Before you go
Check Azerbaijan’s official ASAN Visa portal to see whether your passport is eligible for an e-visa and which conditions apply. Keep your hotel address and booking details available offline.
Your first hour after landing
Connect your phone, obtain some manat, then choose the official airport bus, taxi or ride-hailing option that matches your arrival time. If you plan to use public transport in Baku, a BakuCard is useful.
SIM, eSIM and connectivity
Mobile data is valuable for maps, translation and ride-hailing. Wi-Fi is common in hotels and many cafes, but your own data connection is more reliable once you leave central Baku.
Money and payments
Azerbaijan Travel states that cards are accepted at most shops and restaurants in Baku and other large cities, while cash is often preferred elsewhere. ATMs are available in main towns, so there is no need to carry all trip spending in cash.
Getting around
Baku has a metro and bus network; ride-hailing is also popular. For trips to places such as Shaki, Gabala or mountain areas, compare trains, buses and a private driver based on schedule and total travel time.
Weather and pacing
Azerbaijan combines the Caspian coast, dry landscapes and mountain regions, so conditions can change sharply within one trip. Pack layers and plan mountain days with weather flexibility.
Culture and etiquette
Azerbaijan is secular and multicultural, but respectful clothing is appropriate in mosques and religious sites. Learn a few local greetings, and ask before photographing people in traditional or worship settings.
Entry rules, transport systems and travel procedures can change. Check the official sources again shortly before departure.