AustralianEmbassy inTurkey
Australia does not have government representation in Azerbaijan, all consular assistance is provided by the Embassy inTurkey
MNG Building, 7th Floor
88 Uĝur Mumcu Caddesi
Gaziosmanpaşa, Ankara,Turkey
Tel +90 (312) 459 9500
Fax +90 (312) 446 4827
www.turkey.embassy.gov.au
Smartraveller
The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade website has advice for travellers.
www.smartraveller.gov.au
Time Zones
Azerbaijan is on Greenwich Mean Time +4 time making them 6 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time. Azerbaijan does not operate daylight savings.To obtain the current local time and date in cities and countries in all time zones.
www.worldtimeserver.com
Voltages and Plugs
Azerbaijan use 220-240 volts. Plugs are of the two-round-pronged European type.
www.korjo.com/Adaptor-Guide
Currency
To obtain the most up-to-date exchange rate you may wish to visit
www.xe.com/currencyconverter
The Azerbaijan official currency is the Azeri New Manat (AZN). The Manat is divided into 100 gopik.
Manatnotes come in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1
Gopik coins come in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1
Credit Cards and ATM machines
ATMs are the easiest way to access your money, when available. They are becoming common, however should only be relied on in Baku, virtually all accept Visa and Master Card, other cards may not be accepted at all machines. ATMs sometimes run dry on weekends. Do not expect to find them in small towns, villagesand rural areas.
Please note that using a credit card in foreign countries usually requires a new “chip-and-pin” credit card with an embedded microchip and an associated PIN number (the PIN is specific to each credit card). If you have questions about using your credit card in a foreign country, please contact your bank prior to departure from Australia.Check with your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Cash
Foreign currency is not accepted. Azerbaijan remains mostly a cash-based society. Currency can be exchanged at banks and larger hotels (Euro and US). Do not change money in the street, it is not safe.
The import and export of local currency for non-residents is prohibited.
Travelers Cheques are NO longer accepted.
Telephone & Communication
Mobile telephones
Most mobile telephones work in Azerbaijan and coverage is good in most areas. Check with your local provider that your phone can switch on ‘Global Roaming’ and that your provider has coverage in the places you are visiting. Mobile phones can be very useful for SMSing (especially if you get lost!). International calls are often expensive, as is checking your message bank as calls have to be routed through Australia.
Should you choose to purchase a local sim card please check with your local provider prior to departure to make sure your phone is unlocked and will accept another sim card.
Internet
Internet access is widespread and available throughout large cities and resort areas ofAzerbaijan. Many hotels and cafes offer access, some you need to pay while others have free Wi-fi zones.
If you have Web access while traveling, you might consider a broadband-based telephone service (in technical terms, Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP) such as Skypeor Vonage, which allows you to make free international calls between online computers and phones, and cheap international calls if you’re calling a normal phone number. Most cybercafes throughout the country will be using these programs already, complete with headset, microphone, and webcam.
www.skype.com www.vonage.com
Business Hours inAzerbaijan
Offices 09.00 – 17.00 Monday to Friday.
Banks 09.30 – 17.30 Monday to Friday.
Shops 09.00 – 20.00 7 days a week in larger cities.Opening hours will vary in smaller towns.
Personal Safety
- We recommend you drink only bottled water. Tap water is not recommended.
- We strongly recommend the use of a money belt to keep your cash, cards and travel documents safe. This should be kept under your clothes at all times. This is a precaution that should be taken anywhere due to the difficulties that can be experienced in trying to replace stolen items.
- Take photocopies of all important documents (passport, credit cards, airline tickets, insurance) and keep one copy securely in your luggage and leave another copy at home.
- It is generally helpful to take a business card from the hotel you are staying at. This can assist hugely if you get lost. If you also have a key card for your hotel, make sure you keep these two cards separate or you run the risk of allowing a thief access to your room
- Take extra care in crowded places and try not to ‘advertise’ the fact that you may be carrying valuables by having something like an expensive camera over your shoulder. Put it in your bag or under your coat. And men, try to avoid keeping your wallet in your hip pocket.
What to Pack
Clothing (general)
The time of the year you visit this destination will dictate the type of clothing it is appropriate to bring. It would always be advisable to take a rain coat or a water proof windbreaker. For daytime activities, we suggest a wardrobe that is versatile, casual and comfortable. It is recommended that “layered” clothing might offer the best comfort in a variety of conditions. Alwaysexpect the weather to be changeable.
