Azerbaijan Currency Guide: Manat, ATMs, and Exchange Tips

Heading to Azerbaijan? You'll need to know about the Manat (AZN). Here is your essential guide to money matters in the Land of Fire.

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The Currency: Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) ₼

• Symbol: ₼
• Code: AZN
• Subunit: 1 Manat = 100 Qəpik (coins)

Banknotes: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 Manat. Coins: 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50 Qəpik.

Exchange Rate (Approximate 2025):

• 1 USD ≈ 1.70 AZN (Pegged rate, very stable)
• 1 EUR ≈ 1.85 AZN
• 1 GBP ≈ 2.15 AZN

Note: The Manat has been pegged to the US Dollar at 1.70 since 2017, making conversion very easy.

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Cash vs. Card: What Do You Need?

Baku is very card-friendly, but cash is still king in many situations.

Where You Can Use Cards 💳

• Hotels and hostels
• Large restaurants and cafes in Baku
• Supermarkets (Bravo, Araz, Spar)
• Shopping malls
• Metro and Bus (via BakuKart machines)
• Ride-hailing apps (Bolt, Yango)

Where You Need Cash 💵

• Small shops and markets (bazaars)
• Taxis (if not using an app)
• Public transport (to buy the initial BakuKart)
• Street food vendors
• Rural areas (Sheki, Gabala, Quba - smaller places)
• Tipping

Recommendation: Carry about 50-100 AZN in cash at all times for small expenses.

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ATMs in Azerbaijan 🏧

ATMs are everywhere in Baku and major cities.

Withdrawal Fees:

• Local Banks: Most Azerbaijani banks (Kapital Bank, ABB, Pasha Bank) do NOT charge an access fee for foreign cards.
• Your Bank: You will likely pay your home bank's foreign transaction fee + ATM fee (usually $3-5 + 1-3%).

Best ATMs for Foreigners:

1. ABB (International Bank of Azerbaijan): Reliable, high limits.
2. Kapital Bank: Very common, red ATMs.
3. Pasha Bank: High-end, reliable.

Withdrawal Limits: Usually 500 - 1000 AZN per transaction.

Crucial Tip: Always choose "Decline Conversion" or "Charge in Local Currency (AZN)" if the ATM asks. Never let the ATM do the conversion rate for you (Dynamic Currency Conversion is a rip-off).

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Exchanging Money 💱

Best Places to Exchange:

1. Banks: Reliable rates, safe. (Bring your passport!).
2. Official Exchange Bureaus: Found on streets in Baku. Look for "Valyuta Dəyişmə". Rates are usually displayed outside.

Worst Places to Exchange:

1. Airports: Rates are slightly worse than in the city, but not terrible. Exchange enough for a taxi/bus ($20-50) and do the rest in the city.
2. Hotels: Usually have poor rates.

Currencies Accepted:

• USD and EUR are the easiest to exchange.
• GBP, RUB, and TRY are also widely accepted.
• Bring crisp, clean notes. Damaged or old bills might be refused.

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Tipping Etiquette in Azerbaijan 💁‍♂️

Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated and becoming more common.

• Restaurants:
  • Many places add a 10% service charge to the bill. Check the receipt.
  • If no service charge: 5-10% is a good tip.
  • If service charge included: You can leave small change or nothing extra.
• Taxis: Round up to the nearest Manat. (e.g., if fare is 3.40, give 4).
• Tour Guides: 10-20 AZN per day for a private guide is generous.
• Bellhops/Housekeeping: 1-2 AZN.

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Money Safety 🛡️

• Azerbaijan is very safe, and pickpocketing is rare, but standard precautions apply.
• Notify your bank before traveling so they don't block your card.
• Keep a backup credit card in your hotel safe.

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Quick Summary

1. Currency: Manat (AZN).
2. Rate: ~1.70 AZN per USD.
3. Cash: Essential for small purchases and outside Baku.
4. Cards: Accepted in most modern places in Baku.
5. ATMs: Widely available, usually no local fee.
6. Exchange: Bring USD or EUR notes.

Xoş xərcləmələr! (Happy spending!)