Azerbaijan : Safety by City
Azerbaijan is located in the Caucasus region.
It recently started being favored by the tourists as the new location worth visiting, so the number of people visiting this interesting country tripled over the last ten years.
It borders with Turkey, Russia, Iran, Georgia, and Armenia and you will see an incredible mix of cultures.
Even though the majority of people are Muslims and you can often be greeted by salam, alcohol is widely present.
With a rich history and numerous things to see, it is a real treat to the senses – there are volcanoes, rock paintings, as well as the urban areas.
Warnings & Dangers in Azerbaijan
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
Tourists should be careful when asked for bribe since it is widely spread. Corruption is everywhere, but the locals usually try to hide it from the tourists. Be alert if the police approach you because criminals often dress as police officers and may demand that you pay a fine.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
Public transport in Azerbajain is not very well organized and bus drivers may often be careless. Obeying driving rules is not something you will see here. Taxi drivers may try to scam you and take more money from you, so it's best to be careful about the taxies you pick.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : LOW
Pickpocketing rarely occurs in Azerbaijan because the punishments for the thieves are severe. However, it can occur in busy areas such as markets or the metro. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, but be more careful in crowded places.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
Azerbaijan is susceptible to man-made disasters, seasonal landslides, and floods, as well as earthquakes. The government is doing everything possible to reduce the risk and possible damage. Education can go a long way, so there are continuous efforts in this area.
MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM
Mugging risk is not very high in Azerbaijan, but it can occur. Be particularly careful around bars where drunken people may be. Try not to flash your money or other pricey possessions in large crowds. Lay low and there should be no problems.
TERRORISM RISK : MEDIUM
Terrorism risk is on the rise globally and there is a certain risk of terrorist attacks in Azerbaijan as well. The attacks may be directed towards the civilians, especially the places visited by the foreigners, so some caution is certainly advised.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
Scams can occur in bars and nightclubs in Baku. Make sure not to accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave it unattended. These are the occasions when locals might add drugs to it to try to scam the tourists.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM
Women should avoid traveling alone to Azerbajain. If you must, then be careful and stay in the hotel after 9 pm. Don't wander the remote streets at night. Do not expose yourself to possible scams by accepting invitations from unknown people.
How Safe Is Azerbaijan for Tourists?
Visiting Azerbaijan is pretty safe for tourists.
However, certain areas may be riskier than others.
The people are friendly and nice, but like everywhere else, you can encounter various people.
Tourists, in general, have a very positive experience when visiting Azerbaijan and they want to stay longer, but it is still important to keep in mind what to do and what to avoid.
Visiting tourist areas might carry a certain risk since crowded places are targets for thieves.
It is easier to pickpocket when people are distracted.
Don’t leave your things unattended and avoid showing off expensive items.
Medical services in Baku are good, but there are many rural areas in Azerbaijan where the medical system looks archaic especially if you come from a well developed and rich country.
There is a risk of malaria in some areas, so some caution is advised.
Pay special attention to the food you consume, it must be well cooked, particularly eggs and chicken meat.
Drivers often ignore pedestrians and there are many holes reported which can cause you to fall if you are not careful.
The good news is that there is no tolerance for drunken drivers, but there is a lot of speeding and ignoring the basic driving rules.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Azerbaijan?
U.S. citizens do require a visa to be able to enter Azerbaijan.
Only citizens of ten countries in the world can visit Azerbaijan without a visa.
If you are not sure about your status, make sure to check it before making further arrangements.
Which Currency Is Used in Azerbaijan?
The official currency is Azerbaijani manat.
The symbol is ₼.
One U.S. dollar equals 1,70 Azerbaijani Manat.
Make sure you exchange your money before you go to Azerbaijan, so you have it ready since they don’t accept other currencies.
How's the Weather like in Azerbaijan?
There are three main climates in Azerbaijan: the first one is in the mountainous area, the second one is widespread on the south and the third one along the coastline of the Caspian sea.
The temperatures vary widely.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Azerbaijan?
There are eleven airports in Azerbaijan.
The biggest one is the Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport.
It is located 20 kilometers away from Baku.
It serves almost 4,5 million passengers a year.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
For now, travel insurance is voluntary, even though there are some plans to make it mandatory.
However, it is better to have one and include things like medical expenses and the coverage for theft.
What Are Some Things to Do in Azerbaijan?
When you visit Azerbaijan, you must go and see Yanar Dağ – the burning mountain.
Museums in Baku show the tradition of weaving carpets.
When you wish to enjoy the sunny day, head to the beach.
Is the Water in Azerbaijan Safe to Drink?
Tap water is drinkable in most areas, but the tourists are advised to use bottled water which is available everywhere.
If you are out of the bottled water, you can also filter it or boil it to make sure it’s clean.
Is Uber Safe in Azerbaijan?
Uber is, for now, available only in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
The prices are affordable and it is popular among the tourists.
The service is safe and cars are comfortable and clean.
