{"id":6002,"date":"2022-08-23T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-23T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/?p=6002\/"},"modified":"2026-01-19T13:29:49","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T11:29:49","slug":"travel-azerbaijan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-azerbaijan\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel to Azerbaijan in 2026 &#8211; Everything you must know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Qarabaglar-nakhchivan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Qarabaglar-nakhchivan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Qarabaglar-nakhchivan.jpg\" alt=\"travel azerbaijan\" class=\"wp-image-17548\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Azerbaijan is a weird, fascinating country.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Located on the border between Asia and Europe, Azerbaijan has one of those cultures which is particularly difficult to define, as it is a Caucasian country with a large Turkish and Iranian influence, that used to be part of the Soviet Union, so the end result is such a strange mix of opposed cultures that leaves the traveler very confused.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I traveled to Azerbaijan twice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During this period of time, they introduced an e-visa system so, in only two years, tourism has grown exponentially and the country has started to get significant international exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The weirdness of Azerbaijan is what makes it a particularly interesting country and, in this guide, I have compiled <strong>everything you need to know for traveling to Azerbaijan<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\">For places to visit, don&#8217;t forget to check my <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/backpacking-azerbaijan-travel-itinerary\/\">complete Azerbaijan travel itinerary<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/travel-to-azerbaijan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/travel-to-azerbaijan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/travel-to-azerbaijan.jpg\" alt=\"travel to Azerbaijan\" class=\"wp-image-19315\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:518px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this Azerbaijan travel guide you will find:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group table-of-contents is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"table-of-contents__title\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#all-my-articles-on-egypt\"><\/a><a href=\"#1\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Visa<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#\"><\/a><a href=\"#2\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Best time to visit<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#\"><\/a><a href=\"#3\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Travel insurance<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#4\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Useful books<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#5\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The country and culture<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#6\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Tourism in Azerbaijan<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#7\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">How to get in<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#12\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Internet<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#8\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Money<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#9\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Food and alcohol<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#10\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Transportation<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#11\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Accommodation<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#13\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">More information<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group atc-info-box is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center m-0 has-black-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fe9900\">our recommended travel insurance for Azerbaijan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:20px\">With its Backpacker plan, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/products\/iati-backpacker-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=azerbaijan_travelguide_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong> is the best insurance for any kind of adventurous destination, like Azerbaijan<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-center has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/products\/iati-backpacker-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=azerbaijan_travelguide_en_text\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#fe9900;font-size:16px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">GET 5% DISCOUNT HERE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1\">\ud83e\udeaa How to get a tourist visa for Azerbaijan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">e-visa is available for traveling to in Azerbaijan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since January 2017, you can apply for an e-visa to travel to Azerbaijan and this is the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/evisa.gov.az\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">official Governmental portal<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It costs 25USD and takes 3 working days to proceed. If you want an urgent visa, it costs 50USD.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who can apply for a tourist visa for Azerbaijan?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All countries <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/evisa.gov.az\/en\/countries\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">from this list<\/a><\/strong>, which includes all Western nationalities and many more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long is the Azerbaijan visa valid for?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The single visa is valid for 30 days within a 90 days window &#8211; <em>note that there is no double entry visa.