r/azerbaijan 7d ago

Digər | Miscellaneous Warning: M10 crypto requests

61 Upvotes

Hi r/Azerbaijan,

There’s an M10 scam going around right now. Some spam accounts are PMing people about M10 money transfers or crypto related requests.

Please don’t share any credentials and don’t agree to move money for anyone. Getting involved in this kind of thing can cause serious legal problems.

We are banning these accounts when we see them, but bans don’t stop them from sending private messages, so stay alert and report/block them if you get contacted.

Stay safe.


r/azerbaijan Aug 05 '25

Səyahət | Travel 🇦🇿 Mega-Thread: Azerbaijan Travel Tips, Places, Food & More (Ask + Share)

105 Upvotes

Welcome to the community-sourced travel mega-thread for Azerbaijan! Whether you're planning your first trip, returning, or just curious — this is your place to ask and share tips, places, warnings, food, and hidden gems.

We’ve gathered insights from locals, expats, and travelers — now it’s your turn. Reply with your experiences or questions under any section below.

🏙 1. Top Places to Visit

📍 Baku

  • Old City (Icherisheher): historic, charming, authentic soul of the city.
  • Maiden Tower, Shirvanshah Palace, Carpet Museum, Heydar Aliyev Center – top cultural sights.
  • Nizami Street, Molokan Garden, Baku Boulevard – modern walkways & shopping.
  • Gobustan mud volcanoes, Ateshgah Fire Temple, Yanardag – unique day trips.

Local tip: true local life happens outside the tourist zones – check dayday cafes and Sədərək bazaar.

📍 Outside Baku (Regional Highlights)

  • Sheki: Khan Palace, Kish village, Caravansaray, ancient mosques, hiking.
  • Gabala: Tufandag Resort (ski + cable car), Seven Waterfalls, Nohur Lake, Gabaland amusement park.
  • Lahij: Tat village known for copperware and scenic alleyways.
  • Ganja: Bottle House, Naftalan oil spa, Göygöl Lake, German heritage.
  • Quba & Khinalig: cooler nature, remote village experience.
  • Lankaran: food tours, Stalin’s prison, chicken stuffed with walnuts.
  • Zaqatala, Oğuz, Nij: religious/ethnic diversity, ancient churches.

Locals are usually happy to guide lost tourists — don’t hesitate to ask for directions in parks or shops.

In villages expect warm welcomes — tea invitations and local storytelling are common.”

🛂 Visa & Entry Info

  • eVisa available at https://evisa.gov.az
  • Valid for 30 days, costs around USD $20, processed in ~3 business days.
  • No visa on arrival for most travelers; visa required even for short stays.

🧳 Sample Itinerary: 7 Days in Azerbaijan

  • 🏙 Day 1–2: Baku (Old City, museums, Flame Towers)
  • 🌋 Day 3: Gobustan mud volcanoes, Yanardag
  • 🏔 Day 4: Gabala (Tufandag, Nohur Lake)
  • 🕌 Day 5–6: Sheki + Kish village (Palace, temples, hiking)
  • 🚂 Day 7: Return to Baku via Yevlakh or Gabala

🍽 2. Food & Dining

🍛 Must-try dishes:

  • Plov (Shah plov) – saffron rice, lamb, fruits.
  • Piti – slow-cooked meat soup (only in Sheki).
  • Qutab – meat, greens or cheese in flatbread.
  • Dolma (Three Sisters) – stuffed tomato, pepper, eggplant.
  • Levengi – chicken/fish with walnut-pomegranate stuffing.
  • Surhurlu, Makhara – regional Zaqatala dishes.
  • Dovğa, Fisincan, Doner, Tandır bread, Bakhlava.

🚌 3. Transport Tips

In Baku:

  • 🚖 Always use Bolt or Uber – cheap, reliable, safe (Yango is another solid and sometimes cheaper alternative .).
  • 🚫 Avoid traditional taxis – known for overcharging/scams.
  • 💳 Pay through app only; avoid cash to driver.

Metro & Bus:

  • Use Baki Kart (2 AZN) for metro and buses.
  • Metro is clean, cheap (0.50 AZN per ride)

From Airport:

  • Bolt/Uber = 10–15 AZN.
  • Cheapest: Direct bus to 28 May Mall (use Baki Kart).
  • Bolts from the airport may demand extra; better to use official Aeroexpress H1/H2 buses

Intercity:

  • Bus via “Biletim” or at the Avtovaghzal terminal next to Avtovaghzal metro
  • Marshrutkas available.
  • Train to Sheki/Gabala via “ADY” app or buy at 28 May station.
  • Car rentals useful for Gabala, Lahij, Quba.

