gestures: Avoid using hand gestures that may be considered rude or disrespectful in other cultures.
6. Hospitality Customs
Kazakhs place great importance on hospitality. Offering tea is a sign of friendship and respect.
- Tea offerings: Accepting an invitation for tea or a meal demonstrates your appreciation.
- Guest etiquette: As a guest, compliment the host on their home and offer assistance if possible.
- Gift reciprocation: If you receive a gift, it's customary to bring a small return gift or token of appreciation later.
7. Dining Out Etiquette
When dining out in Kazakhstan, it's customary to remove shoes before entering the home. Some restaurants may offer slippers at the entrance.
- Shoe removal: Remove your shoes before entering someone's home or a restaurant that offers shoe shelves.
- Table manners: Use your hands to tear off pieces of flatbread instead of using utensils.
- Dining with strangers: It's not uncommon for strangers at a restaurant to eat together, as Kazakhs are welcoming and friendly.
8. Elder Respect
In Kazakh culture, elders are shown great respect. Addressing them with the appropriate title is essential.
- Addressing elders: Use proper titles and honorifics when addressing an elder.
- Offering assistance: Help elders with tasks or offer them a seat before taking one yourself.
- Patience with elders: Show patience and respect when communicating with elders, even if they are slow to respond.
9. Public Holidays Customs
On public holidays, Kazakhs spend time with family and friends. It's customary to exchange gifts and celebrate together.
- Family gatherings: Plan to spend time with your extended family during public holidays.
- Gift exchanging: Exchange small gifts with friends and family on public holidays.
- Respect for elders: Show extra respect to elders during the holidays, as they play a significant role in the celebrations.
10. Religion & Customs
Kazakhstan is predominantly Muslim. During religious holidays such as Ramadan, it's essential to be respectful and avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.
- Respect for Ramadan: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during the daytime during Ramadan.
- Modest dress: Dress modestly when visiting mosques or other religious sites.
- Avoiding pork products: Be mindful that pork is not consumed in Kazakhstan due to Islamic dietary laws.
11. Tipping Customs
In restaurants and taxis, a service charge may be added to the bill. However, it's appreciated if you round up or leave some change as a gesture of gratitude.
- Service charge: Check the bill for any added service charge.
- Rounding up: Leave some change or round up your bill as a token of appreciation.
- Tip in cash: Offer the tip in cash, as many service providers may not accept credit cards for tips.
12. Bus Stop Etiquette
At bus stops, it's customary to wait in a line and let passengers exit before boarding the bus.
- Waiting in line: Wait your turn when multiple people arrive at the same bus stop.
- Letting passengers exit: Let passengers exiting the bus go before boarding yourself.
- Giving up your seat: Offer your seat to pregnant women, elderly individuals, or those with disabilities.
13. Traditional Festivals & Celebrations
Participate in local festivals such as Nauryz, the Kazakh New Year. These events celebrate Kazakh culture and heritage.
- Nauryz celebrations: Join the community in singing, dancing, and wishing each other a happy new year during Nauryz.
- Dress appropriately: Dress modestly and respectfully during traditional festivals.
- Respect for local customs: Learn about the traditions associated with each festival and participate accordingly.
14. Gift-giving Etiquette in Business
When doing business in Kazakhstan, gift giving can be a sign of goodwill. However, gifts should not exceed the value of the contract at hand.
- Value of gifts: The value of the gift should not outweigh that of the contract.
- Avoid alcohol: Avoid giving alcohol as a gift, as it may be seen as an inappropriate or impolite gesture.
- Timing of gifts: Offer the gift at the beginning or end of business meetings to avoid appearing bribe-seeking.
15. Bar Etiquette
When visiting a bar in Astana, it's customary to buy drinks for those around you in small rounds. This helps foster camaraderie.
- Buying drinks in rounds: Buy drinks for the people sitting near you in turn.
- Drinking culture: Kazakhs enjoy vodka and other alcoholic beverages, but drinking responsibly is important.
- Tipping the bartender: Leave a small tip for the bartender as a token of appreciation.