Currency & Payment

Azerbaijan uses the Azerbaijani manat (AZN, ₼), divided into 100 gapik. Cash is still widely used, especially outside the capital, but cards and mobile payment are common in Baku. Carry some manat for local markets, taxis and smaller towns.

Exchange bureaus and banks are plentiful in Baku, and US dollars and euros are the easiest currencies to change into manat. Rates are usually fair; compare a couple of bureaus and count your money before leaving the counter. Outside Baku, options are fewer, so change enough in the capital.

In Baku, hotels, restaurants and larger shops widely accept cards, with Visa and Mastercard the main networks. Outside the capital, acceptance drops and many places are cash-only. Carry a card for cities but keep enough cash for smaller towns, markets and taxis.

ATMs are plentiful in Baku, run by banks such as Kapital Bank, PASHA Bank and ABB (International Bank of Azerbaijan). They usually dispense manat and accept Visa and Mastercard. Watch for foreign-card fees and always decline home-currency conversion (DCC) for a better rate. Withdraw enough before heading to rural areas.

Local wallets such as m10 and Bakcell services are popular among residents but usually need a local account, so visitors rarely use them. For tourists, contactless cards plus Apple Pay and Google Pay work well in Baku wherever cards are accepted. Keep cash for places without card facilities.

Tipping is appreciated but optional in Azerbaijan. In restaurants, around 5-10% is common if service is good, and some places add a service charge, so check the bill first. Rounding up for taxis and small tips for hotel staff are welcome but not required.

Azerbaijan is generally cheaper than Western Europe, though Baku is pricier and rising, especially in tourist areas. You can save with local eateries, bazaars, shared minibuses and tea houses. Regions and small towns are noticeably more affordable than the capital.

Azerbaijan operates a VAT refund (Tax Free) scheme for non-resident visitors on eligible purchases above a minimum amount. Ask the shop for a tax-free receipt when you buy, then claim the refund at the airport when you leave. Conditions and minimum spend apply, so keep receipts and the goods available for inspection.