Kazakhstan - Landing in Almaty, Currency Exchange, SIM Card, YandexGo Ehailing and Accommodation

The view outside the plane window

Landing in Kazakhstan might sound inconvenient due to language difference but its easier than you think!

1. Prepare USD or Euros to buy Tenge when you reach. You can also change near the Green Bazaar. There are plenty of counters there. Cash is still predominantly used. Credit card is accepted in larger stores.

2. Getting a SIM card is a breeze at the airport.

3. Prior to the trip, download Yandex Go, Kazakh and Kyrgys version of Grab. Pay in cash.

Malls will be malls and they are quite similiar to the Malaysian ones with food court and a supermarket. Their version of Lotus's is Magnum.

#almaty #icecapmountains #kazakhstan #yandex #traveller #wanderlust #greenbazaar #lifestyleblogger #qazaqstan #centralasia #krygyzstan

Almaty Airport

Change Tenge currency when you reach

You can get a simcard at the airport so that you can hire ehailing - Yandex

There was only one choice at that time for 6000KZT

At the arrival exit of Almaty Airport

Waiting for Yandex at the ehailing area

In the Yandex transport on the way to the accomodation

Comfortable homes rented from Booking.com

Went to the nearest mall for some food

Food court on the first day

Mornings with the view of ice-capped mountains from the apartment

Cooking simple breakfast

Out and about to explore Almaty!

Plaza Premium Lounge Celebrates winning the “World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge” by Skytrax - 8 years in a row

Plaza Premium Lounge Celebrates winning the

“World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge” at World Airline Awards by Skytrax for the Eighth year in a row

• Plaza Premium Lounge has won the title of "World's Best Independent Airport Lounge" from 2016 to 2024

• Plaza Premium Lounge Rome strikes gold again, following its triumph from last year

• Plaza Premium Lounge in Dubai International Airport ranked 5th in the category

Plaza Premium Lounge, the world's first independent airport lounge brand and the largest global independent lounge network under Plaza Premium Group, was awarded the "World's Best Independent Airport Lounge" at the prestigious World Airline Awards 2024 by Skytrax today in London. 

This was the eighth consecutive time that the company received this title since 2016. Plaza Premium Lounge Rome at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) at T3 Departures topped the list again, building on its triumph in 2023, while Plaza Premium Lounge in Dubai International Airport ranked 5th.

Travellers can savour a fine selection of food and

beverages while relaxing at the lounge in Rome

The lounge in Dubai offers experiences tailored to all kindsof travelers, including leisure, business, and
families

Mr. Song Hoi See, Founder and CEO of Plaza Premium Group said: "Receiving this prestigious award for eight consecutive years is an absolute honour. Twenty-six years ago, we introduced the world's first
independent airport lounge concept, and we have come a long way. Today, we operate in 80 international airports across 30 countries, with over 250 locations, and have expanded beyond just offering lounge service to providing a comprehensive 360-degree airport experience. Travel continues to change whether in the context of travel patterns, airport innovations, and passenger behaviour. We believe travel should be a pleasure and so whatever the journey, we aim to anticipate and evolve our offerings to build with the present and future passengers in mind.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Skytrax for this recognition, and also to our airport partners, business partners, as well as industry friends around the world who have supported us throughout the years. Of course, we owe everything to our teams for their unwavering commitment in providing excellent service to travelers every day. This award is a testament to their hard work and passion. ”

Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax said: "We congratulate Plaza Premium Lounge on being named the
World's Best Independent Airport Lounge operator, and to win this for the eighth consecutive year is a
fabulous achievement. The highest ranked Plaza Premium Lounge in 2024 is at Rome Fiumicino Airport and as the world’s best known lounge provider - Plaza Premium Group management and entire team should be very proud of this very high recognition from customers."

PPG continues to build on its legacy of excellence and to expand its footprint while prioritising
sustainability, digitalisation, and people. The company continues to evolve and create value for travelers, holding true to its core mission of “making travel better”.

The "Proudly Local" experience was recently introduced at Plaza Premium Lounge in six inaugural locations, including the award-winning Rome lounge and the Dubai lounge, which is also one of the 

Top-
5 in the award category, as part of the "Your Destination Before Departure" campaign. The other locations include Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Nagoya, and Adelaide.

Song explained: “Travelers these days are increasingly driven by experiences, and we recognise the need to evolve along with them. With that in mind, Plaza Premium Lounge is now more than just a lounge; it transforms into an airport destination where passengers can eat, drink, work, and refresh before their flights, while immersed in the culture of that particular airport location.

Our wish is for travelers to find inspiration and establish deeper connections with a city through its food, art, and people. It demonstrates the 'culture' element of our brand promises, alongside comfort,
convenience, love, care, and value, we believe good hospitality will contribute to making the airport
journey a better part of flying.”