Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccines are essential for Azerbaijan. These include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, chickenpox, polio, and your yearly flu shot.
Consider Hepatitis A and B vaccines since these diseases can be contracted through food, water, and contact with infected persons.
Typhoid is recommended if you’re planning to eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels.
Rabies vaccination is optional but advised if you anticipate close contact with animals, especially in rural areas.
Ensure your travel insurance covers healthcare abroad. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Azerbaijan, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for AzerbaijanCulture & Customs
Respecting Azerbaijan’s cultural customs is key. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas—cover shoulders and knees. Always remove shoes before entering a home. Use your right hand for handshakes and passing items.
Avoid discussing politics or conflicts. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. LGBTQ+ travelers should be discreet, as attitudes can be conservative. Women might experience some gender-specific norms; being assertive and confident usually helps.
When offered tea or food, accept graciously; refusing can be seen as rude. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—rounding up is common.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Azerbaijan.
- Plov: This is Azerbaijan’s take on pilaf, a flavorful rice dish often infused with saffron and cooked with various ingredients like meat, vegetables, and dried fruits. It’s a staple at celebrations and reflects the country’s love for aromatic spices.
- Dolma: Grape leaves or cabbage leaves stuffed with a mix of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat. Dolma is a testament to Azerbaijani hospitality and is often shared among family and friends during gatherings.
- Lavangi: A unique dish hailing from the southern regions, typically made with chicken or fish stuffed with a mixture of walnuts, onions, and plums, then baked. It’s popular for its rich, nutty flavor.
- Dushbara: Tiny dumplings filled with minced meat, served in a clear broth. They’re a comforting dish, especially in colder months, and showcase the local love for hearty soups.
- Qutab: Thinly rolled dough filled with various ingredients like cheese, greens, potatoes, or meat, then folded and cooked on a griddle. It’s a popular street food and reflects the versatility of Azerbaijani cuisine.
Locals often drink tap water in Azerbaijan, especially in big cities like Baku, but it’s not always recommended for tourists due to varying water quality. It’s best to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any risk of stomach issues. If you’re staying long-term, consider using a portable water filter.
The main language in Azerbaijan is
Azerbaijani. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Azerbaijani skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Azerbaijan includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Azerbaijan,
English proficiency varies widely depending on the region and the demographic. In urban areas like Baku, particularly among younger people and those in the tourism and hospitality sectors, English is more commonly spoken. Many hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions have staff who can communicate effectively in English.
However, in rural areas, English may be less prevalent, and you might encounter more people who speak Azerbaijani or Russian instead. While younger generations are increasingly learning English in schools, older individuals may not have had the same opportunities to learn the language.
Overall, travelers will find that English is sufficient for basic communication in major cities and tourist spots, but learning a few phrases in Azerbaijani can enhance the experience and help bridge any language gaps. Having a translation app or phrasebook can also be beneficial in less touristy areas.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Azerbaijan is AZN (₼).
Azerbaijan isn’t too tricky money-wise, but there are a few things to keep in mind. ATMs are pretty common in Baku and other major cities, but if you’re headed to rural areas, grab enough cash before you leave. The local currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN), and while dollars and euros are sometimes accepted in bigger hotels or touristy spots, it’s not the norm. Carrying a bit of cash is wise, especially for small purchases or in less urban areas.
Credit cards are widely accepted in the cities, but don’t count on them in smaller towns or local markets. Visa and MasterCard are your best bets. For currency exchange, stick to banks or official exchange offices for decent rates, and avoid exchanging money with street vendors to steer clear of scams. It’s always smart to have a few small bills for public transport or street food. Oh, and keep an eye on your receipts; sometimes they’ll be needed to exchange money back when you leave the country.
Tipping in Azerbaijan isn’t mandatory but is appreciated, especially in restaurants where leaving around 5-10% is common. In taxis, rounding up the fare is a nice gesture, while hotel staff usually appreciate a small tip for good service. Always check your bill, as some upscale places might include a service charge.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.