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Azerbaijan FAQ

Is tipping customary in Azerbaijan?

In established restaurants, bars, hotels and taxis, a 5-10% service charge is usually added to the bill - though feel free to tip more than this for exceptional service. At restaurants where a service charge isn’t included, 10% is the acceptable gratuity. Although tipping at other places isn't mandatory it will be well received, and setting aside a small amount for porters, guides and drivers is also a good idea.

What is the internet access like in Azerbaijan?

Internet cafes with reliable and fast connections can easily be found in all of Azerbaijan’s major cities and towns.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Azerbaijan?

Mobile coverage is extensive throughout the capital and major cities, but pretty much non-existent in the remote mountainous parts of the country. Roaming agreements are in place with most international cellular companies.

What are the toilets like in Azerbaijan?

Clean and flushable Western-style toilets are generally the go at established tourist attractions across the country, though one should be prepared for some pretty ordinary squat/pit toilets elsewhere. Carry your own supply of soap and toilet paper, as these aren’t always at hand.

What will it cost for a...?

1.5 litre bottle of water = .60 AZN
Bottle of local beer = 2.5 AZN
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant = 8 AZN
Meal at a mid-range restaurant = 40 AZN

Can I drink the water in Azerbaijan?

Tap water isn't safe to drink in Azerbaijan. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, bring water purification tablets or ask your leader where filtered water can be found.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Azerbaijan?

Some major credit cards will be accepted at some high-end restaurants and hotels, but it's best not to rely on these.

What is ATM access like in Azerbaijan?

ATMs are prevalent in Baku and other major towns, though won’t necessarily be internationally connected or reliable. Be sure to have other payment methods when visiting the country.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Azerbaijan?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of your trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Azerbaijan?

Jan 1 New Year's Day
Jan 20 Martyrs' Day
Mar 8 International Women's Day
Mar 21 Nowruz (Persian New Year)
Mar 29 Good Friday
Apr 1 Easter Monday
May 9 Victory Day
May 28 Republic Day
Jun 15 National Salvation Day
Jun 26 Army and Navy Day
Aug 8 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
Oct 15 Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
Oct 18 Independence Day
Nov 12 Constitution Day
Nov 17 National Revival Day
Dec 31 Day of Azeri Solidarity

Please note these dates are for 2013. For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/azerbaijan/public-holidays

Do I need a visa to travel to Azerbaijan?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

  • AZERBAIJAN (DRAGOMAN OVERLAND):
    Most nationalities require a visa to visit Azerbaijan, and this must be obtained in advance.

    A letter of invitation is required for most nationalities to obtain an Azerbaijan visa. These are issued for specific dates according to your itinerary. Some nationalities may not need an Invitation letter if applying for an Azeri visa in some locations. We advise you to check with the Embassy at which your application will be processed for exact information on documents required. All nationalities should check with their respective embassies for more information and costs.

    There is no Azeri embassy or consulate in Australia or New Zealand so nationals of those countries are advised to apply to the embassy in Malaysia: http://azembassy.com.my/visit/visa.htm

    How to obtain a Letter of Invitation:
    Dragoman will apply for the letter of invitation on your behalf. In order to do this we need you to complete the Central Asia & China visa form found here http://www.dragoman.com/images/stories/files/Central_Asia_China visa_form.pdf and return it to centralasiavisas@dragoman.co.uk, indicating where you will be obtaining the visa along with a scanned copy of the passport. Please return the completed Asia visa form to Dragoman 4 MONTHS before your trip is due to start, or as soon as possible after booking. Any delays in returning the Asia visa form to Dragoman will have a knock on effect to the amount of time you have in applying for the actual visa.

    Please note that there are 2 types of Letters of Invitation that are accepted at Azeri embassies and consulates:
    1- Official letter of Invitation (LOI) from a travel agency licensed by the Azerbaijan Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This LOI is provided to you by Dragoman and is included in the trip price.
    2- Letters of Invitation validated through the Consular section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Azerbaijan (MFA approved LOI's). This letter will cost an additional US$190 on top of the trip price.

    If you apply for a visa in the following locations you will need to provide the Embassy or Consulate with the 2nd type of Invitation letter:
    Beijing (China) Prague (Czech Republic), Tbilisi (Georgia), Delhi (India), Rome(Italy), Rabat (Morocco), Islamabad (Pakistan), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Ankara, Istanbul 7 Kars (Turkey) and Ashgabat (Turkmenistan).

    Please also note that there may be other Embassies or Consulate in addition to those above that insist applicants have a type 2 LOI, we therefore suggest that you contact the Embassy or Consulate at which you wish to apply and check they will accept your Application along with a type 1 LOI (Issued by an official tour agency in Azerbaijan). For further detailed information please visit http://www.azerbaijan24.com/azerbaijan-visa-support.html

    When applying for you visa you will be asked to write in the 'Inviting Party' on your application form. Please write the following:
    Mirvari Travel Ltd.
    Istiqlaliyyet str. 23, Baku, Azerbaijan
    Tel:+994 12 492 09 45

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Azerbaijan at a glance

  • 14
  • Baku (population 2.1 million)
  • 9.3 million
  • Azerbaijani
  • AZN
  • (GMT+04:00) Baku
  • Type C (European 2-pin)
  • +994

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