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Registration in Azerbaijan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">If you are traveling in Azerbaijan for more than 15 days, you will need to register. You can do it in your hotel or at the police station itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information, I recommend you read <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/caravanistan.com\/visa\/azerbaijan\/registration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this article from Caravanistan<\/a><\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8;font-size:18px\"><strong>Important &#8211;<\/strong> Registration is no joke! In 2016, I skipped this registration (at that time, there was not much information about it and the limit was 10 days), so when the police found out, they made me choose between paying a $300 fine or being deported and banned from entering Azerbaijan within 1 year. After 11 months, I tried to apply for the e-visa and it got instantly rejected. In 2019, I managed to get in without any problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-19319\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/visa-for-azerbaijan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/visa-for-azerbaijan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/visa-for-azerbaijan.jpg\" alt=\"visa for Azerbaijan\" class=\"wp-image-19319\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">My visa for Azerbaijan from 2016 &#8211; By that time, e-visa wasn&#8217;t available, so you had to go through the embassy<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2\">\u26c5 Best time to visit Azerbaijan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Azerbaijan, you find <strong>9 out of the 11 climate zones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From glaciers to vast, hot deserts, the landscape in Azerbaijan is full of contrasts. This means that the climate is also very varied so, depending on where you want to go, Azerbaijan can be a year-round destination.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, the mountains are good to visit from April to October but, if you want to do some trekking, summer would be the ideal season.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The region <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-baku\/\">around Baku<\/a><\/strong> has a continental climate, which means that summer is extremely hot and winter very cold, but it can be visited all year round.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, I would say that mid-spring and mid-autumn would be the ideal time to travel to Azerbaijan.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-baku\/\">Things to do in Baku in 3 days<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-17543 size-full\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/azerbaijan-backpacking-budget.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/azerbaijan-backpacking-budget.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/azerbaijan-backpacking-budget.jpg\" alt=\"traveling to Azerbaijan\" class=\"wp-image-17543\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">The Caucasian mountains from northern Azerbaijan<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3\">\ud83d\ude91 Travel Insurance for Azerbaijan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Azerbaijan is an adventurous destination, so we recommend going there with proper travel insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">I recommend <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/products\/iati-backpacker-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=azerbaijan_travelguide_en_own\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong> because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Their backpacker plan covers all types of adventure activities, including trekking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Very competitive prices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Readers of this blog can get a <strong>5% exclusive discount<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-499968f5 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/products\/iati-backpacker-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=azerbaijan_travelguide_en_own\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#fe9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO GET 5% EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4\">\ud83d\udcda A book for traveling to Azerbaijan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Travel guide to Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia by Lonely Planet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">There is no guidebook focusing exclusively on Azerbaijan, not even from Bradt, but you need to get the LP guide to the region.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1788688244\/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=joantow-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1788688244&amp;linkId=27c1986e61a6daa4b976659f99c97afa\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#ff9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/515Bfr0zX5S._SX323_BO1204203200_1.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/515Bfr0zX5S._SX323_BO1204203200_1.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/515Bfr0zX5S._SX323_BO1204203200_1.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-30117\" style=\"width:263px;height:404px\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5\">\ud83d\udd4c The country, the people and the culture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Azerbaijan today<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Azerbaijan is a former Soviet Republic that got its independence in 1991, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since 1993, it has been ruled by a political party named the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Azerbaijan_Party\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Azerbaijan Party<\/a><\/strong>, a party founded by Heydar Aliyev, who ruled from 1993 to 2003. After his death, his son Ilham Aliyev took over and he still rules today.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is said that this political party doesn&#8217;t really have an ideology but it is based on nationalism and a personality cult centered on <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Heydar_Aliyev\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Heydar Aliyev<\/a><\/strong>, who is believed to be the first person to make Azerbaijan great and whose name is seen in numerous streets, museums, and places around the country.