Money, cards and ATMs in Azerbaijan

The manat

• The Azerbaijani manat (AZN) is pegged to the US dollar and has been stable for years.
• Azerbaijan is inexpensive by European standards - Baku is the priciest part and still good value.
• Exchange offices are plentiful and give better rates than the airport.

Cards, carefully

• Cards work well in Baku - restaurants, shops, hotels - and contactless is normal.
• The FCDO warns specifically about card fraud, advising caution at cash machines and with card details. That is an unusual thing for it to single out and worth acting on.
• Use machines inside bank branches during opening hours, cover the keypad, and check your statement before you fly home rather than after.
• Cash outside Baku, particularly in the north and in the villages.

Medical costs

• Facilities outside Baku are severely limited and a serious problem may mean evacuation to Turkey or western Europe. That is what your insurance is for, and it is expensive without.

Tipping

• 10% is normal in restaurants and often added as a service charge in Baku.
• Drivers and guides get a modest tip.

Small things

• The manat symbol is a stylised ₼ and prices are usually written with it.
• Keep small notes for buses outside Baku, where the card system does not reach.