Smart Travel TipsTRAVEL GUIDE

Azerbaijan uses Type C and Type F outlets.
Bring a Type C adapter to be safe.
Voltage is 220V, so most phone and laptop chargers work, but check hair irons or dryers before traveling.

There are many tout taxis outside the airport, and even the red “official” taxis may overcharge.
The safest option is to use a ride‑hailing app — **BOLT** is the most reliable.
You can see the fare in advance, pay through the app, and avoid price disputes.

Hotels and shopping malls usually accept cards, so you can get by without cash.
However, **local markets and small eateries often accept cash only**, so it is important to carry Azerbaijani manat.
In the Old City (Icherisheher), many shops still do not take cards, so bring a bit more cash if you plan to buy souvenirs.

Baku’s city center and the Old City are generally safe even at night, but **back alleys and suburban areas can be risky**.
Stick to **main streets in Baku**, and avoid going out alone at night in the suburbs.
Just keeping these two points in mind greatly improves your safety.

Tap water in Azerbaijan isn’t recommended for drinking.
Always buy **bottled water** and carry one when you go out.
Street stalls and local eateries are generally clean, but if you’re sensitive to food or water, choose places that look hygienic.
If you need medical help, ask your hotel — they can guide you to an English-speaking clinic.

Some mosques and religious sites have **no-photo** areas or require permission before taking pictures.
Always check the rules before shooting.
Certain places also require modest clothing, so it’s safest to ask the staff about dress code and photography before entering.
If you’re warned by mistake, people in Azerbaijan are very kind — a simple apology is enough.

Popular regional destinations like Gobustan or Sheki are amazing, but public transportation is very limited.
If you arrive without planning your return, you may struggle to find a taxi or end up negotiating prices on the spot.
To enjoy regional sightseeing safely, plan your transportation in advance:
- Arrange a driver beforehand
- Book a local tour
This makes your trip smoother and lets you focus on sightseeing.

If you notice something is lost or stolen, stay calm and follow these steps:
1. Contact the last place you visited — hotel, restaurant, taxi company, etc.
2. Stop your credit cards immediately to prevent misuse.
3. File a police report, which may be required for insurance claims.
4. Contact the Japanese Embassy if you need help or lost important documents.

Azerbaijan offers free visas on arrival for Japanese travelers.
However, since there are **no direct flights from Japan**, you must transit through another country — and **each transit country has different visa and entry rules**.

Some countries require:
- A visa in advance
- Arrival cards
- Transit treated as entry, requiring full immigration procedures

If you don’t check these conditions beforehand, you may be denied transit or entry.
Always confirm the visa and transit rules of your connecting country before departure.

Azerbaijan has four seasons like Japan, but the humidity is much lower, which changes how the temperature feels.
Summers are comfortable, but winters can feel colder than in Japan, so some extra warmth is needed.

Maps may show train routes, but you cannot board without a BAKIKART, the prepaid card used for Baku's metro.
You can buy or top it up at machines in every station.
With a BAKIKART, the metro costs 0.6 AZN per ride, making it a very affordable way to get around.

In Baku, it’s difficult to exchange Japanese yen directly into manat, and the rate is usually poor.
The most efficient method is:
- Exchange yen → US dollars in Japan
- Exchange dollars → manat in Baku
Since manat cannot be taken out of the country, exchange only what you need and top up later if necessary.
Unused dollars can be exchanged again after returning to Japan, so they’re a safe currency to carry.

In the Old City, many souvenir shops sell similar items, but prices vary a lot.
Some shops offer discounts if you buy several items, so it’s best to compare a few stores before purchasing.
The area is compact, so walking around and checking prices is easy and enjoyable.

In central Baku, most hotels, taxis, supermarkets, and restaurants accept credit cards.
However, only VISA and MasterCard are widely usable.
JCB, AMEX, and Diners often don’t work, so it’s important to check your card brand before traveling.

In central Baku, English is fairly well understood, but in suburbs and regional cities like Sheki, English often doesn’t work at all.
If you rely only on English, you may struggle in unexpected situations.
Downloading a translation app in advance — especially one that works offline — is highly recommended.

Getting sick abroad can be scary, but staying calm is the key.
- Rest in a safe place
- Ask your hotel or nearby people for help
- Contact your travel insurance support desk if you’re covered
- Visit a hospital if needed
- Call 103 in an emergency