Before you visit Azerbaijan
1Is Azerbaijan a safe country?
Azerbaijan is a very safe country and has recently entered the top 20 of the safest countries in the world for its very low crime rate. It’s a country where you felt super safe and welcomed all the time. There is a low probability of getting robbed in Azerbaijan but we do suggest to always be careful of pickpockets especially in big cities such as Baku.
If you go hiking in the mountains always make sure to bring proper equipment, and preferably, don’t go alone. The mountain regions are not densely populated, there are wild animals and you could easily get lost.
2Is travel insurance required for Azerbaijan?
Insurance is not required to enter Azerbaijan.
3Languages in Azerbaijan
The main language in Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani. But, Russian is ubiquitously spoken in Baku and you can get by with English pretty easily too. The language I heard most often spoken, however, was Russian. Azerbaijani is extremely similar to Turkish, so if you have traveled to Turkiye or know any amount of Turkish, you may find it easier to read and speak than Russian. It is useful to know a little Azerbaijani or Russian if you plan to visit Baku.
4Before you visit Azerbaijan
In Baku (capital city) it is allowed in most places, except places of religious purposes, such as mosques. In fact you can buy alcoholic drinks nearly in all supermarkets and order such drinks in most restaurants and in all pubs/clubs. There might be a few eating places that won’t offer alcoholic drinks during Ramadan. Also, there are some villages with strong religious believers living in, where alcohol is not welcomed. Other than that one can buy an alcoholic drinks in most towns/villages of Azerbaijan.
5Can you drink alcohol in Azerbaijan?
In Baku (capital city) it is allowed in most places, except places of religious purposes, such as mosques. In fact you can buy alcoholic drinks nearly in all supermarkets and order such drinks in most restaurants and in all pubs/clubs. There might be a few eating places that won’t offer alcoholic drinks during Ramadan. Also, there are some villages with strong religious believers living in, where alcohol is not welcomed. Other than that one can buy an alcoholic drinks in most towns/villages of Azerbaijan.
6Climate
The dry subtropical climate of central and eastern Azerbaijan is characterized by a mild winter and a long (four to five months) and very hot summer, with temperatures averaging about 81° F (27° C) and maximum temperatures reaching 109° F (43° C).
Southeastern Azerbaijan is characterized by a humid subtropical climate with the highest precipitation in the country, some 47 to 55 inches (1,200 to 1,400 millimetres) a year, most of it falling in the cold months.
A dry continental climate, with a cold winter and a dry, hot summer, prevails in Naxçıvan at altitudes of 2,300 to 3,300 feet. Moderately warm, dry, or humid types of climate are to be found in other parts of Azerbaijan. The mountain forest zone has a moderately cold climate, while an upland tundra climate characterizes elevations of 10,000 feet and above. Frosts and heavy snowfalls make the passes at such altitudes inaccessible for three or four months of the year.
7Health and welfare
Azerbaijan has a well-established health service with some specialized clinics and medical research institutes. Medical services, provided free to patients, are supported by general taxation on individual workers and by taxes on income of factories and other firms.
If you have any other questions about Azerbaijan you can find answers here:
Azerbaijan Travel Advisor
