Kazakhstan is the largest economy in Central Asia, characterized by its vast natural resources and a rapid transition toward a diversified, digital-first economy. Its capital, Astana, is a modern hub of administration and finance, while Almaty remains the country’s primary commercial and cultural heartbeat. In 2026, the economy is projected to grow by approximately 4.6% to 4.8%, supported by stable oil production and robust domestic demand. Inflation is expected to moderate to 10.4% as the National Bank maintains a disciplined monetary stance. With a population of over 20.8 million, Kazakhstan has leapfrogged traditional banking, becoming a global leader in “Super-App” integration, where over 90% of adults now utilize digital financial services for daily transactions and international remittances.
Money Transfer Locations
Western Union
Western Union maintains a widespread presence in Kazakhstan through Bank CenterCredit, Kazpost, and Halyk Bank.
- Western Union Almaty (Abay Ave & Dostyk Ave)
- Western Union Astana (Kabanbay Batyr Ave)
- Western Union Shymkent
- Western Union Karaganda
- Western Union Aktobe
- Western Union Taraz
- Western Union Pavlodar
- Western Union Ust-Kamenogorsk
- Western Union Atyrau (Oil & Gas Hub)
- Western Union Kostanay
- Western Union Kyzylorda
- Western Union Uralsk
MoneyGram & KoronaPay (Zolotaya Korona)
MoneyGram is available via ForteBank and Bank RBK, while KoronaPay remains a dominant regional choice for CIS-wide transfers.
- MoneyGram Almaty (Republic Square)
- MoneyGram Astana (Nurzhol Boulevard)
- KoronaPay Points at Euroset & Svyaznoy (Almaty/Astana)
- MoneyGram Semey
- MoneyGram Petropavl
Ria Money Transfer
Ria is accessible through Jusan Bank and Kazpost branches, providing reliable cash-out options even in smaller regional towns.
- Ria Almaty (Zhibek Zholy)
- Ria Astana (Old Town)
- Ria Aktau (Caspian Coast)
- Ria Taldykorgan
Digital Payouts & Super-Apps (The 2026 Standard)
In 2026, the Kazakh financial landscape is dominated by bank-led digital ecosystems. Most international transfers are now received directly via mobile apps:
- Kaspi.kz – The nation’s flagship “Super-App,” used by nearly the entire population for P2P transfers, e-commerce, and instant receipt of funds.
- Halyk Homebank – A leading digital platform offering QR-based international payments and seamless integration with UnionPay and WeChat Pay.
- Jusan – A popular mobile-first banking app offering specialized investment and remittance features.
- Digital Tenge (CBDC) – By 2026, Kazakhstan’s central bank digital currency is in its advanced pilot phase, used for high-speed, low-cost government and retail transfers.
Major Bank & Financial Partners
The Kazakh banking sector is highly consolidated and serves as the primary gateway for SWIFT and regional foreign exchange:
- Halyk Bank (The country’s largest financial institution)
- Kaspi Bank (The leader in retail digital payments)
- Bank CenterCredit (BCC – A pioneer in Western Union and international retail partnerships)
- ForteBank (Known for its advanced corporate and digital retail services)
- Jusan Bank (A key player in the modernization of the domestic financial market)
- Kazpost (The National Postal Service – Vital for physical cash distribution in rural areas)
- National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK – The regulatory authority managing the Tenge and digital infrastructure)