Baku for Travellers: 12 Practical Tips

Baku is a friendly, safe city, but a few tips will help you feel at home from day one.

Before you go

1. Visa. Many visitors need an ASAN e-visa, issued online. Check the rules for your country.
2. Currency — the Azerbaijani manat (AZN). Cards are accepted almost everywhere in the centre, but carry some cash for markets and taxis.
3. Insurance — get travel health insurance for your whole trip.

On arrival

4. SIM card — sold at the airport and phone shops with your passport; mobile data is cheap.
5. Taxis — use ride-hailing apps so the price is fixed upfront.
6. Metro — fast and cheap; pay with a BakıKART.
7. From the airport — a private transfer or the airport express bus is easiest.

Culture and etiquette

8. Dress — casual in the city, but cover shoulders and knees in mosques; women need a headscarf.
9. Tipping — 5–10% if no service charge is included.
10. Photos — ask before photographing people.

Useful to know

11. Weather — hot summers, comfortable spring and autumn, windy winters by the sea.
12. Water — drink bottled water.

Want a guide for your first day? Start with our Baku city tour.