'To protect tourists from scams' – Kazakhstan develops QR code system

Tengrinews.kz – Kazakhstan has developed a QR code system for tourists. Details were shared by Minister of Tourism and Sports, Yerbol Myrzabosynov, at a government meeting.

According to the minister, the new system was created to prevent cases of tourists being deceived when visiting Kazakhstan.

“Sometimes visiting tourists are scammed with services such as taxis, mobile connections, and currency exchange. To prevent this, a QR code system has been developed. It includes access to eSIM services, hotel bookings, and essential registration information,” said the minister.

He noted that these QR codes have been installed in four Kazakh cities: Astana, Aktau, Turkestan, and Shymkent.

“Currently, airports are requesting additional funds to implement QR codes. To scale the initiative, support from local akimats and the Ministry of Transport is needed. The QR codes should be placed in all airports, railway stations, and border crossings,” Myrzabosynov emphasized.

According to the minister, in 2024, the number of domestic tourists in Kazakhstan reached 10.5 million.

“In total, 15.3 million foreign visitors arrived in our country (…) Of them, 10.4 million stayed for more than one day. We classify them as foreign tourists,” he added.