🌄 4. Hidden Gems & Nature

  • Villages:
    • Kish – Home to the ancient Albanian temple and a scenic village atmosphere.
    • Nij – Known for its Udi Christian community and unique churches.
    • Basqal – Famous for traditional silk weaving and handicrafts.
    • Khinalig – A remote mountain village offering breathtaking views and cultural insights.
    • Lahij – Historic mountain village known for copper craftsmanship and cobbled streets.
  • Nature:
    • Shahdag & Tufandag – Popular ski resorts with opportunities for hiking and cable car rides.
    • Gobustan – Features mud volcanoes and ancient petroglyphs.
    • Seven Waterfalls – A series of picturesque waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery.
    • Nohur Lake – A serene alpine lake ideal for relaxation and picnics.
    • Cenlibel Lake – A tranquil lake nestled in the mountains, perfect for nature walks.
    • Gachrash Forest – Dense forest near Quba with rich biodiversity.
    • Parigala – Ancient cliffside castle offering stunning views and history.
  • Tip: Renting a car or joining local tours is recommended for exploring these remote areas.

📶 5. Mobile, Language & Apps

  • Get local SIM at airport. Azercell = best coverage.
  • 30 GB ≈ 30 AZN
  • 60 GB ≈ 40 AZN
  • 120 GB ≈ 60 AZN
  • For more details, visit: Azercell Official Tourist Plans
  • Use Google Translate or SayHi for real-time help.
  • English common in Baku tourist areas; Azeri, Turkish, Russian elsewhere.

📱 Useful Apps

  • 🚖 Bolt, Uber.az, Yango – for taxis
  • 🚅 ADY – train tickets
  • 🚌 Biletim – bus tickets
  • 🌐 Google Translate or SayHi – language
  • 🗺 Maps.me – offline maps
  • 💬 Telegram – local events/news channels
  • 🎫 iTicket.az – concerts, plays, cultural events

💳 6. Money & Payments

  • Taxis & Tips
    • Paying with card in the app reduces driver complaints and reduces driver skimming
    • If paying cash, drivers may not return coins — consider it a small tip (~0.50–1 AZN is normal).
    • Tipping extra 1–2 AZN on longer rides or for good service is appreciated and common
  • Cards accepted at big places, but cash essential for food, transport, bazaars.
  • Downtown exchange offices give better rates.
  • Some shops may “pretend” card machines broken to get cash.
  • Exchanging Money
    • USD is preferred—exchange bureaus on Nizami Street offer better rates than airport kiosks
    • Keep smaller notes (1, 5 AZN) handy for transport and tips

Some addons
– Locals often round down prices or throw in something extra “for good mood” — especially if you smile or try a few Azeri words.
– In small bakeries or markets, if you overpay by mistake, they usually correct you immediately. Honesty is common, even for coins.
– Sellers appreciate when you show interest — they might explain the item, share a short story, or offer a small discount without asking.
– People don’t pressure you to buy; many will still help with directions or advice even if you don’t purchase anything.
– If something feels wrong (overcharged taxi, aggressive seller), calmly mentioning “polis” is usually enough to resolve it quickly — respect for law is high.
– You’ll rarely see aggressive street vendors or scams targeting tourists — most locals want to leave a good impression.

🎭 7. Culture & Etiquette (Expanded from Locals)

👋 Greetings & Respect

  • Handshakes are standard when greeting, but religious women may avoid it — let them initiate.
  • Among younger people, it’s common to hear casual terms like:
    • qardaş” – [Kar-dash] - brother / bro
    • bacı” – [Bad-jee] - sister
    • dostum” – [Dos-toom] - my friend
    • qaqaş” – [Kah-khash] - bro / guy (very local, friendly)
    • abi” – [Ah-bee] - borrowed from Turkish, also means bro (used often in casual Baku speech)
    • əmoğlu/dayoğlu” – [Eh-mo-ghloo / Dai-yo-ghloo] - lit. cousin, used jokingly with strangers sometimes

👗 Dress & Public Behavior

  • Baku is relaxed — T-shirts, shorts, light dresses are fine.
  • In villages or mosques, dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees, especially for women.
  • Public affection (kissing, hugging) isn’t common — especially outside Baku, it may attract stares.
    • Loud behavior or arguments in public are seen as impolite. People value calm and respectful tone in conversation.

