Home Arrow FAQs Arrow What advice would you give to someone who is moving to Baku, Azerbaijan?

What advice would you give to someone who is moving to Baku, Azerbaijan?

Relocating to Baku, Azerbaijan may become a thrilling and valuable experience. Being the cultural, economical and political centre of Azerbaijan, the city of Baku is an interesting mixture of old history and contemporary life. But as with any international relocation, it pays to be prepared. So, here is the realistic, detailed and practical guide with the main tips to those who are moving to Baku.

Learn basic Azerbaijani (or Russian)

English is popular, particularly among young generations, but the official language is Azerbaijani and Russian is popular among older local people. Knowing some simple phrases will not only provide you with the means of getting through your daily life but also demonstrate that you respect the culture of the place you visit. And please do not be surprised when people become much friendlier to you when you are speaking a foreign language. It works wonders in this country.

Cost of living: Expect mixed costs

Baku may be cheap or very expensive, it depends on the way you live. The rent in the central location such as the city center or at the Caspian Sea is usually expensive. Nevertheless, local markets offer groceries at low prices, and the public transportation is very affordable - metro and buses are as cheap as 12 cents per journey.

Download ride-hailing applications, such as Bolt or Uber, or dial 9933 to order a local taxi, which is cheaper and more regular than street ones. Do not use the so-called London taxis and never pay without checking your fare.

Enjoy the food, but know what to expect

Azerbaijani cuisine is rich, hearty, and often quite oily and salty by Western standards, with signature dishes like plov, dolma, and kebabs. The tea culture is lively and friendly. Nevertheless, vegetarians might be a bit restricted in choices and some expats believe that food is too oily or dense.

Eating out could be as cheap as in the local restaurants to expensive in the fancy restaurants. Always double-check your restaurant and taxi bills — tourists and expats occasionally encounter inflated prices, especially in highly touristic areas.

Cultural etiquette and caution

  • Azerbaijanis are very welcoming, friendly, and helpful people, yet the rules of privacy are altered. It would not be a surprise that a person would inquire about your salary or marital status in regular conversation.
  • Do not talk about Armenia or about regional politics. This is a very personal topic and it is better to remain neutral or even avoid it.
  • The social life is quite active and vibrant particularly in Baku but do build trust worthy relationships with time. Nice is not necessarily trusted- Friendly does not necessarily mean trusted- Be careful whom you trust at the beginning.

Transportation tips and warnings

  • The metro in Baku is fast, clean and cheap. There are also frequent buses and trains.
  • Newcomers should not drive in Baku. The traffic is hectic, people do not follow the lane discipline, and pedestrian safety is not uniform. It is not unusual to have reckless and even drunk driving at night.
  • When you have to drive, then memorize the traffic regulations and do not drive at night.

Healthcare: Be prepared

  • Private healthcare is generally good, especially for dentistry and cosmetic procedures, but expensive.
  • Public hospitals are underfunded, and service can be slow and inefficient.
  • Health insurance is essential. Choose a plan that covers private clinics and international hospitals.

Explore the city and culture

Take time to explore Baku’s rich history and modern developments:

  • Old City (Icherisheher) – a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Flame Towers and Heydar Aliyev Center
  • Seaside Boulevard – perfect for evening walks
  • Theaters and museums – locals love performances, and the cultural scene is strong

The city stays alive until midnight or later, especially in the summer. Though nightlife is active, Baku isn’t a “party capital.” The vibe is more relaxed and social than wild.

Weather and environment

The climate of Baku is mild four-season, however, be aware that it is called the “City of Winds.” Autumn and winter are the seasons of fierce winds which may turn everyday life unpleasant. There also can be a problem of air quality because of dust and pollution.

Build a support network

Participate in expat communities, language exchange events or clubs. It will allow you to feel more at home, meet friends and receive good local advice. Some of these spontaneous connections become the best memories many expats talk about.

Final tips for moving to Baku

  • Change money at banks, as there are no private exchange dealers.
  • Stay alert when paying in cash — double-check bills and change.
  • Keep an open mind, and be ready for both pleasant surprises and a few challenges.
  • The people, food, and history will leave a lasting impression.

Conclusion

Relocation to Baku may be an enriching experience of exploration. A perfect combination of vibrant city life, friendly people, low cost of living, and rich history make Baku an ever more popular expat destination. Then simply be prepared, patient, and stay cautious - and you will probably fall in love with the pulse of life in this very special and most interesting capital.

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