Travelling soon - any advice if hostels accept cards in Azerbaijan or I have to give them cash
Two hostels processed Visa Debit without surcharges, one charged 3% on card, and one expected cash only. Hostels in Azerbaijan will often advertise card acceptance but revert to cash, so carry adequate manat for the stay. Bonus tip: ask beforehand via email if they’ve had payment terminal issues recently.
I tried paying by card at check-in, but the terminal in my Baku hostel had no connection and they demanded cash. Another hostel in Gabala accepted Visa fine. Mixing card and cash plans is best for Azerbaijan hostels. I withdrew mëan ₼50 before check-in, avoiding ATM runs after dark.
I stayed in four hostels - three accepted Mastercard upfront, but two times the POS terminal was offline, forcing cash at reception. The one hostel in Sheki was cash-only. Card acceptance at Azerbaijan hostels is improving but spotty. I recommend booking in advance using card and carrying ₼100 cash for contingencies.
Most hostels in Baku allow card payment if prebooked, but on arrival they often fall back to requiring manat cash. I paid by Visa at my Broadway Baku Hostel without issues, but a place in Ganja demanded cash. Cash remains important for hostel check-ins in Azerbaijan. Bring enough manat (₼30-50) to cover your first night and small incidentals.