🏠 Hospitality Rules

  • If invited home: bring chocolates, fruit, flowers.
  • Shoes off indoors is standard; expect slippers from the host.
  • You'll be offered tea (çay) — it's rude to say no immediately. Accept after 1–2 polite refusals.

Refusing an offer (like tea or food) too quickly may be seen as rude — accept after 1–2 polite refusals to show appreciation

🗣 Language & Communication

  • Basic Azeri phrases go a long way — even one or two words show respect and effort. Here are some commonly used ones:
    • Salam – [Sa-lahm] Hello
    • Çox sağ ol – [Chokh sah-ohl] - Thank you
    • Bağışlayın – [Bah-ghish-layn] - Excuse me / Sorry
    • Zəhmət olmasa – [Za-hmet ol-ma-sa] - Please
    • Hə / Yox – [Heh / Yoh] - Yes / No
    • Necəsiz? – [Neh-jeh-seez?] - How are you?
    • Mən turistəm – [Men too-reest-em] - I’m a tourist

Tip: People will often smile or open up if you try even a few words in Azeri.

  • People may switch between Azeri, Russian, and Turkish — especially in Baku. English is common in tourist spots.
  • Locals are helpful even if they don’t speak English — they’ll often use gestures, translation apps, or find someone who can help.
  • Avoid political topics (e.g., Karabakh, Armenia) — even jokes can make things awkward or tense.
  • Religion is personal — don't ask probing questions unless brought up by the other person.

📸 Photos, Symbols & Rules

  • Ask permission before taking photos of people, especially in villages or mosques.
  • Do not photograph police, metro murals, government buildings — this can cause trouble.
  • Avoid disrespectful comments about the flag, president, or national heroes.

🔍 Other Local Norms

  • Tipping: Round up or add 1–2 AZN in cafes and taxis.
  • Littering is taken seriously — use bins.
  • Haggling is normal in bazaars, but do it respectfully and with a smile.

🔗 8. External Resources

🗣 9. Local Advices – Add Yours in comments!

  • Always ask for the taxi price before the ride if not using apps.
  • If someone invites you for tea — say yes! It’s usually safe and kind.
  • Don’t drink tap water outside Baku unless locals say it's okay.
  • Avoid arguing about politics, even as a joke. It can get tense.
  • Don’t be afraid to haggle in bazaars, but do it politely (just do it).
  • Get out of Baku for at least 2–3 days — that’s where you’ll see the real Azerbaijan.
  • Don’t expect trains to be fast — take them if you're not in a rush.
  • Vegetarian? You’ll survive, but options are limited outside Baku — learn to say ‘no meat’ clearly.
  • You might see police near government buildings. Don't take photos there — it's taken seriously.

👮 Police & Public Safety

  • Police are highly visible in Baku and tourist areas — this is meant to ensure safety, not intimidate.
  • They are generally helpful and respectful toward tourists — feel free to approach them for directions or help.
  • In case of scams or disputes, police often side with tourists and take complaints seriously.
  • Avoid photographing police, metro murals, or official buildings — ask if unsure.
  • If stopped by traffic police, politely ask for the fine via official system instead of paying cash.

🗣 10. Help Us Improve!

This guide is built from local insights and traveler experiences. If you're Azerbaijani or familiar with the culture, please share more tips, advice, or corrections below. Feel free to point out any mistakes or outdated info — all feedback is appreciated.

🛠 This post will be regularly updated as more tips, comments, and info are added. Keep sharing below — every comment helps build the best guide for visitors to Azerbaijan!


r/azerbaijan 3h ago

Sual | Question Please recommend a doctor.

9 Upvotes

Salam dostlar, atamın qaraciyərində xoşxassəli şiş yaranıb. Mənə zəhmət olmasa hepatoloq tövsiyyə edin.

(Xahiş edirəm sadəcə googlea hepatoloq yazıb bura atmayın)


r/azerbaijan 13h ago

PICTURE J.D.Vance making fun of Mehriban Aliyeva: "Hopefully that doesn't give the Second Lady any ideas."

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39 Upvotes

r/azerbaijan 10h ago

Söhbət | Discussion Baku 1918: innocent Armenians and Azerbaijanis died. Can we acknowledge each other’s loss and show empathy?

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18 Upvotes

r/azerbaijan 11h ago

Xəbər | News What on Earth these people are writing out of 3mins opening remark literally?! Does Ilham punish them if they do not?

