Preparing your trip to Baku: advices & hints - things to do and to obey

1. It is better to pay with the national currency in local restaurants, shopping centers, and markets. Some shops may accept US dollars, but sellers will probably refuse banknotes issued before 1992, as well as old notes. When heading to a market, it is better to stock up on paper money in small denominations.

2. Banks are the best place to exchange money. As a rule, the exchange rate is almost the same in different banks. In no circumstances should tourists exchange money using the services of private individuals.

3. Some sellers use special slang words to define banknote nominal, rather than sticking to digits that tourists understand. For example, the 10 thousand manat banknote has the Palace of the Shirvanshahs displayed on it. Because of that, many locals simply call it “shirvan”.

4. There are always many policemen on the streets of the city who keep an eye on the order in Baku. When preparing for a stroll or an excursion, it is recommended to take a copy of your identity or a hotel card as that will be helpful in case of any misunderstanding or a problem.

5. Tourists are not recommended to appear on the streets of Baku drunk or wearing too extravagant outfits. This can cause misunderstanding among local people and might even result in a fine. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

6. Don’t forget to leave tips in local restaurants. A tip of 10% of the total is enough. In some restaurants and open-air cafes, visitors can give tips in advance as that will help to get food significantly faster.

7. Tourists, who plan to use taxi services, are recommended to discuss the price in advance. As a rule, taxi drivers accept payment in the national currency only.

Authentic traditions, festivals and lifestyle of Baku inhabitants

Despite the fact that Baku is a modern and rapidly developing city, local people treat their traditions and Islamic rules with great respect. Tourists are also recommended to respect the …

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8. Don’t forget to bargain on local markets and in souvenir shops. Quite often, bargaining helps to reduce the price significantly.

9. Line voltage ranges from 220V to 240V, so it is important to check all electrical appliances that you plan to take in advance. Almost all hotels have modern European standard sockets.

10. Local people are very hospitable and friendly, so foreigners should not refuse an invitation to visit their home and have a cup of tea. Hospitable hosts in some shops can also offer food or drinks to visitors. In this case, it is recommended to thank the host and buy a memorable souvenir from him or her.

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Baku - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

What to visit being in Baku - unique sights

Baku

From the series “The Last City-Fortresses Survived to This Day”

Check on the map: Baku on map

Distance from Baku center - 5 km.

The Azerbaijan’s capital has a very rich cultural life. During the whole year you can see a lot of various festivals. City museums work for the whole year. One of the most unusual museums is the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum. There you will see the unique carpets, made in the 17th century by the best masters. In a daytime you can walk around the historical Baku’s streets and in the evening, you have to visit its lively modern districts. At night the city is decorated with a marvelous illumination. … Read further

Sumgait

From the series “Top 14 Most Polluted Cities of the Planet”

Check on the map: Sumgait on map

Distance from Baku center - 29.9 km.

The townspeople and the industrial representatives are extremely curious about the statements about the bad influence of the farms on ecology. The city dwellers do not want to believe that their city is facing the huge ecological disaster and reject any reports from the ecologists. Over the last decade, a series of events have been held in the city to promote environmental support. But they can not be compared with the extent of the industrial development sumgaits. … Read further

City tours, excursions and tickets in Baku and surroundings

Azerbaijan: travelling advices

11. Local exchange offices can refuse to exchange worn out and torn banknotes. The same rule applies to old dollars issued before 1992.
12. Bank cards are widely used in the capital, but there can be problems with card payments in provincial cities and small settlements.
13. When visiting mosques and other religious landmarks, tourists shouldn’t wear shorts and clothing with open shoulders.
14. Standard European sockets are adopted in Azerbaijan. Check the electrical appliances that you plan to take beforehand and buy adapters if necessary. … Open

Preparing your trip to Baku: advices & hints - things to do and to obey

What to visit being in Baku - unique sights

Baku

Sumgait

City tours, excursions and tickets in Baku and surroundings

Azerbaijan: travelling advices

Photos of Baku

Services search (pharmacy, police, parking, banks) on Baku map

Tips for the cities around Baku