No issues elsewhere, but in Azerbaijan, both ATMs and stores keep rejecting my card. Anyone know if this is common? Any banks that actually work?
I had trouble using my US credit union Visa, but my Amex was rejected everywhere too. Once I reached out for a Wise Visa, it had zero issues at Rabitabank, Kapital Bank, and metro kiosks. For Azerbaijan travel, use Visa or Mastercard issued by major global banks, ideally fintech cards that bypass network restrictions.
My HSBC debit card was declined at ATMs and boutiques in Baku. I switched to a Citi Mastercard and it worked across bank ATMs and shops. Foreign debit/credit card acceptance in Azerbaijan varies, but bank-front ATMs and city-center retailers tend to support Visa/Mastercard better - especially the latter with contactless terminals.
I noticed that many ATMs reject Amex and sometimes vintage Visa-non-chip cards. My Chase Sapphire Reserve Visa worked everywhere - from ATM to restaurant terminals, especially in Baku’s downtown. Reliable banks in Azerbaijan include AccessBank, Rabitabank, Pasha Bank, and Kapital Bank. For backups, bring a chip-enabled Visa or Mastercard from a major institution.
My Visa from a U.S. credit union was consistently rejected at ATMs in Baku. I switched to my Revolut Mastercard, which worked flawlessly at Rabitabank, Pasha Bank, and AccessBank ATMs. Certain foreign cards - like Revolut, Wise, and Chase - are more accepted in Azerbaijan. For shops and online spots, Visa/Mastercard are reliable; American Express often gets blocked.