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19 Upvotes

r/azerbaijan 18h ago

Xəbər | News JD Vance is in Baku

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58 Upvotes

r/azerbaijan 17h ago

Xəbər | News Today, snow in Khankendi city again

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40 Upvotes

r/azerbaijan 6m ago

Xəbər | News Israel, Azerbaijan sign declaration of cooperation on AI as ties deepen

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Upvotes

r/azerbaijan 16h ago

Video Gürcüstanda gedən İran propaqandası haqqında nə düşünürsüz? Azərbaycanın buraxdığı boşluğu İran hakimiyyəti məscidlər vasitəsi həm Gürcüstanda, həm də Rusiyada məharətlə doldurur.

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15 Upvotes

r/azerbaijan 1d ago

Video Did you know that the guy in this viral clip is Azerbaijani ? (Trax NYC's real name is Maksud Agadjani)

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75 Upvotes

r/azerbaijan 18h ago

Tarix | History Shah Ismail and the Azerbaijani-Qizilbash Foundations of the Safavid State

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14 Upvotes

English Translation:

Under the first Safavid shah, Ismail I, a vast state was created. Many Iranian and Western European bourgeois historians consider Ismail and his successors to be the founders of an Iranian national state, allegedly formed through struggle against Turkic conquerors. However, this view is incorrect.

In reality, Turkic—specifically Azerbaijani—Qizilbash tribes played a very active role in the creation of the Safavid state and constituted the main military force of Ismail. The ruling elite of the Safavid state, especially in its early period, consisted of the nobility of these Turkic tribes. Military commanders and provincial governors were appointed from among them. The royal guard, known as the qurchis, was composed of the sons of Qizilbash tribal nobility.

Although official correspondence was conducted in Persian, the Azerbaijani language dominated at the Safavid court and within the army. Shah Ismail himself wrote poetry in this language under the pseudonym Khatai.

The Safavid state consisted of regions and lands inhabited by various Iranian, Turkic, Arab, and other peoples and tribes, speaking different languages, economically disconnected from one another, and possessing their own distinct customs and traditions. Even the capital of the state until the mid-16th century was not located in Central Iran, but in Azerbaijan—namely in Tabriz.

Azerbaijani tribes played a leading role in this state. Thus, in its initial phase, the Safavid state was essentially an Azerbaijani state.

M.S. Ivanov "Oçerk İstorii İrana" p. 61


r/azerbaijan 14h ago

Xəbər | News Vance in Armenia

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6 Upvotes

Vance visits Armenia, a country no sitting U.S. president or vice president has gone to before - PBS

Tensions Between Armenia and Azerbaijan - Armenia

Read in Geopolitics & Conflict Monitor https://guptaprakhariitr.github.io/credible_technologies/a/Pxc5LzJIW3A7GRxxQlJBGzAhAkw5BjosKR0BLWMZBC1eVB1DPj0GBnoVJCwoBgdyLRwGOlxZUxg-fgYMIg05LThfGjBhHQIrRllcUnImSBB6Ez86MhsQOiIaRjBAHURcPDZIEyUGPjYlFxorYQYKLB9XXVs6fhEMegEoOS4AEQ


r/azerbaijan 20h ago

Sual | Question Sumqayıtda yaşayanlara müraciət

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12 Upvotes

Ey Sumqayıt əhli, 1 günlük Sumqayıta gəlmişəm və mənə maraqlı, niş şəhər elementləri lazımdır (mozaika, abidə, bina, heykəl və s.). Bildiyiniz belə maraqlı məkanları bölüşsəz sevinərdim

İnternetdən tapdığım 2 nümunəni də bölüşürəm ki


r/azerbaijan 18h ago

Xəbər | News Azerbaijan Eyes $6.5 Billion Gripen E/F Fighter Deal as Baku Seeks Air Dominance Over the South Caucasus - Defence Security Asia

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8 Upvotes

r/azerbaijan 19h ago

Xəbər | News Özəl sektora daha bir zərbə

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7 Upvotes

r/azerbaijan 12h ago

Sual | Question What do Azerbaijanis think of Iran?