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, Azerbaijan is one of those fake democracies where the ruling party has been accused of several human rights abuses and authoritarianism but it seems their citizens don&#8217;t complain much about it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-baku\/\">arrive in Baku<\/a><\/strong>, you will feel that you are in an extremely developed country, as the majesty of its impeccable streets is perfectly comparable to many European cities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\">Traveling to Georgia? Here&#8217;s my <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-georgia\/\">ultimate guide to travel to Georgia!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-19331\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/azerbaijan-travel-guide.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/azerbaijan-travel-guide.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/azerbaijan-travel-guide.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-19331\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Fancy Baku<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>However, as soon as you step out of the capital, things change and you will suddenly find yourself in a third-world country. This huge contrast is explained by the fact that Baku is what it is thanks to the petrol and, due to obvious corruption, this growth has been exclusively focused on the capital.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This kind of fake development is also explained by the fact that, whereas Baku feels much more developed<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-tbilisi\/\"> than Tbilisi<\/a> <\/strong>for example, the capital of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-georgia\/\">Georgia<\/a><\/strong> is much more socially developed than Baku, a city where sometimes it is even difficult to see mixed groups of men and women.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\">Read: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-to-iran-ultimate-survival-guide\/\">80 Useful tips for traveling to Iran<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Religion in Azerbaijan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Azerbaijan is a supposedly Islamic country, 85% of the population being Shia Muslims and the rest Sunni. Nevertheless, Azerbaijan was the first Islamic country to ever declare itself a democratic and secular Republic (in 1918).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means that many people in the country are atheist, similar to their brothers and sisters from <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-central-asia\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"24301\">Central Asia<\/a><\/strong>, so religion isn&#8217;t really a big deal here, especially in Baku. In fact, there are very few functional mosques.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-19335\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/azerbaijan-travel-tips.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/azerbaijan-travel-tips.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/azerbaijan-travel-tips.jpg\" alt=\"Azerbaijan travel tips\" class=\"wp-image-19335\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">A very beautiful ancient mosque in Ordubad, Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8;font-size:18px\"><strong>The personal story of my local friend<\/strong><br>During my journey, I met a local, young guy from Baku who turned out to be very religious. In fact, he has a Muslim beard and his wife wears a hijab, something not very commonly seen in Azerbaijan. Anyways, he told me that her wife got a job in a public TV channel but they told her that she had to remove her hijab to come to the office. She obviously refused to do so and, apparently, it was not an option, so she couldn&#8217;t get the job in the end. Probably, this is the only Muslim country where these things happen.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The people: The Azerbaijanis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Physically, most Azerbaijanis look kind of Iranian but a bit different. From a cultural point of view, like I said in the beginning, it is difficult to define them as a single culture. Definitely, they have similarities with their neighbors <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-georgia\/\">from Georgia<\/a><\/strong>, even Armenia, but they also have many customs from the Iranians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-19339\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/IMG_20181013_113140-1.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/IMG_20181013_113140-1.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/IMG_20181013_113140-1.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-19339\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Outside of Baku, everything is so traditional<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, they are heavy drinkers of tea, and they drink it in the same way Iranians do, using the same sort of glasses and the same amount of sugar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, you are likely to see them drinking a shot of vodka right after the tea and, when you go to the rural areas, it really feels like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-georgia\/\">you are in Georgia<\/a><\/strong>, as people look kind of the same and the houses have a very similar architecture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make it even more surreal, they speak Turkish and you can still see great Russian influence.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s just weird and, no matter&nbsp;how hard you try, you can&#8217;t really define their culture as a whole.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hospitality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Azerbaijanis are hospitable, not as much as my friends <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-to-iran-ultimate-survival-guide\/\">from Iran<\/a><\/strong> obviously, but they were all right, perhaps more than in other Caucasian countries. Is it because they are Musli<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I don&#8217;t know, maybe. In my case, random tea invitations were common and I still keep in touch with 1 or 2 friends who never allowed me to pay for a meal.