Cultural guide to doing business in Almaty, Kazakhstan
The vast territory of Kazakhstan is populated by Kazakhs and Russians but over 100 nationalities are represented in Kazakhstan. Kazakh and Russian languages are spoken, Kazakh being the official language, though ethnic Kazakhs are only just in the majority. Kazakhstani is the term to use for anyone resident in the country, regardless of their background. You should only use the word ‘Kazakh' to describe ethnic Kazakhs.
Men greet each other with a handshake, usually rather gentle, and often with both hands. Most Kazakhstanis are Muslim so be sensitive with cross-gender handshakes. A visiting man should wait for a woman to extend her hand and a visiting woman should not take offence if a man withholds his hand. Though observant Muslims do not drink, alcohol is widely available and used. Wait until invited before using someone's first name. Though many names are of Arabic origin, Russian-style patronymics are common.
This is still a very hierarchical society, where both important people and elders are treated with great respect. In turn, those in charge are expected to make decisions for the group they control.
Kazakhstanis are very hospitable people. You may be invited home for tea (chai) and bread (regarded as sacred) or a full meal. With chai, the custom is that the cup is only filled half-way; a full cup is a signal that a guest should leave. Leaving a little food on your plate indicates that you have finished eating. It is polite to bring a small gift, such as pastries or sweets, though not alcohol.
Business dress is conservative wear a dark suit and tie or equivalent. There is no special etiquette around business cards, though they should be treated with respect and always include your titles and qualifications. Ideally they should be translated into Russian on one side. In this hierarchical society, your card is important in establishing your credentials and status.
As in other countries in the area, the establishing of a personal relationship is central to doing business in Kazakhstan. Enjoy the process as your counterpart gets to know you over tea (and sweets) or a meal.
At a meeting, shake hands with everyone present, both when you arrive and leave. People are likely to be seated according to importance, on both sides. ‘Keeping face' is a key consideration here so Kazakhstanis may go out of their way to be tactful when telling you things. However, behaviour in meetings and during negotiations may be surprisingly volatile. Don't expect meetings to end at any set time and make sure not to organise ‘back to back' meetings.
By old Kazakh tradition, an important guest visiting a rural area may have a sheep or goat slaughtered in their honour. The sheep's head is the most special part and the meat is distributed in a particular way, where the parts all have meanings. An ear is given to those who are supposed to listen, the tongue to those who should hold their tongue and so on. Don't worry: the eyes are generally given to the host's best friends, with the idea that they should watch over the guest.
The working week follows the Western pattern, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Though Friday is the Muslim holy day, offices are still open. In addition to the usual Muslim holidays (variable dates), Kazakhstan has public holidays on 1 and 2 January, 7 January (Russian Christmas), 8 March (Women's Day), 22 March (Nauryz), 1 May, 9 May (Victory Day), 30 August (Constitution Day), 25 October (Republic Day) and 16 December (Independence Day).
Kazakhstan is so big it spans three time zones: Almaty and the east are GMT +6, but always check local times if travelling by train. Change local money before leaving, it's illegal to leave the country with any Tenge.
International dialling code for Kazakhstan is +7. Dialling out: 8 ~ 10 (wait for tone). National prefix (within Kazakhstan): 8.