KZTKazakhstani TengeKazakhstani Tenge (KZT)
The Kazakhstani tenge is Kazakhstan's national currency and legal tender. The National Bank of Kazakhstan is the country's central monetary authority and has the right to issue the tenge. KZT is the ISO code used by payment systems, accounting software and exchange-rate services; tiyn is recorded as the smaller unit, with one tenge divided into 100 tiyn. In domestic life, prices and payments are normally expressed in tenge, while the National Bank publishes official rates for accounting, revaluation and statistical purposes. A conversion page should distinguish that official reference role from the commercial rate offered by a bank, exchange office or travel provider.
- ISO code
- KZT
- Symbol
- ₸
- Region
- Asia Pacific
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- Kazakhstani Tenge operates under the reviewed free-floating exchange-rate regime adopted in august 2015 arrangement.
- Last reviewed
Convert this currency
KZT converter
KZTRate date:
Quick facts
KZT at a glance
Currency profile
How KZT works
The Kazakhstani tenge is Kazakhstan's national currency and legal tender. The National Bank of Kazakhstan is the country's central monetary authority and has the right to issue the tenge. KZT is the ISO code used by payment systems, accounting software and exchange-rate services; tiyn is recorded as the smaller unit, with one tenge divided into 100 tiyn. In domestic life, prices and payments are normally expressed in tenge, while the National Bank publishes official rates for accounting, revaluation and statistical purposes. A conversion page should distinguish that official reference role from the commercial rate offered by a bank, exchange office or travel provider.
National Bank of Kazakhstan administers KZT within a free-floating exchange-rate regime adopted in august 2015 system.
- Introduced as Kazakhstan's national currency in 1993.
- The reviewed cash profile records KZT 200, KZT 500, KZT 1,000, KZT 2,000, KZT 5,000, KZT 10,000, KZT 20,000 for banknotes and KZT 1, KZT 2, KZT 5, KZT 10, KZT 20, KZT 50, KZT 100 for coins.
Context
Why this currency matters
Kazakhstan moved from a fixed exchange-rate regime to a free-floating framework in August 2015. The National Bank explains that the tenge rate is formed by market factors and that official USD/KZT data are based on weighted market results, with cross-rates used for other currencies. The bank may intervene in exceptional circumstances such as threats to financial stability or sharp short-term market disruption, but it does not maintain a permanent fixed level. This history is useful context for KZT conversions: a dated rate is a snapshot of a changing market framework, not an investment signal or a forecast. The tenge's legal status and issuance remain separate from daily price movement. The tenge profile separates the National Bank's institutional role from the market value seen on a particular date. The bank's official rate can support accounting and reference work, while customer quotes may include timing, spreads or fees. KZT therefore works best when shown with the date, source and direction of the conversion.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
Kazakhstani Tenge operates under the reviewed free-floating exchange-rate regime adopted in august 2015 arrangement.
CurrencyHub shows daily reference rates. Banks, card networks, ATMs and transfer providers may apply different exchange rates, fees or spreads.
History timeline
Key dates for KZT
Tenge introduced
Kazakhstan introduced the tenge after leaving the Soviet ruble area.
National Bank of KazakhstanTenge symbol adopted
A national symbol was selected to identify the tenge in public and digital records.
National Bank of KazakhstanFloating-rate transition
Kazakhstan moved to an inflation-targeting framework with a more flexible tenge exchange rate.
National Bank of Kazakhstan
Usage and economy
How KZT is used
- KZT is used for Kazakhstan's domestic prices, taxes, payroll and financial contracts.
- Tenge comparisons matter for commodity trade and cross-border activity involving CNY and Central Asian currencies.
Banknotes and coins
KZT currency units
The issuing authority documents the reviewed KZT banknote denominations used in the current cash system.
The issuing authority documents the circulation coin system for KZT.
One Kazakhstani Tenge unit is recorded with 2 decimal places and uses Tiyn as its minor unit.
Related currencies
Currency relationships
Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.
FAQ
KZT questions
Who issues the Kazakhstani tenge?
The National Bank of Kazakhstan is the central monetary authority and the institution with the right to issue the tenge.
Is KZT fixed to the U.S. dollar?
No. The National Bank describes Kazakhstan as operating a free-floating exchange-rate regime since August 2015, with the rate formed by market factors.
Why can KZT move against another currency?
KZT is floating, so its value can change with market conditions and with movement in the other currency. The displayed reference rate is not a forecast.
Sources
Data and editorial review
Rate source: Frankfurter
Last reviewed:
Currency identity and cash information is checked against central-bank, government, ISO and official international sources.