Beyond the normal wardrobe we suggest
- Day pack- The site visits often involve walking on cobbled streets and uneven ground, up numeroussteps and may be of reasonable duration. You will want to have your hands free to hold rails orsteady yourself as applicable and we recommend you carry a day pack for your ancillary items:camera, torch, waterproof, sunhat, sun cream, bottled water (provided), sunglasses etc
- comfortable walking shoes are very important (Hiking boots not required), sandals or open shoes are only suitable for evening
- sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat
- alarm clock or phone alarm
- travel torch – this is essential! In order to fully appreciate the frescoes and artwork you need atorch as the majority of monasteries are lit by candle only, the cave monasteries are dark andlighting in museums is often poor
- folding umbrella and/orwaterproof, windproof jacket
- fleece or pullover: It can be cold in the mornings / evenings and you do travel to medium altitude where the temperatures can vary considerably
- toilet paper, wetwipes and hand sanitiser (see note below – Toilets)
- camera: Please take all necessary equipment/spares with you as there are limited optionsto purchase additional supplies while on tour
- ladies should have a scarf with them at all times in case it is required to cover shoulders or head when entering religious sites
- extra prescription eyeglasses (if required)
Toilets: Once you have left your hotel, the toilets will be a mixture of Squat & European, with very little or no toilet paper supplied. There is also no soap provided.
Travelling with Medication
- Talk to your doctor or a travel medicine specialist and discuss both the prescription and over the counter medicines that you will need to take with you; take only those for personal use.
- Contact the embassy of the country you are visiting to ensure the medicine is legal there.
- Carry a letter from your doctorwith your prescription medicines. The letter should include the name of the medicine, how much you are taking or sending, and state that the medicine is for your personal use.
- All medicines should be kept in their original container displaying your name and dosage requirements, and carried in hand luggage to prevent their loss.
Because a prescription from your doctor here cannot be filled overseas, and familiar over the counter medicines may not be available in foreign countries, it is also important to carry an adequate supply for the entire trip plus some extra in case of travel disruption or delay.Some medications, such as those containing Codeine 30mg or strong painkillers, even when obtained on a legal prescription in Australia, should not be transported across international boundaries unless they are accompanied by a customs clearance from the country concerned. You must apply to the appropriate Consulate or Embassy for this.
Etiquette
- No attempt should be made to photograph anything remotely connected with the armed forces or in the vicinity of defence installations. Many people do not like being photographed. Always ask before photographing someone, they may try to obtain money from you.
- Handshaking is the normal form of greeting between men.
- As this is a Muslim country, foreign women should dress modestly, especially in the rural areas, and cultivate a certain coolness of manner. Womencan dress in normal western-style modest clothing, although female visitors should avoid wearing short skirts (they must be below the knee) and shorts.
- You must carry a scarf with you at all times – preferably cotton for comfort in the heat and not silk as they tend to slip off. You will find it easiest to start the day with the scarf around your neck ready to lift up and down as required as there are often a number of visits to religious buildings each day. A scarf a metre or so in length will be the easiest to manage.
- Due to the nature of the terrain covered on this tour you will find it most comfortable to weartrousers during the day. This also applies to managing toilet facilities where squat toilets arecommon.
- Men should wear long trousers only.
Tipping is expected in restaurants, coffee shops, taxi’s etc – the expected amount is 10%
Clothing (Churches, Mosques and Monasteries)
Although ‘foreigners’ do not have to adhere to a strict dress rules, women should wear a head & shoulder covering (ie a scarf) at all religious sites.T shirts are permitted apparel however theymust cover your shoulders (No singlet type T shirts).Men cannot wear shorts and must remember to remove their hats in religious buildings. In churches it is polite to stand around the edges of the building, rather than in the centre. It is acceptable for foreigners to light candles.
Useful websites
Azerbaijani Tourism
azerbaijan.tourism.az
Baku Tourism Information
www.baku.azerbaijan.travel
Climate
We suggest that prior to departure you check the weather forecast for the most up-to-date information.
www.worldweatheronline.comorwww.weather-finder.com
The climate in Armenia differs according to region.
Average minimum/maximum Temperatures (˚C)
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Baku | 3/6 | 3/6 | 5/9 | 9/14 | 12/16 | 17/18 | 22/26 | 20/26 | 20/26 | 12/17 | 9/12 | 5/8 |
FAQs
Is it worth traveling to Azerbaijan? ›
Azerbaijan, the Land of Fire, combines the historical, mysterious and exotic with hospitable locals who can never do enough to help a tourist. The government recently made it easier to visit Azerbaijan by introducing an eVisa and after oil prices fell, the country suddenly became a very affordable destination.
Do they speak English in Azerbaijan? ›Present. According to the 2009 census of the country, Azerbaijani is spoken as a native language by 92.5% of the population, whereas Russian and English play significant roles as languages of education and communication. More than half of Azerbaijani speakers are monolingual.
