Azerbaijan Travel Information

Azerbaijan, located in the Caucasus region of Eurasia, is a country with a rich history and culture. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and delicious cuisine, Azerbaijan is a destination that offers something for everyone. From its ancient historical sites to its modern-day attractions, here are the top 10 things to do in Azerbaijan.

1. Visit the Old City of Baku

The Old City of Baku is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to several historical landmarks, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower. Visitors can explore the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the traditional architecture of the city.

2. See the Flame Towers

The Flame Towers are three skyscrapers in Baku that are shaped like flames. The towers are lit up at night and offer a stunning view of the city.

3. Explore the Heydar Aliyev Center

The Heydar Aliyev Center is a modern architectural masterpiece in Baku that was designed by Zaha Hadid. Visitors can admire the building's unique design and learn about Azerbaijan's history and culture.

4. Visit the Gobustan National Park

Gobustan National Park is located about 60 kilometers southwest of Baku and is home to ancient rock carvings, mud volcanoes and a museum. It's a great place to learn about the history of Azerbaijan and take a hike.

5. Take a trip to the Lankaran Hot Springs

The Lankaran Hot Springs are located in the Lankaran District of Azerbaijan and are known for their therapeutic properties. Visitors can relax in the hot springs and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.

6. Visit the Atashgah Fire Temple

The Atashgah Fire Temple is a historical site located in Surakhani, a suburb of Baku. It is considered one of the most important Zoroastrian temples in the world.

7. Visit the Goygol Lake

Goygol Lake is located in the west of Azerbaijan and is known for its beautiful scenery and clear waters. Visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, and fishing in the lake, or simply take a stroll around the shoreline.

8. Explore the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum is located in Baku and is dedicated to the country's traditional carpet-making art. Visitors can learn about the history and techniques of Azerbaijani carpets and see a large collection of carpets on display.

9. Take a trip to the Nohur Lake

Nohur Lake is located in the Gakh District of Azerbaijan and is known for its picturesque scenery and birdwatching opportunities. Visitors can take a boat trip on the lake or hike around the surrounding mountains.

10. Visit the Ismayilli Region

The Ismayilli Region is located in the northwest of Azerbaijan and is known for its beautiful landscapes, traditional villages, and local crafts. Visitors can take a tour of the region to learn about the culture and history of Azerbaijan and visit local artisans.

Climate

Azerbaijan has a varied climate, with the regions of the country having different weather conditions. The western regions have a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot summers. The central regions have a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The eastern regions have a mountain climate, with cold winters and cool summers.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Azerbaijan depends on the specific area you plan to visit and your personal preferences. The best time to visit the western regions of Azerbaijan is from May to September, when the weather is warm and dry. The best time to visit the central regions is from April to October, when the weather is mild. The best time to visit the eastern regions is from June to September, when the weather is mild and the mountain passes are free of snow. Generally, the months of April to October are the best time to visit Azerbaijan to enjoy the mild weather, and avoid the cold and rainy winter months.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Azerbaijan offers a wide range of hotel accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Visitors can find hotels in major cities such as Baku, Ganja, and Mingachevir. Baku, the capital city, has a wide range of hotels including international chains and local boutique hotels.

Guesthouses and Homestays

Another option for accommodation in Azerbaijan is to stay in a guesthouse or homestay. These types of accommodations are often located in rural areas and offer a more traditional and authentic experience. Visitors can expect to find simple yet comfortable rooms and home-cooked meals.

Camping and Glamping

For those looking for more outdoor experiences, camping and glamping are options in Azerbaijan. There are several campsites located in national parks and protected areas, as well as glamping sites with amenities such as hot showers, toilets and even Wi-Fi.

Traditional Accommodation

Azerbaijan has a rich cultural heritage and traditional accommodation options are available for those looking for a unique experience. Visitors can stay in a yurt, a traditional nomadic dwelling, or in a mud-brick house known as a qala. These options are usually found in rural areas, and are a great way to experience the local culture.

Public Transportation

Azerbaijan has a well-developed public transportation system, with buses and metro services available in major cities such as Baku. Taxis are also widely available and are a convenient and affordable option for getting around the city.

Car rental

Renting a car is another option for getting around Azerbaijan, and it can be a convenient way to explore the country at your own pace. There are several car rental companies available in Azerbaijan, with a variety of vehicles on offer.

Train

Trains are also available in Azerbaijan, connecting major cities such as Baku and Ganca. Train travel is a comfortable and affordable option, and a great way to see the country's beautiful landscapes.

Air Travel

For longer distances, air travel is the most convenient option to move around Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan Airlines operates flights from Baku to various domestic and international destinations. It is also possible to find low-cost airlines that fly to Azerbaijan.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.