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Guide
Baku, Azerbaijan π¦πΏ
#835
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Baku is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, located on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. |
π₯ Population | Approximate population is around 2.3 million. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is approximately 30 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | Currency is Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) with an exchange rate of 1 USD β 1.7 AZN. |
π° Tap Water | Tap water is generally safe to drink in most areas, but bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and F sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Major mobile providers include Azercell, Bakcell, and Nar. |
π³ Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. |
π Accommodation | Options include hotels, hostels, and serviced apartments like Airbnb and Booking.com. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in urban areas and most establishments. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings are available for short-term stay options. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Baku and Sahil Hostel are affordable options for budget travelers. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old City (Icherisheher) offers picturesque views and historical significance. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Nizami Street and Fountain Square area are bustling with cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Management Development Center and BeWork are popular coworking spaces. |
β Best Cafe for Work | CafΓ© 10 is known for a good atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Baku Startup Weekend often hosts business and networking events for entrepreneurs. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | The Expats in Baku Facebook group is active for community building and events. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Uber operate effectively in Baku. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Baku has public bicycle rental programs such as Baku Bike. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Shikhov Beach, about 20 minutes from downtown Baku. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Azerbaijan Airlines serves various regional routes. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa operate flights to major cities. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Baku is well-connected by the M1 highway leading to various regions. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Baku Railway Station serves as the main transit hub. |
π Public Transport Passes | BakuCard offers unlimited travel on public transport. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Intercity buses and trains connect Baku with other cities like Ganja and Sheki. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Central Hospital and Clinic are well-known for their services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Club Baku offers various classes and sessions. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness House and Sport City are popular gyms in the city. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Lucky Laundry and Fresh Laundry provide good services. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Bolt Food and Yemeksepeti offer diverse food delivery services. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Plov, the national dish of rice served with meat and vegetables. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Buddha Bowl and Vegan Kitchen are top vegan-friendly spots. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Bakertop offers delicious pastries and traditional sweets. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Ganjlik Mall features a variety of local shops and eateries. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | azercell.az and baku-market.com provide online shopping options. |
π Grocery Delivery | Azercell has an online grocery service available for delivery. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Fountain Square and Nizami Street host vibrant nightlife scenes. |
π» Local Brewery | Baku Beer Factory is a popular local brewery. |
π· Wine Bars | Winehouse Baku offers a selection of local wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Sabir Park has a variety of street food vendors with traditional fare. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Restoran Firuza serves a mix of Azerbaijani and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Flame Towers and the Maiden Tower are iconic landmarks. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Museum of Modern Art and the National Museum of History are notable. |
π° Historical Sites | Icherisheher (Old City) is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
π Religious Sites | Taza Bazaar Mosque is a stunning structure worth visiting. |
π Annual Events | The Baku Jazz Festival and Ganja Dance Festival take place annually. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The Old City and Fountain Square have a vibrant cultural atmosphere. |
π Theater Venues | The Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater is a cultural gem. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Taza Bazaar is known for its fresh produce and local products. |
πΌ Music Scene | Baku hosts various live music events at venues like Baku Jazz Club. |
π¨ Street Art | Street art can be found in the Old City and along the Boulevard. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | AzTur Restaurant offers traditional Azerbaijani cooking classes. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | YAY Gallery features contemporary local artworks. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is a stunning historical landmark. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The carpet weaving traditions represent rich Azerbaijani heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Gobustan National Park is a UNESCO site known for rock carvings. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Goygol National Park, famous for its scenic beauty, is approximately 4 hours away. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Baku Boulevard offers scenic paths along the Caspian Sea. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The Highland Park provides stunning views of the city skyline. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The Caspian Sea coastline is great for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Shikhov Beach has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx operate reliable parcel delivery services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Apple Service Center and Local Computer Repair Shops are available. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Several parks such as Azadliq Square have ping pong tables available for public use. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Baku Language School offers various language learning options. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Azerbaijan offers study spaces and resources. |
ποΈ Community Centers | The Baku Community Center organizes various cultural events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Game Zone is a popular venue for gamers. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Shirvanshah Casino offers gambling entertainment in the city. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬48,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬32,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬90,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬60,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,700 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬136,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬96,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | The standard corporate tax rate is 20%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | The withholding tax for dividends is 10%. |
π¦ Tax System | Azerbaijan operates on a territorial tax system for residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
π§Ύ VAT | The standard VAT rate is 18%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | There are no strict CFC rules in Azerbaijan. |
π Property Tax | Property tax is based on the estimated value of real estate. |
π Property Transaction Tax | The property transaction tax is 3% of the sale price. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Residency options allow for a favorable tax rate for digital nomads. |