Is Azerbaijan tourist friendly? ›Reconsider travel to Azerbaijan due to COVID-19-related restrictions and terrorism concerns. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
What is Azerbaijan most famous for? ›Azerbaijan, the land of fire!
One of Azerbaijan's most famous sites is Yanar Dağ (or “Burning Mountain“), a natural glowing fire burning on a hillside along the Caspian Sea. True to its name, the mountain has been blazing for at least 65 years!
Azerbaijan is really cheap. In fact, leaving the fancy Baku aside, this is one of the cheapest countries I have ever been to.
What is the best month to visit Azerbaijan? ›- April – June. From April to June, the lowlands of Azerbaijan are green and flowers in complete bloom. ...
- July. If you are interested to visit the mountains then July is the perfect time of the year. ...
- October. To visit Azerbaijan, summers should be avoided as it gets extremely hot and humid.
Crime levels in Baku are generally low, but muggings do occur from time to time after dark in the centre of town around the western bars and clubs and near dimly lit entrances of private apartments. Take sensible precautions: be vigilant, avoid carrying large sums of money and don't walk alone at night.
Can I drink alcohol in Azerbaijan? ›In Baku (capital city) it is allowed in most places, except places of religious purposes, such as mosques. In fact you can buy alcoholic drinks nearly in all supermarkets and order such drinks in most restaurants and in all pubs/clubs.
Can I wear shorts in Azerbaijan? ›In Baku local and foreign women usually dress in western-style clothing. It is now more acceptable for men in Baku to wear shorts in the summer months but outside of Baku it can be frowned upon and attract unwelcome attention.
Can u drink tap water in Azerbaijan? ›Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Azerbaijan. We recommend you to drink bottled water and water from coolers.
Is it cheap to visit Azerbaijan? ›
Shoestring travellers could easily survive on less than $30 per day in Baku, excluding the cost of flights and visa. Those looking for a mid-range experience might spend between $60 and $100 daily including tours.
Is Azerbaijan beautiful? ›Azerbaijan is indeed a beautiful country with several natural and man-made attractions, but it is also home to a very warm and welcoming local culture, a former Soviet republic that blends Russian and Muslim traditions.
How many days do you need in Azerbaijan? ›You can get away with 3 days if you're in a rush, you would be able to visit Baku, and the Gobustan Natinal park (the UNESCO world heritage site home to the mud volcanoes). You could also spend 2 weeks and see the whole country! Personally, though, I think 5 nights is the perfect amount of time to spend in Azerbaijan.
Is Azerbaijan a free country? ›Azerbaijan is ranked 'Not Free' by Freedom House in its annual Freedom of the Press survey with a score of 79 out of 100.
What should I wear in Baku? ›Women can dress in normal western-style modest clothing, although female visitors should avoid wearing short skirts (they must be below the knee) and shorts. You must carry a scarf with you at all times – preferably cotton for comfort in the heat and not silk as they tend to slip off.
How much is a meal in Azerbaijan? ›| Restaurants | Edit |
|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 8.00man |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 40.00man |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 9.50man |
| Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) | 2.00man |
The climate of Azerbaijan can be described as continental influenced climate with warm summer and very cold, dry winters. It can be divided in three different climate zones; one north of the mountainous regions, one south of them, and along the coast of the Caspian sea.
What is the coldest place in Azerbaijan? ›The coldest is Talysh. Due to the warmer temperatures the best time for traveling is from June to September. Less attractive are the cold months from November to March.
Does Azerbaijan get snow? ›February. Winters in Azerbaijan tend to be relatively mild along the Caspian Sea and cold in the interior. Snowfall is frequent in some parts of the country towards the Caucasus Mountains. If the weather feels dreary, head to one of Azerbaijan's skiing resorts at either Shahdag or Tufandag.
Is Azerbaijan in NATO? ›As with other post-soviet states, Azerbaijan joined the NATO-run North Atlantic Cooperation Council in 1992 and signed the Partnership for Peace (PfP) Framework Document to develop security and defense cooperation with NATO on May 4, 1994.
Is Azerbaijan safe from Russia? ›
Relations between the two countries remain friendly and close but there are numerous disagreements such as in the first Nagorno-Karabakh War, the South Ossetian-Abkhazian conflict, and the legal status of the Caspian Sea.
How much is Azerbaijan visa fee? ›The fee for e-Visa is 20 US Dollars. This fee is charged for reviewing a visa application and is non-refundable under any circumstances. An amount of 5 (five) US dollars is charged as a service fee for processing an electronic visa application.
