Use ride-hailing apps (Bolt/Uber) not street taxis
Install Bolt and/or Uber (Uber Azerbaijan) and add your card to pay in-app. App rides are cheap and reduce overcharging; avoid hailing unmetered street taxis which commonly try to charge tourists more. Pick Business class on Bolt/Uber if you want fewer issues with navigation or comfort.
Bring cash and small bills; cards aren’t everywhere
Have some manat (small denominations like 1–5 AZN) for bazaars, street food, kiosks and rural spots. Big hotels, malls and restaurants accept cards, but many small vendors or remote areas require cash. Exchange downtown for better rates than the airport.
Get local mobile data (SIM or eSIM)
Buy an Azercell (or other local) SIM in the city rather than the airport for better value, or use an eSIM provider (Airalo) if your phone supports it. Mobile data makes Bolt/Uber, maps and translation reliable while you travel.
Plan heat-sensitive sightseeing and dress modestly outside big tourist areas
Avoid strenuous outdoor touring during peak sun (roughly 12:00–15:00) in summer — rest, use museums or malls during midday, then sightsee in mornings/evenings. In villages and religious sites dress more conservatively (cover shoulders/knees). Baku is relaxed, but rural areas are more conservative.
See beyond Baku — Sheki, Gabala, Lahij, Gobustan are highlights
Allocate at least 2–3 days outside Baku. Recommended day trips/overnights: Sheki (Khan Palace), Gabala (mountain resort/Tufandag, Nohur Lake), Lahij (copper crafts), Gobustan (petroglyphs, mud volcanoes), Yanardag/Ateshgah. Use guided day tours or rent a car for rural areas.
Try local foods and where to look for them
Must-tries: shah plov, lula kebab, levengi, dolma (Three Sisters), piti (Sheki), qutab and tandir bread. Eat at well-reviewed local restaurants or family invitations; avoid touristy eateries in Old City for better value and authenticity. Xirdalan is a popular local beer.
Respect etiquette and safety basics
Learn a few Azeri phrases (salam, çox sağ ol), remove shoes when invited indoors, accept tea politely, and ask before photographing people or sensitive sites. Avoid political topics (Karabakh/Armenia). If a situation feels off (overcharge, aggressive seller), calmly ask for help or mention “polis” — police are visible and generally helpful to tourists.
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