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\">Check out my <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-tbilisi\/\">off-beat guide to Tbilisi<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-19325\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/IMG_20181007_182735-1.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/IMG_20181007_182735-1.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/IMG_20181007_182735-1.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-19325\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Having some beers &amp; food with some local friends from Baku<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Language in Azerbaijan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Azerbaijani is the official language in the country, which is a Turkish dialect. Out of all the Turkic spoken languages, from <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/kyrgyzstan\/\">Kyrgyzstan<\/a><\/strong> to Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani is the closest one to Turkish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people will also speak Russian but, apparently, not as well as their Central Asian neighbors. As for English, in Baku, some young people can speak it but that&#8217;s it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\">Read: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/traveling-to-kyrgyzstan\/\">75 Useful tips for traveling to Kyrgyzstan<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-19321\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/people-azerbaijan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/people-azerbaijan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/people-azerbaijan.jpg\" alt=\"People Azerbaijan\" class=\"wp-image-19321\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">A funny Azerbaijani selling fish<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6\">Is Azerbaijan an off the beaten track destination?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Glad you asked.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like I said in the beginning, after introducing the e-visa system in January 2017, tourism has grown exponentially.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will see that today, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-baku\/\">Baku<\/a><\/strong> is actually filled with loads of backpacker hostels and tour groups abound. Destinations such as Sheki or Lahic also see a fair amount of tourists and, in remote villages such as Xinaliq, you can already find a wide range of official homestays.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nevertheless, Azerbaijan is still an emerging tourist destination, and the number of tourists is not even comparable to any country in Europe. In fact, outside of the main touristic towns, you are likely to be the only tourist hanging around.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Places like the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan, Ivanovka and the towns and villages around Ganja are really unspoiled destinations, which you don&#8217;t want to miss.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to experience the real Azerbaijan, I strongly encourage you to check those destinations out. In my <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/backpacking-azerbaijan-travel-itinerary\/\">Azerbaijan itinerary<\/a><\/strong>, you can find more information about these places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\">Read: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iraqi-kurdistan-travel-guide\/\">Tips for traveling to Iraqi Kurdistan<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-19333\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/yes-travel-azerbaijan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/yes-travel-azerbaijan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/yes-travel-azerbaijan.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-19333\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">This is Alinja castle, located in the Republic of Nakhchivan and one of the most off the beaten track places in the country<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7\">\ud83d\udeeb How to get to Azerbaijan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Traveling to Azerbaijan is very easy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Travel to Azerbaijan by air<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The international airport of Baku has many connections to Europe and many other countries in Asia and the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/category\/middle-east\/\">Middle East<\/a><\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Travel to Azerbaijan by land<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Georgia &#8211;<\/strong> There are two very friendly open borders with Georgia, one linking Zaqatala with Sighnaghi and other one linking Ganja with Tbilisi. The second one can be crossed by train and, in fact, there is a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/wander-lush.org\/tbilisi-to-baku-train\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">direct night train from Tbilisi to Baku<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Iran &#8211;<\/strong> The border with Iran is also open and very friendly but remember that, if you are going to Iran, you will need to be in possession of an <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iran-visa-code\/\"><strong>Iranian visa<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I also recommend you read my <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-to-iran-ultimate-survival-guide\/\">80 Tips for traveling to Iran<\/a><\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/russia-visa\/\">Russia<\/a> &#8211;<\/strong> This border is currently closed to foreigners.&nbsp;Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/russia-travel\/\"><strong>travel guide to Russia<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8;font-size:18px\"><strong>What happens with Armenia?<\/strong><br>Armenia and Azerbaijan are technically at war, mainly due to the dispute of Nagorno-Karabakh, so the border with Armenia is definitely closed. Nevertheless, you should know that having an Armenian visa on your passport does not ban you from traveling to Azerbaijan (and vice-versa), so you should not worry at all about that, other than getting some standard questioning.&nbsp;<br>However, if there is any evidence that you have traveled to Nagorno-Karabakh, which is only accessible from Armenia, you will be banned from entering Azerbaijan for the rest of your life. Please note that for entering Nagorno-Karabakh you get a different passport stamp but, apparently, nowadays you can ask them to stamp it on a separate piece of paper.