Does Azerbaijan eat pork? ›Religion dictates that most Azerbaijanis don't eat pork; many popular dishes are based around mutton, poultry and beef. Fish is also widely eaten. Azerbaijani cooking is noticeable for the variety and amounts of vegetables used; salads of thinly-sliced vegetables are routinely served as side dishes.
Is Azerbaijan food spicy? ›Another feature of Azerbaijani cooking is the spicy taste and unique aroma that give the dishes various spices and greens: bitter and allspice, basil, cinnamon, cloves, dill, parsley, cilantro, mint, cumin and many others. Sumac is usually served with various meat dishes.
Do Muslims in Azerbaijan drink alcohol? ›A relatively small number of followers of Salafism, an ardently conservative movement within Sunni Islam, are found in Azerbaijan. For Salafis, such practices as the avoidance of alcohol and modest forms of attire are a must. “Being secular means one wants to enjoy the pleasures of the world.
Is Baku good for shopping? ›Baku has the perfect combination of international shops, fashion boutiques and traditional stores and bazaars. Find whatever you need in this lovely city.
Do they speak Russian in Azerbaijan? ›Russian is the first language of more than 150,000 people in Azerbaijan, predominantly ethnic Russians, as well as of Russified Azeris, Ukrainians, Jews, and other minorities. In 1994, 38% of Azerbaijanis spoke Russian fluently as a second language.
Are there wolves in Azerbaijan? ›Quantity: In 2001, the number of wolves in Azerbaijan was about 988 individuals. In 2010, 5,109 people were registered. According to the results of last year, about 150,055 wolves live in Azerbaijan.
Is Baku dry? ›In Baku, the summers are hot, humid, arid, and clear; the winters are long, very cold, dry, and partly cloudy; and it is windy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 36°F to 89°F and is rarely below 29°F or above 97°F.
Is Baku cheap city? ›Nowadays, Baku is one of the cheapest cities in terms of accommodation.
How long can you stay in Azerbaijan? ›
How long can I stay in Azerbaijan with an e-Visa? The electronic visa is valid for 90 days from the date of arrival indicated. If the traveler does not enter Azerbaijan within 3 months, the permit becomes void. After crossing the border, visitors can stay in Azerbaijan for up to 30 days with the e-Visa.
Is Baku a cheap country? ›Azerbaijan is really cheap. In fact, leaving the fancy Baku aside, this is one of the cheapest countries you have ever been to.
Is Baku better or Georgia? ›Overall, Georgia is the better country to visit. Azerbaijan is great. The country is interesting and provides travelers with a stark contrast of dusty and old vs. shiny and modern, but Georgia has strong advantages in cuisine, widespread attractions, and affordability.
Is Baku cheaper than Tbilisi? ›Cost of living in Tbilisi (Georgia) is 31% more expensive than in Baku (Azerbaijan)
Why is Baku famous? ›Baku is famous for its controversial building craze, oil and gas boom, and now Eurovision 2012. But could there be more to this swanky yet ancient city? Priding itself on its strong culture of hospitality, Baku comes into its own as a glamorous host of international events.
What do they drink in Azerbaijan? ›In Azerbaijan, people drink tea from the special glass called “armudu” (literally pear-like glass) and is associated with the figure of a hostess in Azerbaijani culture. Tea is served with various delicious sweets, fruit jam and sliced lemon.
What is the cost of living in Azerbaijan? ›The average cost of living in Azerbaijan is 745AZN ($440) excluding rent. Rent is usually counted as a separate cost. Azerbaijan is certainly more affordable than many other study abroad destinations, but it's not as inexpensive as its neighbor Georgia.
What is Azerbaijan religion? ›According to 2011 data from the State Committee on Religious Associations in Azerbaijan (SCWRA) (the most recent available), 96 percent of the population is Muslim, of which approximately 65 percent is Shia and 35 percent Sunni.
Is Azerbaijan a beautiful country? ›Azerbaijan is indeed a beautiful country with several natural and man-made attractions, but it is also home to a very warm and welcoming local culture, a former Soviet republic that blends Russian and Muslim traditions.
Does Azerbaijan drink alcohol? ›87 percent of the Azerbaijani drinkers prefer beer, with average consumption being 7 liters per year. Wine is the second most popular alcoholic drink in Azerbaijan, which is preferred by 12 percent of the drinkers. Vodka and other types of hard liquor are preferred by only 1 percent.
Can u drink tap water in Azerbaijan? ›
Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Azerbaijan. We recommend you to drink bottled water and water from coolers.
Can you wear shorts in Azerbaijan? ›In Baku local and foreign women usually dress in western-style clothing. It is now more acceptable for men in Baku to wear shorts in the summer months but outside of Baku it can be frowned upon and attract unwelcome attention.