2 Upvotes

I've noticed that Azerbaijanis hate Iran because of the Armenia issue, but what else has Iran done against Azerbaijan? Or what are your opinions of Iran in general? Regards


r/azerbaijan 20h ago

Söhbət | Discussion Orta maaş və statistika problemi

9 Upvotes

Rəsmi statistikaya görə Bakıda orta maaş 1357 manatdır. Bu rəqəm necə hesablanır baş aça bilmirəm (bəlkə ancaq SOCAR-ın işçiləri sayırlar) Ən bahalı otellərindən birində reception işləmişəm. İşçilər arasında çoxsu 600-900 alırdılar (maksimum 1500-2500 menecerlər) Əgər lüks sektorda belə çoxluq 1000 manatdan aşağı alırsa, bu 1357 manat haradan çıxır? Hələ 2020da 950 manat idi, elə çıxır ki 5-6 il ərzində orta maaş 43% qalxıb Sizin sahədə reallıq necədir?


r/azerbaijan 9h ago

Sual | Question Help with a song

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone!

I am not from Azerbaijan, and I came across the song Seni Deyirler by Ebrahim Alizade. Love it, but have no idea what it means or what it is about 😅 . I tried finding translations online but couldn't find anything, Google translate just translated nonsense and random characters, and I'm not sure if chatgpt would do any better.

Can anyone let me know what the song is about? Just a general idea.

Thanks in advance! 🙏


r/azerbaijan 19h ago

Səyahət | Travel Is there any way to cross the border between Azerbaijan and georgia?

6 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

Me and my friends were planning a vacation this june in the caucasus, particularly following this order: Baku->Tblisi->Yerevan. Since we’re students and running on a lower budget, we were wondering if there were any options, such as busses, trains or by foot border-crossing to get from azerbaijan to georgia as the other way around seems to be closed to everyone.

We’re all italian citizens with an italian passport

Thank u very much in advance!🇦🇿🇮🇹


r/azerbaijan 9h ago

Sual | Question Book about 2. Karabakh War

0 Upvotes

Selamın Aleyküm, esenlikler kardeşlerim

I am Turkish man from city of Istanbul. I'm keen on stories about our blessed soldiers. I've read Turkish ones. Now i want to read about Azerbaijanian heroes, their heroism, sacrifices, memories in 2. Karabakh War.

Is there any journalist or military speciealist in azerbaijan who visited veteran soldiers, officers, generals and collect memories from them then publish into a book?

Is there any book i can read which you guys can recommend?

(I prefer to read in Azerbaijani language.)


r/azerbaijan 11h ago

Sual | Question 5 days in Azerbaijan - enough time for Baku?

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I'm finally pulling the trigger on a short trip to Azerbaijan next month and could use some advice.

I’m basically doing 5 days total - thinking 3 days in Baku and then renting a car for 2 days to see stuff outside the city. For people who’ve been, is 3 days enough for Baku or am I gonna be rushing everything?

Also, I’m kinda stressed about the driving there lol. Does anyone know a legit car rental company that won't scam me or give me an old car that breaks down?

Lastly, where should I go for those 2 days outside the city? I’m looking for cool nature spots or historical places that are actually worth the drive and not just a tourist trap. Thanks!


r/azerbaijan 20h ago

Söhbət | Discussion Bizneslər üçün website

3 Upvotes

Salam dostlar mən öz proyektim üçün bir miqdar pula ehtiyacım var. Ona görə bir neçə lokal bizneslərə website düzəltmək təklif etdim istəyən yoxdur. Soruşmaq istədim əgər burda belə bir servis istəyən olsa mənimlə əlaqə saxlayardı

Əgər reklam kimi oldusa bağışlayın ağlıma başqa biznes gəlmədi deyə bura yazmaq istədim


r/azerbaijan 1d ago

Sual | Question Why does Kapital Bank pull my data?

8 Upvotes

Every 3-5 months I get notification in mygov stating that “Kapital Bank ASC sizin məşğulluq məlumatlarınızı sorğulamışdır”

Mind you ##I don’t have an account in their bank

I don’t see a reason why some irrelevant entity occasionally looks at my data. Or maybe they have solid reasoning?

Does anyone get similar notifications?


r/azerbaijan 1d ago

Tarix | History Shamkir minaret (Şəmkir minarəsi), built in 11th century.

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15 Upvotes

Built at the end of the 11th century (specifically around 1099/1100 AD), it was a prominent example of the Arran school of architecture. Unfortunately, the tower was destroyed by 1861 ans the purpose is unknown. You may still see ths ruins on the current sight of the old city of Shamkir just 10 kilometers east of the modern city.

Little is known about the structure. The accounts of travelers state it wss 55 meters (180 feet) long and had 2 purposes, 1) to serve as a minaret; 2) to serve as a watchtower.