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Travel to Azerbaijan by sea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kazakhstan &#8211;<\/strong> You can travel to Azerbaijan by boat over the Caspian Sea from a Kazakh city named Aktau. It takes 24 hours and you need a dose of patience because it departs every few days, randomly. Read my <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/traveling-kazakhstan\/\">35 Useful tips for traveling to Kazakhstan<\/a><\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Turkmenistan &#8211;<\/strong> If you are lucky to be in possession of a Turkmen visa, you can also take the boat from Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-17162 size-full\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/IMG_20181007_094346-1.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/IMG_20181007_094346-1.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/IMG_20181007_094346-1.jpg\" alt=\"how to get to Azerbaijan\" class=\"wp-image-17162\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">During my second visit, I came from Tbilisi by train<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12\">\ud83d\udcbb Internet and connectivity in Azerbaijan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wi-Fi &#8211;<\/strong> It works surprisingly well all over the country.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SIM Card \u2013<\/strong> I recommend Azercell. You can buy a SIM Card in many mobile stores but you should go to the official store of Azercell, as you will be charged the real price. There is a big one in Fountain Square and, for a couple of manats, you get loads of data.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">eSIM for browsing, calling and traveling in Azerbaijan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An eSIM is a regular SIM card with a digital format that works like a normal physical card, with the added benefit that you can buy it online before or during your trip, hence avoiding the hassle of buying it in a local store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.airalo.com\/azerbaijan-esim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Airalo<\/a><\/strong>, you can get an eSIM for a wide range of destinations, including <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.airalo.com\/azerbaijan-esim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Azerbaijan<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get a VPN for traveling in Azerbaijan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Your connection will be much safer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Azerbaijan.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">I recommend <strong>ExpressVPN<\/strong> &#8211; Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/go.expressvpn.com\/c\/2203603\/1481117\/16063?subId1=azerbaijan_travelguide_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#dd3333\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Get a<\/strong> vpn<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\">If you want to learn more about VPN, check: <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/vpn-travel\/\"><strong>Why you need a VPN for traveling<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8\">\ud83d\udcb0 Money in Azerbaijan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Azerbaijan, they use the Azerbaijani manat (ANZ) and, approximately:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>1 USD = 1.85 AZN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ATM and credit cards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Baku, you can use your credit card pretty much anywhere and ATMs abound. However, once you leave the capital, it is better to bring cash with you. You may find some ATMs in smaller towns but you can&#8217;t really pay by card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exchanging money in Azerbiajan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There many exchange offices around the country.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does it cost to travel to Azerbaijan?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Azerbaijan is really cheap. In fact, leaving the fancy Baku aside, this is one of the cheapest countries I have ever been to. These are the costs of the most typical things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Backpacker hostels &#8211;<\/strong> 7 to 15AZN<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Budget guest houses &#8211;<\/strong> 30 to 40AZN<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mid-range hotels &#8211;<\/strong> 60 to 80AZN<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fast food (Doner kebab, sandwich, etc.)<\/strong> \u2013 Around 2AZN<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Local eateries (a meal)<\/strong> \u2013 2 to 5AZN<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mid-Range restaurants (Normally, only available in Baku)<\/strong> \u2013 8 to 15AZN<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Supermarket (beer can)<\/strong> \u2013 0.50 to 1AZN<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Budget bars or happy hour (local draft beer)<\/strong> \u2013 1AZN to 2AZN<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Night bars &nbsp;(local draft beer)<\/strong> \u2013 2 to 5AZN<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Short taxi ride in Baku &#8211; <\/strong>2 to 3AZN<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Metro ride in Baku &#8211;<\/strong> 0.30AZN<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bus from Baku to Quba &#8211; <\/strong>6AZN and the journey takes 3 to 4 hours.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>Backpacking Budget for Azerbaijan<br><\/strong>From 30\u20ac &#8211; 40\u20ac a day<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-17531 size-full\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/xinaliq-azerbaijan-1.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/xinaliq-azerbaijan-1.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/xinaliq-azerbaijan-1.jpg\" alt=\"travel to Azerbaijan safety\" class=\"wp-image-17531\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">In Xinaliq, north Azerbaijan<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9\">\ud83c\udf72 Food &amp; cuisine in Azerbaijan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like its people, the food of Azerbaijan is a real blend of cultures and flavors, with influences from all over the region, from Turkey to Russia, Iran and even Greece.