Azerbaijan - FORMULA 1 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX 2025

Bound by the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, the former Soviet republic of Azerbaijan is known as the Land of Fire, in reference to its ancient fire worshipping inhabitants. Historically part of the Great Silk Road, it is a country with a rich heritage and unmatched culture, boasting a plethora of natural, architectural, archaeological, and historical monuments. Visitors can look forward to exploring a diverse variety of attractions including the city of Baku, the country’s cosmopolitan capital; the charming town of Seki, featuring the ornate palace of Xan Sarayi; and the Unesco-listed Qobustan Petroglyph Reserve, which protects thousands of stone engravings dating back as far as 12 000 years.

Currency

The currency of Azerbaijan is the Azeri New Manat (AZN) = 100 gopik. Notes are in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 AZN. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1 gopik.

US Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Euros are the preferred currencies and can be exchanged at the airport, bureaux de change, all hotels, some restaurants and major banks. However, many local hotels, bureaux de change and restaurants will not accept dollar bills dated before 1992 or those which are torn or in any way disfigured. Travellers are advised to take banknotes in small denominations and change small amounts of money as required. Rates offered by banks and bureaux de change are unlikely to vary significantly.

Banking: 

Banking hours: Monday - Friday 09h30-17h30

Some major credit cards are accepted in Baku, at large hotels, restaurants and banks. However, generally, Azerbaijan is a cash-only economy. Credit cards can be used to purchase tickets at the airport. 

Travellers cheques are generally accepted.

Azerbaijan Airlines operates several flights a day between Baku and the Azeri 'exclave' of Nakhchivan, which is cut off from the rest of Azerbaijan by Armenia. There are also connections from Baku to Ganja, Gabala, Yevlakh, Zaqatala and Lankaran.

Azerbaijan's recent prosperity means that the number of cars on the road is in danger of exceeding the road capacity, although new highways are under construction throughout the country. Self-drive is only recommended to seasoned motorists, but alert and confident drivers may relish the freedom to visit those out-of-the-way beauty spots. Traffic police are numerous and keen to fine visitors and locals alike for speeding offences.

Public transport is very safe. Taxis and coaches are good options. Trains are slow but affordable.

Azerbaijani food combines Turkish and central Asian elements. While Baku has an excellent selection of international restaurants, from Japanese fusion to Italian, in most rural restaurants the kebab is most definitely king. Other specials include Dograma (a milky potato, cucumber and onion soup served cold); Piti (Mutton and chickpea soup – a Sheki speciality) and Qutab (pancakes stuffed with spinach, herbs or meat).

All water should be regarded as a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Some parts of Baku have their own water supply from natural mineral springs. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

A tip of 10 percent is expected at most restaurants.

Although temperatures along the Caspian coastline remain mild throughout winter (November-February), the mercury dip well below freezing further inland. The mountains at this time of the year are covered in snow and very treacherous. Though downpours do occur throughout the country, most of the rainfall is confined to the west.

Light-weight clothing is fine for low-lying destinations in the summer months, but coats and sweaters are advised at other times. Bring warm clothing if you are heading to the mountains, which remain chilly throughout the year.

Light-weight clothing is fine for low-lying destinations in the summer months, but coats and sweaters are advised at other times. Bring warm clothing if you are heading to the mountains, which remain chilly throughout the year.

Electrical sockets in Azerbaijan are one of two electrical socket types: the ‘Type c’ (CEE 7/16 Europlug) and ‘Type F’ (CEE 7/4 Schuko). If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.

Electrical sockets in Azerbaijan usually supply electricity at 220-240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 220-240 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.