Azerbaijan travel info
Electricity
The electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round, two-pin attachment plugs and Schuko plugs are in use.
Language
Azerbaijani, also known as Azeri, is the official language. Russian is widely understood, especially in cities. English is spoken in tourist areas, although general proficiency is limited.
Money
The Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) is the official currency, and it's divided into 100 qapik. Credit cards are widely accepted in major hotels, supermarkets and many restaurants in Baku, and foreign currencies such as US dollars, euros and British pounds can be easily exchanged at banks and authorised exchange offices. ATMs are common in Baku and other major towns, although cash is still useful in smaller or rural areas.
Apple Pay and Google Pay are available in Azerbaijan and can be convenient for travellers, but acceptance varies by bank and merchant. Visitors should check that their own cards support mobile payments abroad and should carry a physical card or some cash as a backup.
Tipping
Service charges are sometimes added to restaurant bills, but tipping isn't required. Most people simply round up the amount or leave a small tip when the service is good. Taxi drivers, waiters and hotel staff usually appreciate a little extra, but it's never expected.
Health
No vaccinations are required for entry to Azerbaijan, although travellers should ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date. Hepatitis A is recommended for most visitors, and hepatitis B may be advised depending on individual travel plans.
Medical facilities in Baku include both state-run and private clinics, with private options generally offering a higher standard of care. Services outside the capital can be more limited, so travellers with existing health concerns may feel more comfortable staying within larger cities. For added peace of mind, comprehensive travel health insurance is recommended, as it ensures access to the right support in the rare event of a serious medical issue.
Safety
Crime in Baku is generally low, but visitors should stay alert, especially in the city centre after dark, and avoid using unofficial taxis. It's also wise to steer clear of large protests or demonstrations, as they can escalate. The most sensitive area is the border region with Armenia and the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, and travel there is strongly discouraged due to safety risks.
Local customs
Most people in Azerbaijan are Muslim, and visitors are encouraged to be respectful of local customs. During Ramadan it's considerate to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public where others may be fasting. Modest clothing is recommended when visiting mosques or religious sites, meaning covered shoulders and legs for both men and women.
Public displays of affection are not common outside the capital, and same-sex relationships, while legal, are not widely accepted socially. Travellers may feel more comfortable being discreet, especially in rural areas.
It's also sensible to carry some form of identification, as this is recommended for visitors in many countries.
Doing business
Business in Azerbaijan relies heavily on personal relationships, so face-to-face meetings are usually more effective than remote communication. It helps to take time for introductions and relaxed conversation before moving on to business. Exchanging business cards is common, and having one side translated into Azerbaijani is appreciated.
Azerbaijani and Russian are the main business languages. English is used in some sectors, but visitors who are not comfortable in either local language may benefit from a translator or bilingual colleague.
Decision-making can take time, and it's best not to rush discussions or push for quick answers. While the business environment is gradually modernising, traditional attitudes may still appear in some settings, including expectations around hierarchy and gender roles.
Duty free
Travellers entering Azerbaijan may bring in small amounts of alcohol and tobacco for personal use. Some sources note allowances of up to three litres of alcohol and around six hundred cigarettes, although amounts can vary depending on the latest regulations. Personal goods are allowed up to a limited value, usually a few hundred U.S. dollars, before customs duty applies.
Items such as weapons, illegal drugs and materials that promote violence or terrorism are strictly prohibited. Cultural artefacts, including antique carpets, generally require government permission or an export certificate before they can be taken out of the country.
Communications
The international dialling code for Azerbaijan is +994. Roaming costs can be high, so travellers often prefer to buy a local SIM card. WiFi is available in many hotels and cafés in Baku, although the quality of internet connections can vary, particularly outside the capital. Online access is generally reliable for everyday use, but visitors may find that some sites or services are more limited than they are used to at home.
Passport & Visa
A valid passport and a visa are required for travel to Azerbaijan. Most visitors can apply online for an e-visa through the official ASAN Visa system, which is straightforward to use and does not require an invitation letter. Invitation letters are usually only needed for longer stays or specialised visas. Travellers should also make sure their passports are valid for at least six months beyond their planned date of entry.
Entry requirements
US nationals require a valid passport and a visa.
UK nationals require a valid passport and may apply for an e-visa.
Canadian nationals require a valid passport and a visa.
Australian nationals require a valid passport and a visa.
South African nationals require a valid passport and a visa.
Irish nationals require a valid passport and a visa.
New Zealand nationals require a valid passport and a visa.
Useful contacts
Official tourism website: www.azerbaijan.travel
101 (Fire), 102 (Police), 103 (Ambulance).