Is cash still widely used?
Yes, widely outside Baku. The capital has growing card acceptance at restaurants, hotels, and modern shops. In rural areas, the regions, and traditional bazaars, cash is the only accepted payment.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are plentiful in Baku. ABB Bank and Kapital Bank ATMs are reliable for foreign cards.
- Fees are around 3 AZN per withdrawal for foreign cards
- ATMs are available in regional cities but limited in rural areas
- The manat is a fixed-rate currency pegged to the USD
Card acceptance
Moderate in Baku — hotels, modern restaurants, and malls accept cards. Outside the capital and in traditional settings, cash is required.
Tips for travelers
- Carry manat for markets, taxis, and regional travel
- USD can be exchanged easily at banks and exchange offices
- The old city (Icherisheher) vendors are predominantly cash-only
- Keep receipts from ATM withdrawals in case of any disputes