Things You Should Never, Ever Do In Azerbaijan During Your Vacation

The culture of Azerbaijan is a mix of Russian, Turkish and Persian cultures. The people of Azerbaijan care very deeply about their traditions and values. It is necessary to be informed tourist to ensure one doesn’t unintentionally cause offence to the locals and end up in problems. We have listed down a few seemingly harmless things one should never, ever do in Azerbaijan when visiting the country.

1. Register with the State Migration Service
2. Don’t speak about Armenia
3. Forget speaking! Don’t even bring anything Armenian into the country
4. Obviously, Don’t litter!
5. Don’t talk negative things about Azerbaijan to locals
6. Of course! Don’t be rude to women.
7. Don’t hire a taxi from the airport
8. Carry your passport wherever you go!
9. Best not to rely only on standard tours for local sightseeing
10. It’s rude to accept gifts right away
11. The Ok sign is considered to be an offensive sign

1. Register with The State Migration Service

It is mandatory for foreign nationalities to register their information with the State Migration Service. This is in case one is staying for more than ten days in the country. Usually, hostels and hotels that the tourists are staying in do register the information on the tourist’s behalf. In case you are staying in an Airbnb, then you will have to do it yourself. It is possible to do the registration online. In case one overlooks the rule, then a heavy fine is levied on them when they are leaving the country.

2. Don’t speak about Armenia

Armenia and Azerbaijan have been at war with each other from a very long time over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Currently ruled by ethnic Armenians, this region belongs politically to Azerbaijan. Millions of Azerbaijanis were removed from their ancestral homelands and displaced. The conflict of 1988 has only worsened the conditions between the two countries. You can invoke awkward and sometimes glaring stares just by mentioning Armenia.

3. Forget speaking! Don’t even bring anything Armenian into the country

The constant conflicts have both the countries on its toes, and its only natural that their securities are tightened. In case you have an Armenian stamp in your passport, be ready to go through a series of questions by the immigration officers. You might even be refused entry, in case you are bringing in goods from you-know-which-country. And of course, it goes without saying- Don’t even think of wearing an “ I love Armenia” t-shirt! People don’t take such jokes lightly.

4. Obviously, Don’t litter!

You will be amazed to find the clean streets of Baku and also they are lined with trash bins. You must be aware, throwing trash on the road will attract a heavy fine. Also, littering is looked down by the locals and it is a taboo in Azerbaijani culture. You might find some litter in very rural areas and around local markets. But the capital city of Baku is extremely well-maintained and clean. Checkout a Baku tour package here!

5. Don’t talk negative things about Azerbaijan to locals

Azerbaijanis are some of the most hospitable people. While this is very true, they will not keep mum when they hear arrogant tourists complaining without any reason. The people of Azerbaijan are well aware of the issues pertaining to the country. They surely are not happy with foreigners pointing it out. Once you visit, you will understand that the country is not just what the media show. It also has many beautiful places and very energetic culture.

6. Of course! Don’t be rude to women.

Respecting women can be different things in different cultures. Here in Azerbaijan, women are treated with the utmost respect and the tourists are expected to do the same. They are given priority in public transportation. Its a very common sight, where men give up their seat when they see women standing in buses and trains. When an Azerbaijani woman is taken out for dinner, the man is expected to pay.

7. Don’t hire a taxi from the airport

Once you step out of the airport, you will find yourself crowded by a swarm of London styled black-cabs. The drivers will try to attract you with many a thing. Unless your credit card is on the business account or your wallet is filled with cash, and wanting some breathing space; don’t hire the cab! You are better off taking the Airport Express Bus to Baku. This is available every half an hour once from The time taken for the travel is the same and you will spend less than 5% of the taxi fare.

Also Read: 15 Things Tourists should Not Do when Visiting Dubai

8. Carry your passport wherever you go!

It is the rule in Azerbaijan that all foreign nationals must carry their passports on them at all time. You can be subjected to occasional checking by the Police and in case you don’t have the passport with you, then get ready to pay the fine. Usually, a photocopy of the passport is enough, but it’s best to carry the original as well

9. Best not to rely only on standard tours for local sightseeing

Go to the next point in case you are a millionaire. Recently, Azerbaijan is seeing a lot of tourists coming in from the Middle East. Day trip prices have inflated so much that some of the guided tours cost almost 100 USD per person. People who are looking to spend the money and also get the right value out of it, use public transport. You can do a round trip in under 10 USD per person.

10. It’s rude to accept gifts right away

Its general manners ( Not just in Azerbaijan) to politely refuse a gift once or twice before accepting it. In Azerbaijan, this is part of the etiquette and something you need to remember in case you are getting a gift from an Azerbaijani. Always express your gratitude, be respectful of their choice and of course, ensure you communicate that you hope it wasn’t a huge inconvenience to them.

11. The Ok sign is considered to be an offensive sign

Remember the Ok sign you make with your thumb and index finger? Yep. The one used in Scuba diving also. Well, this sign is considered rude and very offensive. While we are on the subject of hand gestures, please do remember, pointing fingers will lead you in serious trouble. In case you need to point to a direction, use your entire hand!

Well, I am sure this was an interesting and insightful read. We hope you have noted down all the points. Any such interesting information about Azerbaijan or any other country you have visited? Do drop them in the comment section below. We would love to read them.

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