Azerbaijan

Travel tips for Azerbaijan: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards widely accepted. Recent 2025 reports show cards are widely accepted in Baku for most daily expenses, including transit. However, carry some Manat for taxis, small street vendors, and especially when traveling outside the capital to rural areas.

Try the food

  • Plov: A fragrant, saffron-infused rice dish traditionally crowned with tender lamb, dried apricots, chestnuts, and a crispy crust called qazmaq.
  • Dolma: Bite-sized parcels of minced lamb, rice, and fresh herbs tightly wrapped in tender grape leaves and served with garlic yogurt.
  • Qutab: A savory, paper-thin flatbread folded into a crescent, stuffed with minced meat or fresh greens, and cooked on a dry griddle.

Say it in Azerbaijani

  • Hello: Salam
  • Thank you: Çox sağ ol
  • Please: Zəhmət olmasa
  • Excuse me: Bağışlayın
  • How much is this?: Bu neçəyədir?
  • The bill please: Hesabı gətirin, zəhmət olmasa
  • Yes / No: Bəli / Xeyr
  • Goodbye: Sağ olun

Essentials

Voltage
230V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
SIM tip
Pick up a local Azercell or Bakcell SIM card at Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport upon arrival for the most reliable nationwide coverage.

Etiquette

Tipping around 10 percent is customary in restaurants, though you should check the bill first as a service charge is sometimes already included.

Airports in Azerbaijan