Best Currency Options For Azerbaijan Travelers

If you're planning a trip to Azerbaijan, you might be wondering what currency to bring. The country's official currency is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN), which is divided into 100 qapik/qəpik. While you can exchange pounds sterling, US dollars, and euros at major hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants in Baku, it's best to carry the local currency for shopping and dining. So, where is the best place to get Azerbaijani manats? And are there any alternatives to cash?

US Dollars are widely accepted for currency exchange in Azerbaijan

If you're planning a trip to Azerbaijan, it's a good idea to be prepared and know which currency to take. The official currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN), which is divided into 100 qapik/qəpik. However, the best currency to take to Azerbaijan is the US Dollar.

While the Azerbaijani Manat is the official legal tender, it is not the most convenient option for travellers. As Azerbaijan is not a popular tourist destination, the Manat can be difficult and expensive to obtain outside of the country. Therefore, it is recommended to carry US Dollars or Euros and exchange them for the local currency upon arrival.

Major hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants in Baku, the capital city, usually accept credit cards. Additionally, ATMs can be found in most major cities and towns, making it convenient to withdraw cash or use debit cards. However, it is important to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any blocks on your card due to anti-fraud measures.

When exchanging currency, it is advisable to avoid exchanging large amounts at the airport, as the exchange rates and commissions tend to be unfavourable. Instead, exchange small amounts to cover immediate needs, and look for forex vendors or banks to exchange the rest of your money at better rates. Additionally, be cautious of unauthorised exchange centres and always choose licensed and reputable providers to avoid scams and counterfeit currency.

Azerbaijani Manat is the official currency of Azerbaijan

The official currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat, denoted by the currency code AZN. One Azerbaijani Manat is divided into 100 qapik (or qəpik). The currency is represented by the symbol "₼". The physical currency consists of coins and banknotes. The coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 qapik, while the banknotes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 manat.

The banknotes feature images of famous Azerbaijani historical figures, such as Nizami Ganjavi, Mirza Fatali Akhundov, and Heydar Aliyev. The design of the currency is updated periodically, so the appearance of the coins and banknotes may vary slightly over time.

The Azerbaijani Manat is the official legal tender in Azerbaijan and is recognised by the Azerbaijani government. This means that all financial obligations in the country, including the payment of goods, services, taxes, and debts, can be settled using the Azerbaijani Manat.

While credit and debit cards are accepted in major hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants in Baku, Azerbaijan is predominantly a cash-based society. Therefore, it is advisable to have a sufficient amount of Azerbaijani Manat in cash for shopping and dining. ATMs are widely available throughout Azerbaijan, especially in Baku, and they accept single-currency forex, debit, or credit cards.

It is worth noting that, while pounds sterling, US dollars, and euros are easily exchanged in Azerbaijan, the availability of the Azerbaijani Manat outside of the country may be limited. For example, for travellers from India, it is more challenging and expensive to purchase Azerbaijani Manats in India compared to US Dollars. As such, some travellers may find it more convenient and cost-effective to carry US Dollars and exchange them for Azerbaijani Manats upon arrival in the country.

Pounds, Euros, and US Dollars are easily exchanged in Azerbaijan

When travelling to Azerbaijan, it's important to know which currencies are easily exchangeable there. The official currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN), but it's not always easy to buy this currency outside of the country. As a result, many people opt to bring other currencies to Azerbaijan and exchange them for Manat upon arrival.

While it is possible to use your debit or credit card to make purchases in Azerbaijan, it's important to be cautious. Let your card provider know about your travel plans in advance to avoid your card being blocked for anti-fraud reasons. Additionally, card transactions and ATM withdrawals may come with significant charges for international usage, so it's advisable to carry some local currency in cash.

When exchanging currency in Azerbaijan, it's best to avoid individual or street money changers, as there is a risk of being cheated. It's also not advisable to exchange money at the airport, as the exchange rates and commissions tend to be unfavourable. Instead, look for licensed foreign exchange centres or visit a bank to get a better exchange rate.

It's worth noting that the availability of ATMs and card payment options may vary depending on your location within Azerbaijan. While major cities like Baku have widespread ATM coverage, smaller villages and settlements may not have easy access to ATMs or card payment facilities. Therefore, it's always a good idea to carry some local currency in cash when travelling outside of the larger cities.

Major hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants in Baku accept credit cards

The official currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). While this is the local currency, it is not the most convenient foreign currency to carry when travelling to Azerbaijan. This is because Azerbaijan is an underrated tourist destination, so the Manat is harder to find and often expensive outside of the country.

The best currency to take to Azerbaijan is the US Dollar. It is widely accepted for currency exchange and is readily exchangeable at multiple locations throughout the country. US Dollars are also available at competitive exchange rates in India.

When travelling to Azerbaijan, it is recommended to carry a small amount of US Dollars in cash and load the rest onto a single-currency forex card. These cards do not incur cross-currency conversion fees and can be used at ATMs, which are available throughout the country, especially in the capital city of Baku.

Major hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants in Baku usually accept credit cards. However, Azerbaijan is generally a cash-based society, so it is advised to have a sufficient amount of Manat for shopping and dining. It is also important to note that extra care should be taken when paying with credit cards or withdrawing money from ATMs, as there is a risk of credit card fraud. To avoid any issues, inform your credit/debit card provider of your travel plans in advance.

Using a prepaid travel card is the best way to pay in Azerbaijan

When travelling to Azerbaijan, you might be wondering what the best currency to take is and how to pay for things while you're there. The local currency in Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN), but US Dollars are also widely accepted for currency exchange.

Safety

Prepaid travel cards are a safe option when travelling as they are not linked to your bank account. If your card is lost or stolen, thieves will only have access to the funds loaded on the card, and you can immediately cancel the card and get a replacement.

Cost-Effectiveness

Prepaid travel cards generally incur lower fees on currency exchange than credit cards or bank debit cards. They help you avoid the high fees of credit card cash advances and the hassle of traveller's cheques. You can also lock in a favourable exchange rate by loading your card when the rate is strong, even if this is well in advance of your trip.

Convenience

Prepaid travel cards are widely accepted in Azerbaijan, just like regular debit or credit cards. They are part of the Mastercard or Visa payment network and can be used for everyday spending or withdrawing cash from ATMs. They also offer the convenience of a digital wallet, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Budgeting

Prepaid travel cards are great for budgeting as you can't spend more than what's loaded on the card, so there's no risk of getting into debt. You can easily keep track of your spending and manage your funds through a mobile app or online account.

Chargeback

Prepaid travel cards are eligible for chargeback, which means you can apply to get your money back if an item or service you paid for was damaged, not as described, or never arrived.

When choosing a prepaid travel card, be sure to compare the fees and features offered by different providers. Some cards may charge monthly fees, inactivity fees, or foreign transaction fees. Also, check the spending and withdrawal limits to ensure they meet your needs.

Frequently asked questions