Baku, Azerbaijan 🇦🇿
#835
40.369853, 49.953885
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Baku is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, known for its unique blend of modern architecture and ancient history. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 2.2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is 30 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 AZN ≈ 0.59 USD, ATMs widely available |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Azercell, Bakcell, and Nar |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Widely accepted cards: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Common platforms include Airbnb, Booking.com, and local real estate listings |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Mostly cashless friendly, cards accepted in most places |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and local real estate websites |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Baku, prices from 10 AZN per night |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WorkShop Baku, a popular coworking space with various amenities |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe City, provides free Wi-Fi and electrical outlets |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech Meetup Baku, held monthly for networking opportunities |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat Meetup Baku group on Facebook organizes regular social events |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Uber are available and widely used in Baku |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | City bike-sharing schemes available, such as Baku Wheel |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Shikhov Beach, approximately 30 minutes from the city center |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | AZAL (Azerbaijan Airlines) is the main regional carrier |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa are popular choices |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major road connections to Ganja and Sumgayit |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Baku Railway Station |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | BakuCard provides unlimited travel on public transport |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train services operate to nearby cities, buses are also available |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Central Clinical Hospital, well-equipped for general healthcare |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogabaku, offers various yoga classes and wellness programs |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Sport Club, providing modern gym facilities and group classes |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Quick Laundry, offers wash and fold services throughout the city |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Bolt Food and Yemeksepeti are popular food delivery services |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Plov (pilaf) is a must-try traditional dish |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | India Mix Cafe offers diverse vegetarian options |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Nizami Patisserie for traditional Azerbaijani sweets |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Ganjlik Mall for budget-friendly shopping options |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | AliExpress and local marketplaces like Tap.az |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Getir offers grocery delivery services in the city |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nasimi District is known for vibrant nightlife options |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Birlik Brewery, known for crafting local beers |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinotel Wine Bar offers an extensive collection of wines |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Old City offers various street food options, including kebabs |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Zafferano Italian Restaurant serves a range of international dishes |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Flame Towers and Maiden Tower are iconic Baku landmarks |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Baku Museum of Modern Art features contemporary art exhibitions |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Sheki Khans' Palace showcases Azerbaijani architecture history |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Heydar Aliyev Center is an architectural marvel |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Baku International Jazz Festival held annually |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Icherisheher (Old City) offers a glimpse into Baku's history |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater is a cultural hub |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Taza Bazaar for authentic local produce and goods |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Flame Towers often host outdoor concerts and events |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for murals in the Narimanov district |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking Class Baku offers hands-on cooking experiences |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | YARAT Contemporary Art Space showcases local artists |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Quba Mosque is a beautiful example of historical architecture |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Azerbaijani carpet symbolizes rich cultural heritage |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Gobustan National Park, known for its ancient rock carvings |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Shahdag National Park, popular for hiking and nature activities |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Boulevard Park has scenic walking and cycling paths |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Highland Park offers panoramic views of the city |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Gobustan is also a good spot for birdwatching |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Baku Boulevard has designated areas for bonfires |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Azercell has reliable shipping and delivery services |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix offers technology repair services in the city |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sport City has facilities for recreational table tennis |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language School Baku provides courses in English and Azerbaijani |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Baku Central Library for a quiet study environment |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Ganja Cultural Center hosts various community events and gatherings |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | GameOn is a popular gaming lounge in the city |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Shahdag Casino offers gaming and entertainment |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,500 AZN per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 100,000 AZN) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,800 AZN per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 72,000 AZN) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,300 AZN per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 138,000 AZN) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,700 AZN per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 102,000 AZN) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,000 AZN per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 160,000 AZN) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,500 AZN per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 120,000 AZN) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 7% standard rate |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system, residents taxed on Azerbaijan-sourced income |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, specific regulations apply |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on assessed value |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% standard rate |