Baku, being the largest city in Caucasus region and the capital of Azerbaijan also has the largest population of 2,181,800 people (23% of the whole state population). Recently, with its skyscrapers and hi-tech buildings Baku has become “Dubai of Caucasus”.
Geography
Baku is located on the left coast of the Caspian Sea. The region where the city is located is Absheron, which is the peninsula that you see in the map.
Absheron Peninsula
Currency
The national currency is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN). One manat = 100 gepiks (kopecks). Banknotes have face-values of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 manats; metal coins have face-values of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20 and 50 kopecks. Foreign currency, including traveller’s cheques can be exchanged for Azerbaijan manats in all banks. In addition, official exchange offices are located throughout the country.
Rate for today:
- 1 USD = [currencyr amount=1 from=usd to=azn]
- 1 EUR = [currencyr amount=1 from=eur to=azn]
- 1 GBP = [currencyr amount=1 from=gbp to=azn]
- 1 RUB = [currencyr amount=1 from=rub to=azn]
Climate
Baku is a warm (subtropical semi-arid) city and the winter season is not frosty for most of the time (average: 4C). Summer season is very hot here and can get above 40C.
Visa procedure
To get acquainted with the visa procedure and e-visa requirements, please follow this link.
Languages
Azerbaijani is the official language of the country. It may sound like Turkish, as both Turkish and Azerbaijani are from the same Turkic language family. However there are enough differences between Azerbaijani and Turkish languages. Russian is the most widely used second language among locals. That’s because Azerbaijan has been one of Soviet Socialist Republics. English stands in the third place and is more popular among youngsters.
Cost of Living
Baku has recently became some kind of ‘Dubai of Caucasus’ with its skyscrapers and modern design. The economical growth is also an indicator of its development. That’s why Baku is the most expensive city in Caucasus, compared to Tbilisi or Yerevan.
Here are some prices for your information:
- House rent in the city center: 700 – 1200 AZN/month or 20-30 AZN/day.
- House rent in the suburbs: 200 – 400 AZN/month
- Petrol (per liter): AI-92: 0.70 AZN; AI-95: 0.93 AZN; AI-98: 1.03 AZN; Diesel: 0.60 AZN
- Average price for breakfast: 5 – 8 AZN
- Dinner: 5 – 15 AZN
- Beer: Khirdalan, NZS (local beer) – 1 AZN or 2 AZN in big pubs, Tuborg – 2 AZN, Efes – 3 AZN, Heinken – 4–5 AZN, Guinness – 6 AZN
- Taxi (violet London cabs): first 10 km – 0.70 AZN, second 10 km – 0.40 AZN, third 10 km – 0.20 AZN
For more of the prices click here. Prices for food and beverages can differ depending on the place. However the prices indicated here will coincide with real prices in most frequent cases.
Also visit our FAQ section, where you can find some important and relevant information for your trip as well as ask your question by dropping an email to us.