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From plenty of <em>kebabs<\/em> to the <em>tzatziki<\/em> Greek yogurt, Uzbek <em>plov<\/em>, Turkish <em>dolma<\/em>, and Iranian <em>dizi<\/em>, during my journey, I tasted something different every day.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The majority of Azerbaijanis have never left their country, so they will always tell you that those dishes are originally from Azerbaijan and, depending on the way you look at it, they may be right, as all their dishes are local variations on the original dish.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\"><strong>Azerbaijan travel tip &#8211;<\/strong> Baku is definitely more expensive than the rest of the country but, from Monday to Friday, most restaurants have a lunch deal in which, for only 2 or 3\u20ac, you will get a full set menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My favorite dishes of Azerbaijan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Piti &#8211;<\/strong> One of the most typical dishes consists of vegetables, lamb and chickpeas, all cooked in a clay pot and covered by lamb fat. Once served, you smash it like if they were mashed potatoes. You can also find a variation of this dish in Iran called <em>dizi<\/em>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-19329\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/food-of-azerbaijan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/food-of-azerbaijan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/food-of-azerbaijan.jpg\" alt=\"food in Azerbaijan\" class=\"wp-image-19329\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Piti<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Yarpak Xangal &#8211;<\/strong> It consists of layers of pasta, meat, caramelized onion and yogurt. A very heavy dish. In Central Asia, there is a similar thing called <em>beshbarmak<\/em>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-17157 size-full\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/azerbaijani-food.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/azerbaijani-food.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/azerbaijani-food.jpg\" alt=\"Azerbaijani food\" class=\"wp-image-17157\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Yarpak Xangal<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dushbara &#8211;<\/strong> A dumpling soup typical of the northern-western part of the country. You can also find it in Kazakhstan and it is called <em>pelmeni<\/em>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-4604 size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/dushbara-azerbaijan-cuisine-1024x768.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/dushbara-azerbaijan-cuisine-1024x768.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/dushbara-azerbaijan-cuisine-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"food of Azerbaijan\" class=\"wp-image-4604\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\">Dushbara<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drinking alcohol in Azerbaijan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As in other beloved ex-Soviet Muslim country, alcohol is not really <em>haram<\/em> (things which are forbidden in Islam), so beer and vodka are available all over the country, even in small villages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Actually, many caf\u00e9s in rural areas do have a barrel of draft beer but it is really, really bad, as it has little gas and is really badly served.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><strong>Drinking vodka with locals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">If you are lucky, you may be able to drink vodka with some Azerbaijanis but remember that, if you agree to it, you need to finish the whole bottle. When I was in Nakhchivan, I went for dinner with my host&#8217;s family and, when we ordered drinks, his father asked me if I wanted to drink some vodka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-19323\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/IMG_20181012_201710-1-1.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/IMG_20181012_201710-1-1.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/IMG_20181012_201710-1-1.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-19323\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Having some vodka with my host&#8217;s father<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I said OK, thinking that everybody in the table would drink, so we would have 1 or 2 shots per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, apparently, everybody said <em>no<\/em> but me, so his father forced me to drink half of the bottle before even finishing my food. I was the drunkest person in the restaurant and the next day I felt so embarrassed but, fortunately, in Soviet countries, they are used to people being drunk, so everybody just laughed on the day after.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just be aware that, if you aren&#8217;t really into drinking, it is better to say <em>no <\/em>from the very beginning. Otherwise, if you have just one or two shots you will be considered a pussy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Beer snacks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are having beers with Azerbaijani people, you will see that they always need to order something called <em>beer snacks<\/em>, which range from smoked cheese to fried meat balls. If you want to do what the locals do, order them whenever you get a beer in a bar.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-19327 size-full\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/beer-snacks-azerbaijan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/beer-snacks-azerbaijan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/beer-snacks-azerbaijan.jpg\" alt=\"beer snacks Azerbaijan\" class=\"wp-image-19327\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Beer snacks<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10\">\ud83d\udefa Transportation: how to move around Azerbaijan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Moving around Baku<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Metro <\/strong>&#8211; In Baku, there is a pretty cool metro and one single ride costs 0.30AZN. You need, however, to buy a 4AZN metro card first.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Uber &#8211;<\/strong> Get this app to move around Baku by taxi.