Planning a trip to Baku and wondering how to handle your money on arrival? One of the first things to sort out when landing in Azerbaijan’s capital is how to exchange your foreign currency into Azerbaijani manat (AZN) — the official money used throughout the country. Knowing where and how to exchange your cash safely and at favorable rates can save you time and unnecessary costs during your visit.

Azerbaijan’s currency comes in banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 manats, along with smaller coins known as qəpik. Before your trip, it’s a good idea to check the latest exchange rates for US dollars (USD), euros (EUR) and Russian rubles (RUB). This background knowledge will help you decide when and where to trade your currency.

Safe and Reliable Options for Exchanging Money

In Baku, travellers generally have three main ways to convert their cash into manat.

Banks are considered one of the most secure places to exchange money. Most bank branches in the city operate on weekdays, typically from around 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and some in central areas may also open on weekends. Major banks such as Kapital Bank, Pasha Bank, International Bank of Azerbaijan and Bank Respublika offer official exchange services and provide receipts for your transaction, which can be useful for record-keeping.

Currency exchange bureaus are widespread throughout downtown Baku, especially near busy tourist zones like Fountain Square, Nizami Street and Baku Boulevard. You’ll also find exchange points in many shopping centers and near transport hubs. These bureaus often stay open longer than banks, and some even operate 24/7, offering greater convenience — though the rates may sometimes be less favorable than in official bank offices.

Airport exchange points are convenient if you need to get local cash immediately after arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. However, keep in mind that airport rates are generally the least competitive, so it’s usually wise to exchange only a small amount there for immediate expenses like taxis or refreshments, and then do the bulk of your currency exchange in the city center.

Tips for Tourists
Cash still plays an important role in Azerbaijan, especially outside major hotels and big stores, even though card payments have become more widely accepted in Baku’s restaurants, shops, services and taxis. It’s useful to carry some manat with you, particularly if you plan to visit smaller towns or local markets.
Rates can fluctuate, so monitoring current exchange values before trading your money will help you get better value. Also make sure to exchange money only at established banks or officially licensed bureaus, and avoid informal street exchanges to stay safe and ensure the authenticity of banknotes.
In general, the most favorable and secure exchange conditions are found at large banks and reputable exchange offices around the city center, especially on well-known streets like Nizami.
Exchanging currency in Baku is straightforward when you know where to look, allowing you to focus on enjoying the city’s rich culture, historic sites and modern attractions without worrying about your money.
Categories: Travel Tips