Taking Currency Out Of Azerbaijan: What's The Limit?

The official currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN), which is recognised by the Azerbaijani government and used to settle all financial obligations in the country. While there are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Azerbaijan, there are rules around how much can be taken out of the country. Resident and non-resident individuals can take up to the equivalent of USD 10,000 in cash out of Azerbaijan by declaring it to customs authorities. For amounts between USD 10,000 and USD 50,000, customs documents and a written declaration proving the money was brought into the country in cash are required.

Declaring currency when leaving Azerbaijan

When leaving Azerbaijan, you must declare any amount of currency you are taking out of the country that exceeds 10,000 USD (or its equivalent in other currencies). This is done via an oral declaration to customs officials. If you are taking between 10,000 and 50,000 USD out of the country, you will also need to provide customs documents and a written declaration that proves you brought that amount of money into Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijani Manat is the official currency of Azerbaijan and is recognised by the Azerbaijani government as the country's legal tender. This means that you can use it to pay for all goods and services, as well as taxes and debts. However, the Manat is not widely available outside of Azerbaijan, so it may be difficult and expensive to obtain before your trip. As such, many travellers opt to bring US Dollars, Pounds Sterling, or Euros to exchange upon arrival. These currencies are easily exchanged at the airport, bureaux de change, hotels, some restaurants, and major banks.

It is important to note that many local establishments will not accept dollar bills dated before 1992 or those that are torn or disfigured. It is recommended to bring banknotes in small denominations and exchange small amounts of money as needed. Additionally, credit cards can be used in major hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants in Baku, but Azerbaijan is largely a cash-based society, so having cash is essential.

When bringing currency into Azerbaijan, there are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or Azerbaijani Manat. However, when taking currency out of the country, it is important to comply with the declaration requirements mentioned above to avoid any issues with customs officials.

Restrictions on the amount of currency that can be taken out

When it comes to taking currency out of Azerbaijan, there are a number of restrictions and regulations that you should be aware of. Here is a detailed and direct guide to help you navigate these rules:

Firstly, it's important to understand the difference between resident and non-resident individuals or entities in Azerbaijan. Resident and non-resident physical and legal persons are allowed to bring foreign currency into Azerbaijan without any restrictions, as long as they comply with the standard customs procedures. On the other hand, taking currency out of Azerbaijan has more specific rules:

• Oral Declaration: Resident and non-resident individuals can take out up to the equivalent of USD 10,000 in cash by making an oral declaration to the customs authorities. No additional documentation is required for this amount.
• Written Declaration: For amounts between USD 10,000 and USD 50,000, a written declaration and customs documents are necessary. You will need to provide proof that you brought this amount into Azerbaijan before, in the form of a written declaration to the customs authority.
• Transfer via Authorized Institutions: In cases where individuals or entities wish to take out more than USD 50,000, the only option is to use authorized banks or national postal operators to transfer the funds out of the country. Taking large amounts of cash beyond USD 50,000 out of Azerbaijan is not permitted without using these official channels.

General Recommendations:

It is always recommended to declare the amount of currency you are carrying, especially if it exceeds the equivalent of USD 10,000. This will help you avoid any potential issues with customs authorities. Additionally, when bringing currency into Azerbaijan, be mindful that there is a limit of AZN 20,000 (local currency) that can be imported or exported without declaration. For foreign currency, there are no import restrictions, but amounts exceeding USD 10,000 in cash must be declared.

Currency Exchange Tips:

When exchanging currency in Azerbaijan, it is best to avoid exchanging large amounts of money at the airport due to typically high exchange rates and commissions. Instead, opt for a forex vendor or a bank to get a more favourable rate. Additionally, US Dollars are widely accepted for currency exchange in Azerbaijan and can be easily purchased in India at competitive rates. Carrying a mix of US Dollars in cash and on a forex card is generally recommended for Indian travellers.

The best currency to carry when travelling to Azerbaijan

The local currency in Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN). It is the only officially recognised currency in the country, so you will need to use it to pay for goods and services, taxes and debts.

The best way to get Azerbaijani manats is to use a prepaid travel card, which generally incurs lower fees on currency exchange than credit cards or bank debit cards. A prepaid travel card also lets you hold multiple currencies, which is useful if you are travelling to other countries.

A good option is to use a global provider like Revolut, which offers excellent exchange rates and multi-currency balances. You can also make card payments and ATM withdrawals in 150+ currencies wherever Mastercard and Visa are accepted.

If you are travelling from the UK, you can also order a free Azerbaijan Manat card from Revolut and top it up in GBP or 36 other currencies.

You can also exchange cash for Azerbaijani manats at banks or exchange bureaus before or upon arrival in Azerbaijan. However, it is not recommended to exchange cash at the airport, as you will get a better rate in the city.

Credit and debit cards from VISA and Mastercard are also accepted in Azerbaijan, especially in touristy establishments.

Exchanging currency in Azerbaijan

The national currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani manat, denoted as AZN. The currency code for manats is AZN, and the currency symbol is ₼.

When exchanging currency in Azerbaijan, it is important to note that the Azerbaijani manat is the only currency used in the country. Therefore, you will need to exchange your money upon or before arrival, either at the airport, train station, or in exchange offices and banks. Most exchange offices accept Euros, British Pounds, Turkish Lira, and Russian Rubles.

You can use ATMs throughout Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to withdraw manats. Most ATMs accept Visa, Visa Electron, Mastercard, and Maestro cards. It is important to remember that your bank may charge a percentage fee for using your card abroad.

If you plan to use local transportation, it is recommended to have some coins, as bus and metro services cost 20 qapiks (one Azerbaijani manat is equal to 100 qapiks).

While you can use your credit card to pay in most restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls, it is important to note that not all establishments accept cards, especially smaller ones. Therefore, it is always a good idea to carry some cash.

When exchanging currency, be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded places.

Using cards in Azerbaijan

When it comes to how much currency can be taken out of Azerbaijan, resident and non-resident physical and legal persons are entitled to take out of the country an amount of foreign currency equivalent to USD 10,000 or less in cash via an oral declaration to the customs authorities. For amounts between USD 10,000 and 50,000, a written declaration and customs documents must be submitted to the customs authority. For amounts exceeding USD 50,000, the currency can be taken out by physical and legal persons via transfer through authorised banks and national postal operators.

Cards are an increasingly popular way to pay in Azerbaijan, and cards from VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted, especially in touristy establishments. It is also possible to use mobile payment services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Alipay, although the availability of these methods may vary.

If you are a resident of Australia, you can use the Wise card for everyday spending in Azerbaijan with competitive exchange rates and low transaction fees. The card can be ordered through the Wise app, and you can pay with your preferred currency. However, the Wise card is not available for residents of Azerbaijan. For residents, Revolut may be a better option.

While your ATM card will work in Azerbaijan, cash is still the preferred payment method for many merchants. It is unlikely that you will be able to use your card in smaller stores and restaurants, so carrying cash is essential. It is recommended to have a mix of payment methods, including cash and cards, to be prepared for various situations.

To avoid ATM fees in Azerbaijan, consider getting a low-cost ATM card that offers free or cheap international withdrawals. Always pay in the local currency when withdrawing cash to avoid additional charges and poor exchange rates offered by ATMs. Check if your ATM card has a fixed cost per transaction, as making fewer, larger withdrawals may be more cost-effective. Keep an eye out for warnings of extra fees on the ATM screen, and consider using an alternative terminal if additional charges apply.

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