Azerbaijan — Shopping
Shopping
If visitors are intent on acquiring an Azeri carpet, they are advised to visit the carpet-weaving center at Nardaran. Locally produced silk, ceramics and other craftwork is also sold at the Sharg Bazary (a modern, covered market) in Baku. Prices here are likely to be negotiable. Any carpet or other artifact made before 1960 is subject to an export tax and must be certified for export by the Ministry of Culture. Items purchased at official art salons or tourist shops will already be duly certified. This is not true of goods sold at markets or by private individuals.
Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-2000.
Currency
Azeri New Manat (AZN)= 100 gopik. Notes are in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 AZN. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1 gopik.
Currency Exchange
US Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Euros are the preferred currencies and can be exchanged at the airport, bureau de change, all hotels, some restaurants and major banks. However, many local hotels, bureau de change and restaurants will not accept dollar bills dated before 1992 or those which are torn or in any way disfigured. Travelers are advised to take banknotes in small denominations and change small amounts of money as required. Rates offered by banks and bureau de change are unlikely to vary significantly.
Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs
Some major credit cards are accepted in Baku, at large hotels, restaurants and banks. However, generally, Azerbaijan is a cash-only economy. Credit cards can be used to purchase tickets at the airport.
Travelers Checks
Not generally accepted.
Currency Restrictions
The import and export of local currency for non-residents is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited but must be declared upon arrival. The export of foreign currency is limited to US$10,000 or equivalent.
Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 0930-1730.
Exchange Rate
| 1.00 GBP = 1.26 AZN |
| 1.00 USD = 0.78 AZN |
| 1.00 EUR = 1.11 AZN |
| Currency conversion rates as of 19 July 2011 |
