Almaty - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Russian is very useful here and many Americans take language classes, there are few teachers available to embassy/USAID staff and EFMs. In big cities some people speak English but not everyone so basic vocabulary will be needed. - Sep 2023
Many American here do not speak Russian and are able to survive with a handful of words and phrases. English is becoming increasingly spoken and often required at university level, but your quality of life here will be much better if you speak Russian. - Aug 2015
It helps A LOT to speak Russian. Many people are not helpful even if they do speak English. - Jul 2013
Russian helps alot. If you don't have it, lots of stuff will just pass you by. You can live here with very little Russian, but you will get more out of it if you know more. - Feb 2013
Life is better if you speak Russian. While English is gaining traction quickly, it's still much easier to get out and about if you speak Russian. - May 2012
You can get by with just a little Russian (especially if you hire a maid who can translate), but it is imperative that you at least know how to read Russian (it doesn't take long) and your experience here will be much better if you learn some. - Mar 2010
I can't make this clear enough: You need to know Russian!! There are hardly any signs in English (why would there be, really), so it's like being 4 all over again and not knowing how to read anything. In fact its like being less than 4, since I'm pretty sure I knew my alphabet by age 4, (which I couldn't say for myself when I showed up here). - Mar 2008
