Azerbaijan Traveler Essentials

Capital
Baku
Currency
Azerbaijani Manat (AZN ₼)
Best time to visit
April–June and September–October bring comfortable weather for both the coast and the mountains.

Visa requirements

Most visitors need a visa, easily obtained through the ASAN e-visa system before travel; some nationalities are visa-exempt.

Getting around

Intercity buses and trains link major towns, while Baku offers a clean metro, buses, and inexpensive ride-hailing apps like Bolt.

Safety

Azerbaijan is largely safe with low street crime, but avoid the closed Nagorno-Karabakh region and the militarized Armenian border. Police presence is heavy and generally non-threatening to tourists.

Tipping customs

A 10% tip is customary in restaurants, sometimes added as a service charge on the bill.

Travel tips

Cards are widely accepted in Baku but carry manat in the regions. Buy a local SIM at the airport for cheap data. Dress is relaxed in Baku but modest in rural and religious sites.

Practical guides