Best Places To Exchange Currency In Azerbaijan

The currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN). It is the only officially recognised currency in the country and can be used to settle all financial obligations, including paying for goods, services, taxes, and debts.

The best way to get Azerbaijani manat depends on your needs and preferences. You can use your debit or credit card to spend money in Azerbaijan, but cards often come with high foreign transaction fees. Alternatively, you can ask your bank whether they offer a specific multi-currency card that supports Azerbaijani manat balances. Another option is to use a prepaid travel card, which generally incurs lower fees on Azerbaijani manat currency exchange than credit or debit cards.

Where to exchange currency in Azerbaijan

The currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN). Pounds sterling, US dollars, and euros are easily exchanged within the country. You can exchange currency at a bank or exchange bureau before or upon arrival in Azerbaijan.

Major hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants in Baku usually accept credit cards. There are also ATMs in most major towns and cities. It is recommended that you take extra care when paying with credit cards or withdrawing money from ATMs, and that you let your credit/debit card provider know where you’re going to avoid your card being blocked for anti-fraud reasons.

Prepaid Travel Cards

Using a prepaid travel card is a good option as it generally incurs lower fees on Azerbaijani manat currency exchange than credit or debit cards. Many prepaid travel cards let you hold multi-currency balances, allowing you to avoid DCCs and other fees while travelling.

Mobile Payments

Mobile payment services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Alipay are an increasingly popular way to pay in Azerbaijan, but it is recommended that you check their availability before your trip.

Using a credit/debit card in Azerbaijan

The currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN). All goods and services are paid for in the local currency, and major hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants in Baku usually accept credit cards. ATMs are also available in most major towns and cities.

When using a credit or debit card in Azerbaijan, it is important to take extra care to avoid fraud and anti-fraud blocks on your card. Inform your card provider of your travel plans in advance, and report any suspicious activity as soon as possible.

Credit cards are accepted in Azerbaijan, particularly in touristy establishments and major hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants in Baku. However, some sources indicate that credit cards are not universally accepted, and it is recommended to carry cash as well. Cards from VISA and Mastercard tend to be accepted, while American Express cards may not work.

Mobile payment services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Alipay are becoming more popular in Azerbaijan, but it is a good idea to check their availability before relying on them.

Debit cards linked to your bank account can be used to make purchases at point-of-sale terminals and withdraw cash from ATMs. However, be aware that some ATMs have low withdrawal limits and may charge high fees.

Prepaid travel cards are also an option and may offer better exchange rates and lower fees than traditional credit or debit cards. These cards can be loaded with Azerbaijani manat and other currencies, providing convenience, security, and better exchange rates.

Carrying US dollars vs Azerbaijani manat

The currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN). While US dollars are widely accepted for currency exchange in Azerbaijan, there are some advantages and disadvantages to carrying each currency.

Carrying US Dollars

US dollars are widely accepted for exchange in Azerbaijan and can be purchased in India at competitive rates. They are also easily accessible, as they are a globally recognised currency. However, carrying US dollars may result in higher fees and unfavourable exchange rates. Additionally, it is important to note that US dollars are not an official legal tender in Azerbaijan, so you may encounter difficulties or higher costs when trying to use them directly for purchases or payments.

Carrying Azerbaijani Manat

The Azerbaijani manat is the official legal tender in Azerbaijan and is recognised by the Azerbaijani government. This means that you can use it to settle all financial obligations, including paying for goods, services, taxes, and debts. Carrying Azerbaijani manat can provide a smooth and cost-effective trip, especially when using a single-currency forex card, as it eliminates cross-currency conversion fees. However, obtaining Azerbaijani manat in some countries, such as India, may be difficult and expensive due to its lower demand.

When deciding between carrying US dollars or Azerbaijani manat, it is important to consider your specific circumstances, such as your country of origin and the availability of the currency. For travellers from countries where Azerbaijani manat is difficult to obtain, carrying US dollars and exchanging them upon arrival in Azerbaijan may be a more feasible option. However, it is always a good idea to have some Azerbaijani manat, especially for small purchases, tipping, and emergencies.

Exchanging money before travelling to Azerbaijan

The currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN). This is the only currency used in the country, so you will need to exchange your money before or upon arrival. It is not advisable to exchange money at the airport, as the rates tend to be less favourable.

Where to Exchange Money

You can exchange money at the airport, train station, or in exchange bureaus and banks. Most exchange offices accept Euros, British Pounds, Turkish Lira, and Russian Rubles.

Using ATMs

ATMs are widely available throughout Azerbaijan, especially in the capital city of Baku. They accept single-currency forex, debit, or credit cards. You can use ATMs to withdraw manats directly, and most machines accept Visa, Visa Electron, Master Card, and Maestro cards.

Using Cards

Cards from Visa and Mastercard are accepted in Azerbaijan, especially in touristy establishments and larger towns and cities. However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash, as smaller cafes and restaurants may not accept card payments.

Other Options

Mobile payment services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Alipay may be available, but it is best to check beforehand. Prepaid travel cards can also be a good option, as they often offer better exchange rates and lower fees than credit or debit cards.

Things to Keep in Mind

Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded places. Also, remember to let your bank know about your travel plans to avoid your card being flagged for suspicious activity.

Azerbaijani manat banknotes and coins

The manat is the official currency of Azerbaijan. It is subdivided into 100 gapiks. The currency code for the manat is AZN, and its symbol is ₼.

The current manat in circulation was introduced in 2006, replacing the old manat (AZM) with lower face values and a new design. The current manat is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of ₼1.70 to US$1.

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan issues the Azerbaijani manat in 8 different denominations:

• ₼1
• ₼5
• ₼10
• ₼20
• ₼50
• ₼100
• ₼200
• ₼500

The banknotes are designed by Austrian banknote designer Robert Kalina, who also designed the current banknotes of the euro and the Syrian pound. The banknotes feature motifs similar to those on euro banknotes, such as traditional instruments, statues, books, and maps of Azerbaijan and Europe. The ₼20 banknote, for example, features traditional weaponry, including a helmet and sword, while the ₼50 banknote features a staircase symbolising progress.

Frequently asked questions