Azerbaijan, the Land of Fire, offers a fascinating mix of ancient Silk Road heritage, modern architecture, and dramatic Caspian Sea landscapes. Whether you’re wandering the Old City of Baku, visiting the mud volcanoes of Gobustan, or exploring the Caucasus Mountains, knowing how to access cash is essential. While cards are widely accepted in Baku and other urban centers, cash is still preferred in rural areas, markets, and small vendors. This guide provides key information on cash and ATMs in Azerbaijan, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free trip.
Where to find ATMs in Azerbaijan?
ATMs are widely available in major cities like Baku, Ganja, and Sumqayit. In Baku, ATMs are concentrated in districts such as Nasimi, Yasamal, and along Nizami Street. They are commonly located at bank branches, metro stations, major shopping centers like Ganjlik Mall, and government buildings. Banks like Kapital Bank, International Bank of Azerbaijan (IBA), and Pasha Bank operate extensive ATM networks. Most machines support Visa and Mastercard, and some offer USD or EUR withdrawals in addition to Azerbaijani manat.
Tourist Spots:
ATMs are available near major tourist attractions such as the Flame Towers, Icherisheher (Old City), and the Baku Boulevard promenade. Tourist hubs in Sheki and Gabala also have limited ATM access, generally in central areas or near upscale hotels. However, outside of Baku, English-language ATM interfaces may not be common.
Rural Areas:
In rural villages and remote mountainous regions – such as Lahij or Khinalug – ATM access is minimal or nonexistent. Visitors should withdraw sufficient cash in Baku or larger towns before traveling into the countryside, as smaller shops and guesthouses typically operate on a cash-only basis.
Best ATMs to use in Azerbaijan for foreigners
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.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Azerbaijan, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in AZN).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in AZN’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Azerbaijan?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Azerbaijan. 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.
What are the ATM opening hours?
Most ATMs in Azerbaijan operate 24/7, particularly in cities like Baku and Ganja. However, in smaller towns or remote areas, some machines may follow bank hours or be temporarily offline.
What are ATMs called in Azerbaijan?
ATMs are commonly referred to as “Bankomat” in Azerbaijan. Signage typically shows the word Bankomat or ATM, though some machines are branded only with the bank’s name, especially at metro stations or small shops.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs in Azerbaijan usually offer Azerbaijani, Russian, and English.
You can use Google Translate App’s camera function to translate the ATM screen if you don’t understand these languages, but be cautious as the translations may not be entirely accurate.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Azerbaijan?
ATMs in Azerbaijan only dispense Azerbaijani manat (AZN). A handful of banks at some of their ATMs allow withdrawing USD and EUR, however, this is not very common.
ATM withdrawal limits in Azerbaijan?
Majority of the ATMs in Azerbaijan typically have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of AZN 500 (Azerbaijani Manat). One ATM offers a transaction limit of up to AZN 1,000. There are usually no daily withdrawal limits or limits on number of transactions per day.
ATM Fees in Azerbaijan
There are many fee-free ATMs in Azerbaijan. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Azerbaijan do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. One ATM charges 1% of the transaction amount as ATM Fee.Please note – you will also find many non-bank independent ATM operators, these do tend to charge high ATM Fees and currency conversion charges for withdrawal with foreign cards. So be sure to find and use the fee-free Bank ATMs only.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Azerbaijan. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Azerbaijan
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Azerbaijan?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Azerbaijan. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Azerbaijan. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
Azerbaijan is generally considered safe for travelers, especially in major cities like Baku, where ATMs are widely available. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing and occasional ATM scams have been reported, particularly in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. It’s advisable to use ATMs located inside bank branches, shopping centers, or well-lit, busy areas to reduce risk. Be cautious of any unusual devices attached to the machine that could indicate skimming, and avoid accepting help from strangers. As always, monitor your bank statements regularly to catch any unauthorized activity.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Azerbaijan takes you card, you can contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may be able to retreive the card for you if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but typically they only retreive and resend new cards for their own customers. In such cases, you will need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a card to you at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Azerbaijan?
Yes, its possible. There are many fee-free ATMs in Azerbaijan. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Azerbaijan do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. One ATM charges 1% of the transaction amount as ATM Fee.Please note – you will also find many non-bank independent ATM operators, these do tend to charge high ATM Fees and currency conversion charges for withdrawal with foreign cards. So be sure to find and use the fee-free Bank ATMs only.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Azerbaijan?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Azerbaijan and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There is at least one Bitcoin ATM listed in Binaqadi (Baku district). Details suggest that providers like Coinhub are expanding in the region. Availability appears limited, and there is no thorough local directory confirming full 24/7 operations – so use coin ATM locator tools for the latest status.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Azerbaijan
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not have ATMs in Azerbaijan.
- Barclays: No, Barclays does not operate ATMs here.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate retail ATMs for individual customers.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not operate ATMs in Azerbaijan.