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on transportation in Baku, read my <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-baku\/\">Baku city guide<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Moving around Azerbaijan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Marshrutka &#8211;<\/strong> Locals move around the country by marshrutkas, which is what public mini-vans are called in the former Soviet Republics. They are really cheap, leave once they are full and they are connected to pretty much any town and city in the country.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Train &#8211;<\/strong> The train goes from Baku to Ganja and then continues <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-tbilisi\/\">until Tbilisi<\/a><\/strong>. However, it doesn&#8217;t follow the main touristic trail, so you will have to rely on marshrutkas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Domestic flights &#8211;<\/strong> I took a domestic flight from Baku to the exclave of Nakhchivan, which is the only way to get there. I flew with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.azal.az\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Azerbaijan Airlines<\/a><\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Car rental &#8211;<\/strong> Traveling around <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetravelersbuddy.com\/2019\/02\/17\/road-trip-azerbaijan-driving-baku-heart-caucasus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Azerbaijan by a rental car<\/a><\/strong> is safe, feasible and effective, especially around Quba, as you will be able to go to places that are a bit hard to reach by public transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-6032 size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/taxi-azerbaijan-1024x768.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/taxi-azerbaijan-1024x768.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/taxi-azerbaijan-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Azerbaijan travel advice\" class=\"wp-image-6032\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">A shared taxi station, somewhere near Quba<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11\">\ud83c\udfe8 Accommodation: where to stay in Azerbaijan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a wide range of accommodation all over the country, from hostels to guesthouses, homestays and regular hotels, including plenty of 5-star hotels in Baku.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In my <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/backpacking-azerbaijan-travel-itinerary\/\">Azerbaijan itinerary<\/a><\/strong>, I recommend several hotels in each city.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-17539 size-full\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/azerbaijan-travel-blog.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/azerbaijan-travel-blog.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/azerbaijan-travel-blog.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-17539\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\">A homestay in Xinaliq<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13\">\u2757 More information for traveling in Azerbaijan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#2b8f2b\">\ud83d\udce2 In my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-resources\/\"><strong>Travel Resources Page<\/strong><\/a> you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">All guides and articles for traveling in Azerbaijan destination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-baku\/\">Baku Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/best-hostels-baku-azerbaijan\/\">Best Hostels in Baku<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/qobustan-petroglyphs-sovietism\/\">Qobustan Petroglyphs and Sovietism<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-azerbaijan\/\">Reasons to Visit Azerbaijan<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/backpacking-azerbaijan-travel-itinerary\/\">Azerbaijan Itinerary<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Travel guides to former Soviet countries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/russia-travel\/\">Russia Travel Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-georgia\/\">Georgia Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-ukraine\/\">Ukraine Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/traveling-tajikistan\/\">Travel Guide to Tajikistan<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-belarus\/\">Belarus Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-moldova-itinerary\/\">Travel Guide to Moldova<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/traveling-to-kyrgyzstan\/\">Travel Guide to Kyrgyzstan<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/uzbekistan-travel-guide\/\">Uzbekistan Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/traveling-kazakhstan\/\">Kazakhstan Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/travel-azerbaijan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/travel-azerbaijan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/travel-azerbaijan.jpg\" alt=\"travel Azerbaijan\" class=\"wp-image-19313\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:500px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Azerbaijan is a weird, fascinating country.&nbsp; Located on the border between Asia and Europe, Azerbaijan has one of those cultures which is particularly difficult to define, as it is a Caucasian country with a large Turkish and Iranian influence, that used to be part of the Soviet Union, so the end result is such a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":17548,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[180,264,164],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6002","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-azerbaijan","category-caucasus","category-travel-guides"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6002","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6002"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6002\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56645,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6002\/revisions\/56645"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17548"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6002"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6002"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6002"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}