Azerbaijan Travel Guide


TRAVEL WARNING

Country-specific safety information

Travel to the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the Armenian-occupied districts of Agdam, Füsuli, Jabrayil, Sangilan, Kubadli, Ladschin and Kalbadschar, as well as to the areas immediately adjacent to the Azerbaijani side of the ceasefire line (contact line) are strongly discouraged. There are currently no acute fighting on the contact line. Nevertheless, there, as well as at the Azerbaijani-Armenian border, including the border between the Azerbaijani Autonomous Republic of Nakhichevan and Armenia, exchanges of fire must be expected.

MONEY

Currency

1 new manat = 100 qapik. Currency abbreviation: AM, AZN (ISO code). In Azerbaijan,  a country located in Asia according to politicsezine, there are banknotes to the value of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 manat as well as coins to the value of 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1 qäpik.

Credit cards

Are accepted in larger hotels, some restaurants and all banks in Baku. However, cash payments are generally preferred. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs

ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted throughout Europe and worldwide. Further information from banks and credit institutes.

Attention: Travelers who pay abroad with their bank customer card and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.

Bank opening times

Mon-Fri 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., some larger banks also until 6 p.m.

Foreign exchange regulations

The import and export of the local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currencies is unrestricted and must be declared upon entry.
The export of foreign currencies with a maximum value of US $ 1000 is free of charge. Declaration and exchange receipts should be kept in a safe place.

Currency Exchange

US dollars and euros are accepted almost everywhere and can be exchanged at airports, exchange offices, hotels, some shops, some restaurants and larger banks. Some hotels, restaurants, and exchange offices do not accept dollar bills issued before 1992. Travelers should carry undamaged banknotes in small denominations and exchange smaller amounts if necessary. Black market rates are not significantly cheaper than official exchange rates. There are now a few ATMs in Baku.

LANGUAGE

Overview

The official language is Azerbaijani (89%). Russian (3%) and Armenian (2%) are also spoken. Some residents in Baku and other larger cities have a command of English.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Annotation

The dates given for Islamic holidays are calculated according to the lunar calendar and therefore shift from year to year.

During the fasting month of Ramadan, which precedes the festival day Eid al-Fitr, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset, which leads to interruptions or deviations in the normal course of business (including reduced opening times of shops and authorities) and therefore there may be restrictions for travelers.

Many restaurants outside the hotels are closed during the day and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is only possible to a limited extent or Some even strictly forbidden, even for non-Muslim vacationers. In hotel complexes, it must be expected that meals and drinks may only be taken in the hotel restaurant or in the room during Ramadan.

Travelers should expect increased sensitivity in religious matters as well as in questions of respecting Islamic traditions.

Some interruptions can also occur during Eid al-Fitr. This festival, like Eid al-Adha, does not have a specific duration and can last 2-10 days depending on the region.

DUTY-FREE SHOPPING

Overview

The following articles can be imported into Azerbaijan duty-free (people over 16 years):

Up to 3 cartons of cigarettes;
3 l alcoholic beverages;
Perfume for personal use;

Gold up to a value of max. US $ 1000;
up to 125 g caviar.

When entering the country, tourists must declare items for personal use (including furs), valuables and foreign currencies on a customs form. The form must be kept until departure. The imported goods may be max. Weigh 50 kg and have a maximum value of 1000 US $, otherwise they must be declared.

Prohibited imports

Weapons, ammunition, drugs, live animals (special permit required), propaganda material (photos, documents, etc.) directed against Azerbaijan, fruits and vegetables.

Prohibited exports

Weapons, ammunition, precious metals and furs. Works of art and antiques can only be exported with the prior permission of the Ministry of Culture.

NIGHTLIFE

Introduction

Some restaurants, night bars and night clubs have opened in Baku and are mainly visited by tourists and local business people. Winston’s and Lord Nelson are two popular pubs.

CULINARY

ACCOMMODATION

Hotels

Most of the hotels have been privatized and have satellite, telephone and fax connections. The standard of hygiene, service and food have improved significantly. Several larger hotel chains are now represented in Azerbaijan, including Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Park and Grand Hotel Europe.

Azerbaijan Travel Guide

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