Azerbaijan’s unique mix of ancient Silk Road history and futuristic architecture makes it an exciting destination – but managing money in Azerbaijan and understanding how currency works is essential for a smooth trip. Whether you’re exploring the old city of Baku, enjoying a Caspian Sea escape, or shopping in local markets, knowing how to pay is key. This guide covers what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Azerbaijan (Azerbaijani Manat – AZN), cash safety tips, and important dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll avoid hidden fees and travel confidently through this cultural crossroads.
How to pay in Azerbaijan – cash or card?
In Azerbaijan, both cash and card payments are common in cities like Baku and Ganja. Card acceptance is strong in urban and tourist areas, but cash is still essential in rural regions and for smaller transactions. Digital payment options, including transit cards and mobile apps, are also becoming more common.
You can use cash for:
- Public Transportation: Taxis, marshrutkas (minibuses), and rural transport often require cash.
- Street Vendors and Markets: Open-air bazaars, food stalls, and local shops are cash-based.
- Small Businesses: Family-run cafés and shops may not take cards, especially outside big cities.
- Hostels and Guesthouses: Many budget stays, especially outside Baku, prefer cash payments.
- Tips and Gratuities: Cash tips are common for drivers, hotel staff, and guides.
- Rural Areas: In villages and less urbanized regions, card use is rare.
You can use card for:
- Hotels: Mid-range and upscale hotels in major cities accept Visa and Mastercard.
- Restaurants and Cafés: Many in Baku and other large cities take cards.
- Retail Stores: Shopping malls, branded stores, and supermarkets in cities are card-friendly.
- Car Rentals and Travel Agencies: Established companies accept cards.
- Online Bookings: Flights, hotels, and tours can usually be reserved and paid for by card.
- Baku Public Transit: Metro and city buses use the BakıKART system, which can be topped up by card.
What’s the best currency to take to Azerbaijan?
The Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) is the best currency to take if you’re traveling to Azerbaijan. Paying or withdrawing in Manat will get you the most favorable rates and help you avoid currency conversion losses.
While some hotels or tour agencies might quote prices in USD or EUR, you’ll almost always get a worse deal if you don’t pay in AZN.
Where to get currency in Azerbaijan?
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Azerbaijan. They are:
- ATMs, or
- Currency exchange, or
- Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Azerbaijan
Visa and Mastercard transactions are commonly accepted for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Azerbaijan
If you’re withdrawing money in Azerbaijan from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept Visa and Mastercards. Some of them also accept Plus and Cirrus cards. A handful of them also accept others like others like CUP, JCB, Maestro, American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Azerbaijan?
Bringing a small amount of Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) before traveling can be useful for immediate needs like taxis, tips, or refreshments. However, AZN is rarely available outside the region, and foreign exchange rates are often unfavorable.
A more convenient option is to withdraw AZN from ATMs once you arrive. ATMs are widely available in Baku and major cities, including at the airport.
If you need to exchange cash, do it at licensed exchange bureaus or local banks, which offer better rates than hotels or the airport. USD, EUR, and GBP are the most commonly accepted foreign currencies for exchange.
Where to withdraw money in Azerbaijan
You can withdraw money in Azerbaijan at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Azerbaijan are those owned by popular banks such as:
- ABB,
- Kapital Bank,
- Pasha Bank,
- Access Bank,
- VTB,
- ASB, and
- Express Bank.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in Azerbaijan.
Where to exchange currency in Azerbaijan
You can exchange currency in Azerbaijan at licensed currency exchange offices and banks branches.
In Azerbaijan, currency exchange is widely available through both licensed exchange offices and banks, especially in major cities like Baku.
Currency Exchange Offices: Licensed currency exchange offices operate in shopping centers, near metro stations, along Nizami Street in Baku, and close to tourist areas. These offer competitive rates and may operate with longer hours than banks, especially in high-footfall areas. Always ensure you’re exchanging at officially licensed locations – unofficial street exchanges are illegal.
Notable Exchange Locations are:
- Heydar Aliyev International Airport (arrivals and departures halls)
- Baku city center (especially near Fountain Square and Nizami metro)
Notable Banks Offering Currency Exchange are:
International Bank of Azerbaijan
Kapital Bank
Pasha Bank
Banks are open Monday to Friday, typically from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Weekends may have reduced hours or be closed.
Tip: USD and EUR are the easiest currencies to exchange. GBP is accepted in fewer locations.
You can find good currency exchanges in Azerbaijan using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 160+ countries, including Azerbaijan. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: They have the highest fees and poorest exchange rates. Wait to get to the city to exchange cash.
Is carrying cash in Azerbaijan safe?
Carrying cash in Azerbaijan is generally safe, especially in major cities like Baku where the crime rate is relatively low. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can still occur in crowded areas and tourist zones, so it’s best to carry only what you need for the day.
To safely carry cash in Azerbaijan:
- Split your cash between different places – wallet, money belt, and bag.
- Use a secure front-pocket wallet or crossbody bag with zippers.
- Avoid flashing large amounts of money in markets or while paying for transport.
- Stay discreet when handling cash in areas like the Baku Boulevard or Icherisheher (Old City).
- Withdraw money from ATMs located inside banks or shopping centers.
- Use cards where accepted – most hotels and restaurants in cities take major credit cards.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Azerbaijan
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
