Language: Azerbaijani, or Azeri, is the official language. Turkish and Russian are widely spoken; few people speak English.
Currency: The official currency is the new Manat (AZN), which is divided into 100 qapik. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside of large hotels and restaurants in
Baku, and travelers cheques are not easily accepted; travelers are therefore advised to carry cash, preferably in Euro, Sterling or US dollars. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and official exchange bureaux, but visitors are advised to keep all receipts until departure from
Azerbaijan. ATMs can be found in most major cities and towns.
Time: Local time is GMT +4 (GMT +5 in summer).
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin attachment plugs and 'Schuko' plugs are in use.
Communications: The international dialing code for Azerbaijan is +994. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the
UK). Area codes are in use e.g. 12 for Baku. There are few telephone lines outside of the main cities, and international calls usually require the use of the operator, many of whom do not speak English. It is possible to make international calls from public phones, which require a card; local phones use tokens. GSM coverage is basic and includes the area around Baku as well as some other cities. Roaming charges are high and it is best to buy a local SIM card. Internet cafes ('klubs') are available in Baku.
Duty Free: Travelers older than 16 may bring 1,000 cigarettes, 2 liters of wine and 1.5 liters of other alcohol, and perfume for personal use without paying customs duty. An export certificate is required to take carpets or anything else considered antique out of Azerbaijan.
Tourist OfficeMinistry of Culture and Tourism, Baku: +994 (12) 492 8713 or www.azerbaijan.tourism.az
EmergencyEmergencies in Baku: 02 (Police); 03 (Ambulance).
Embassies
Azerbaijan Embassy,
Washington DC,
United States: +1 202 337 3500.
Azerbaijan Embassy,
London, United Kingdom (also responsible for
Ireland): +44 (0)20 7938 5482/3412.
Azerbaijan Embassy,
Ottawa,
Canada: +1 613 288 0497.
United States Embassy, Baku: +994 (12) 498 0335/6/7.
British Embassy, Baku: +994 (12) 497 5188/89/90.
Canadian Embassy,
Ankara,
Turkey (also responsible for Azerbaijan): +90 (0)312 409 2700.
Australian Embassy, Ankara, Turkey (also responsible for Azerbaijan): +90 (0)312 459 9500.
South
African Embassy, Ankara, Turkey (also responsible for Azerbaijan): +90 (0)312 446 4056.
Irish Embassy, Ankara, Turkey (also responsible for Azerbaijan): +90 (0)312 446 6172.
