Welcome to Azerbaijan 😊
Azerbaijan is a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia, bordering the Caspian Sea to the east. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and spectacular landscapes. Visitors can explore the bustling capital city of Baku, visit ancient historical sites such as the Old City of Baku and the Maiden Tower, or hike through the stunning Caucasus Mountains. Azerbaijan is also home to many unique traditions, such as carpet weaving, mugham music, and the ancient sport of chovqan.
Quick Facts About Azerbaijan
- Currency: Azerbaijani manat
- Population: 10.2 million
- Languages: Azerbaijani
Money and Finances
The official currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN), which is divided into 100 qəpik. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, and 50 qəpik, while notes are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 manat.
ATM Network
ATM machines are widely available in Azerbaijan, particularly in major cities and tourist areas.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted in Azerbaijan, particularly in major cities and tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards, followed by AMEX which is less commonly accepted.
Internet and Phones
The average internet speed in Azerbaijan is around 10 Mbps for downloads and 6 Mbps for uploads. The government implements some restrictions on internet use, including censorship on some websites and social media platforms.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
Telco companies in Azerbaijan include Azercell, Bakcell, and Nar. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 20 AZN (12 USD) per month. There may be sim compatibility issues for foreign visitors.
Dialling to Azerbaijan
To call Azerbaijan from another country, dial the country code +994 followed by the area code and local number. The area code for Baku, the capital city, is 12. Other area codes vary depending on the region.
Transport Around Azerbaijan
Air Travel
Azerbaijan is served by Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, which is the main international airport in the country. There are also regional airports in Ganja and Nakhchivan.
Train Travel
Azerbaijan has an inter-city train network operated by Azerbaijan Railways. Example routes include Baku to Ganja, with a journey time of 5 hours and a cost of around 10 USD.
Metro / Local Trains
Baku has a metro system with 3 lines serving the city.
Buses
There is a bus network in Azerbaijan, operated by various companies. Example routes include Baku to Sheki, with a journey time of 5 hours and a cost of around 7 USD.
Rideshare
Uber and Bolt operate in Baku, with average prices of around 2 USD per km.
Driving by Car
Driving in Azerbaijan is generally easy, with good quality roads. The usual speed limits are 60 km/h in built-up areas and 90 km/h outside built-up areas. Azerbaijan uses right-hand drive.
Local Customs
In Azerbaijan, tipping is common in restaurants, with a standard of 10% of the total bill. Locals usually greet each other with a handshake, and sometimes a kiss on the cheek between close friends and family. It is common for men to address each other by their first name, while women may use their first and last name. When speaking with strangers, it is polite to address them formally until given permission to use informal language.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
The healthcare system in Azerbaijan is a mix of public and private healthcare. The public healthcare system is free for citizens and offers basic medical services, however, the quality of care can be inconsistent. Private healthcare is available for those who can afford it and generally offers higher quality care. The cost for a visit to a doctor can range from approximately 5-15 AZN ($3-9 USD). Health insurance is not mandatory but can be purchased for a relatively low cost.
COVID Situation
Azerbaijan has handled the COVID-19 pandemic relatively well compared to some other countries in the region. The government implemented strict restrictions and lockdown measures early on, which helped to curb the spread of the virus. As of August 2021, the country has reported over 350,000 cases and approximately 5,000 deaths.
Common Health Risks
Common health risks in Azerbaijan include food and water-borne illnesses such as hepatitis A and typhoid fever. Malaria is also present in some rural areas during the summer months. Visitors are advised to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and to take prophylaxis medication if traveling to these areas. Travelers should also be aware of the high levels of air pollution in Baku, the capital city, which can exacerbate respiratory issues.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
In Azerbaijan, the legal age for alcohol consumption is 18 years old. However, there are restrictions on alcohol sales, with sales being prohibited between the hours of 10pm and 8am. Additionally, public intoxication is prohibited and can lead to fines or imprisonment.
Recreational Drugs
Drug use is illegal in Azerbaijan, including for soft drugs such as cannabis and party drugs. Penalties for drug use and possession can lead to heavy fines and imprisonment.
Pre-Marital Relationships
In Azerbaijan, pre-marital relationships are not illegal, but there is societal pressure to conform to traditional family values. Adultery is considered a criminal offense punishable by prison time.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Homosexuality is not illegal in Azerbaijan, but LGBTQ individuals often face discrimination and harassment. Same-sex marriage and unions are not legally recognized in the country.
Firearms / Guns
The use of firearms in Azerbaijan is heavily regulated and requires a license. Possession of firearms without a license can result in imprisonment, and the use of firearms in public places is strictly prohibited.