1. Download YanderGo App: Use the YanderGo app for booking local taxis. A local SIM card is required for bookings.

2. Cash-Only Taxis: Taxis only accept cash, so exchange currency at the airport or ask the taxi driver to take you to a money changer first. This is a common practice, and drivers often offer this service.

3. Carry Light Jackets: Always bring light jackets when traveling to the mountains.

4. Public Toilets: Public toilets are scarce outside the city. Use the facilities at petrol station service areas, which also have small grocery shops for quick snacks like soft drinks, ice creams, biscuits, and chips.

5. Big Almaty Lake: Special permission is required to visit Big Almaty Lake, which is granted on a payment basis.

6. Charyn Canyon: There are no toilets inside Charyn Canyon, and the makeshift ones are very dirty. It's best to avoid them. Expect considerable waiting times for buses during peak tourist season.

7. Shymbulak: Purchase tickets for all three stations. Use the toilets at the first station and eat at the restaurants there, which offer many choices at reasonable rates. Avoid using the toilets at the ground level where you board the cable car, as they are far down and there are limited food options.

8. Kok Tobe: Visit at dusk to enjoy both daylight and nighttime views.

9. Google Translate: Use the Google Translate app to communicate. Download it before your trip.

10. Language: Most people speak Russian, so having basic knowledge or translation tools is helpful.