Azerbaijan Currency Exchange 2025: Smart Money Tips for Your Caspian Adventure
Posted on 1/23/2025 by Azerbaijan Official eVisa Immigration Assistance Service
Azerbaijan Currency Exchange 2025: Smart Money Tips for Your Caspian Adventure
Whether you are planning to explore Baku's Old City, visit the Caucasus Mountains, or enjoy Caspian Sea beaches, getting comfortable with Azerbaijan's money systems keeps every experience stress-free. This guide breaks down how to exchange cash, use ATMs, tap into digital payments, and budget for a seamless 2025 journey.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN)
- Best Places to Exchange Money in Azerbaijan
- ATMs, Banks, and Cash Withdrawals
- Cards, Digital Payments & Mobile Wallets
- Avoiding Scams and Hidden Fees
- Budget Planning & Sample Costs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Money-Saving Azerbaijan Travel Tips
- Apply for Your Azerbaijan eVisa & Start Planning
Understanding the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN)
2025 Reference Rates*
- 1 USD ≈ 1.70–1.75 AZN
- 1 EUR ≈ 1.85–1.90 AZN
- 1 GBP ≈ 2.15–2.20 AZN
- 1 TRY ≈ 0.055–0.060 AZN
*Rates fluctuate daily. Use the Central Bank of Azerbaijan website or FX apps the day you exchange.
Denominations
- Coins: 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50 qəpik (100 qəpik = 1 manat)
- Notes: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 AZN (polymer notes with security features)
Good to Know
- Merchants rarely accept torn or damaged notes. Check bills upon receipt.
- High-value transactions (luxury hotels, tours) may accept USD/EUR, but everyday purchases work best in manat.
- The manat is pegged to a basket of currencies, providing relative stability.
Best Places to Exchange Money in Azerbaijan
1. Commercial Banks – Secure & Regulated
Best for: Larger sums, receipts, and peace of mind.
Where: Baku city center, airports, major towns (Ganja, Sheki, Lankaran).
Top Banks:
- Kapital Bank – flagship branches downtown, with English-speaking staff.
- International Bank of Azerbaijan (IBA) – Baku Business District and airport counters.
- Pasha Bank, Unibank, AccessBank – quick service, modern facilities.
Process: Present passport + visa, state the amount, sign an exchange slip, and keep receipts for reconverting unused manat when leaving.
2. Licensed Forex Bureaus – Competitive Rates
Best for: Daily expenses, day trips, and slightly better rates than banks.
Where: Baku city center, shopping malls, tourist areas.
Recommended Bureaus:
- Express Exchange (Baku)
- Azərbaycan Valyuta Məzənnəsi (AVM)
- Forex bureaus in major shopping centers
Tips:
- Confirm the posted buy/sell rates before handing over cash.
- Always request a stamped receipt.
- Compare at least two bureaus if exchanging more than $500.
3. Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport
Best for: Arrival cash for taxis, SIM cards, and snacks.
Caution: Rates trail city bureaus by 1–2% and operating hours follow flight schedules. Exchange only what you need (≈ $100).
4. Hotels & Tourist Areas
Best for: Convenience in tourist zones.
Downside: Weak rates and occasional service fees. Use as a last resort or for emergency top-ups.
ATMs, Banks, and Cash Withdrawals
ATM Access
- Networks: Kapital Bank, IBA, Pasha Bank, Unibank support Visa and MasterCard. American Express works at select locations.
- Locations: Baku (every major neighborhood), Ganja, Sheki, Lankaran, and tourist areas.
- Limits: 200–500 AZN per transaction, with daily caps based on your home bank.
- Fees: Local ATMs may charge 1–3 AZN (~$0.60–$1.75). Your bank may add a foreign transaction fee.
ATM Safety Tips
- Use machines inside malls or bank lobbies with security.
- Withdraw during daylight; decline help from bystanders.
- Opt for "no receipt" and store cash discreetly.
Banking Hours
- Weekdays: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (select branches)
- Sunday/Public Holidays: Closed (airport kiosk only)
Cards, Digital Payments & Mobile Wallets
Credit & Debit Cards
- Widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and major attractions.
- Expect a 2–4% service fee on some card transactions.
- Notify your bank before travel to avoid fraud blocks.
Digital Wallets
- Apple Pay, Google Pay: Increasingly common in Baku cafés and shopping centers.
- Local payment systems: Some merchants accept local digital payment methods.
- Online Payments: Many hotels and tour operators accept Visa/MasterCard gateways for bookings and deposits.
Mobile Banking
- Major banks offer mobile apps for balance checks and transfers.
- Some services may require local registration.
Avoiding Scams and Hidden Fees
- Counterfeit Notes: Azerbaijan's polymer bills have transparent windows and raised ink. If anything feels off, politely switch the note.
- Rate Switches: Confirm the total in writing before exchanging. Recount all cash at the counter.
- Unlicensed Dealers: Street changers operate illegally. Stick to banks and registered bureaus.
- Dynamic Currency Conversion: Decline when card terminals offer to charge you in your home currency—it adds 3–6% to the bill.
- Phishing Attempts: Ignore unsolicited messages requesting card details or PINs.
Budget Planning & Sample Costs
| Item | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baku hotel (per night) | $40–80 guesthouse | $100–200 boutique | $300–1,000 luxury hotel |
| Meals | $8–15 local café | $20–40 restaurant | $60+ fine dining |
| Museum entry | $5–10 | $10–15 | $15–20 |
| Private car + driver | $80/day | $120/day | $200+/day |
| Domestic flight (Baku–Ganja) | $60 one-way | $60 one-way | $60 one-way |
| SIM + 10 GB data | $8 | $8 | $8 |
Money Management Tips
- Split cash between a money belt, hotel safe, and daypack.
- Carry small notes (1–10 AZN) for tips, taxis, and markets.
- Keep USD/EUR crisp (issued 2017+); older notes may be rejected.
- Track expenses with apps like Trail Wallet or Revolut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I pay for tours in cash?
A: Many tour operators accept cash, but online bookings typically require card payment.
Q: Do taxis accept cards?
A: Some app-based taxis (Bolt, Uber) accept cards. Standard city taxis prefer cash.
Q: Is tipping expected?
A: Not mandatory but appreciated. Budget 1–2 AZN for bag porters, 10% for sit-down restaurants, and $10+ per day for guides.
Q: What about neighboring countries?
A: If you're crossing into Georgia, Russia, or Iran, convert leftover manat in Baku before departing; re-conversion options are limited at borders.
Q: Can I use USD everywhere?
A: USD is accepted at some hotels and tour operators, but street vendors, taxis, and markets expect manat. Always carry local currency.
Money-Saving Azerbaijan Travel Tips
- Compare exchange rates with XE or OANDA before entering a bureau.
- Use cards for larger purchases to avoid carrying large bundles of cash.
- Book tours and hotels early to lock in rates before peak-season price jumps.
- Travel in shoulder months (May, October) for hotel discounts and fewer crowds.
- Look for combo tickets at museums and attractions for bundled deals.
Apply for Your Azerbaijan eVisa & Start Planning
Once your finances are sorted, apply for your Azerbaijan eVisa at least one week before departure. Our immigration assistance team double-checks forms, payments, and supporting documents so you can focus on planning adventures rather than paperwork. Processing takes 1 to 3 working days. Reach out today and turn those manat into unforgettable 2025 memories.
