Baku for Digital Nomads: Your Guide to Azerbaijan’s Capital

Is Baku for Digital Nomads? Why not?! Whilst I was dazzled by the evening lights, between the extravagant architecture and mash-up of old and new, I personally, could not find any reason for this capital city not to be considered as a destination to work remotely (unless you require a super-strong internet connection!).

Azerbaijan is rapidly developing and the tourism industry is succeeding too. It’s the most populous country in the region, with the total number being higher than Georgia and Armenia combined. Baku, otherwise known as the ‘City of Winds’, is home to 2.2 million of the overall figure; most of which have differing opinions of which continent they can be identified as (Asia or Europe), and are which language they should ultimately be speaking (Azerbaijani or Russian).

With so much up for discussion, Baku will take some time to wrap your head around. If you are limited, two to three days would be enough to explore the city, but for a deeper dive into the culture, two to three weeks would be sufficient to explore the energy that the city has to offer as a digital nomad.

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What Is It Like Living in Baku for Digital Nomads?

Baku is a clean capital. The skyline may remind a few of Dubai‘s ambitious architecture, then others of Istanbul’s Old Town energy. But, as a happy medium between the two, Baku is a possibility for digital nomads looking to discover new destinations outside of these common hotspots.

Connectivity

Wifi Speeds – According to Ookla’s SpeedTest, Baku has an average speed of 41.18 Mbps. Whereas in my experience, I wasn’t receiving much higher than the results shown below. My tests were taken from a number of different hotel rooms and Mcdonald’s at the airport. For this reason, it would be my recommendation that you purchase a local SIM card for a faster and more reliable connection.

Data Plans – SIM Cards are available from Baku’s International Airport. The costs range from 29 AZN (17 USD) for 1GB, to 65 AZN (38 USD) for an unlimited use package.

Transport

Baku is a very walkable city. This is particularly the case between the likely tourist attractions that you’ll be visiting.

Taxis – Bolt is the most commonly used ride-sharing app. Personally, I found that the majority of my rides across town would cost approximately 1-3 AZN (0.60-1.70 USD).

Public Transport – The official pass for public transport is called a ‘BakıKART’. You will need to purchase this card before you hop on any bus or metro. The card itself will cost 2 AZN (1.18 USD), but they are simple and cheap to top up thereafter for 0.20 AZN (0.18 USD). If you are in Baku for a limited time only, then select the option of a ‘BakıKart for Limited Use’ at the top-up machines. With this option, you can pay ahead for the number of uses with each of them also costing 0.20 AZN (0.18 USD). The payment machines will not supply change.

Language

Azerbaijani is the most commonly spoken language in Azerbaijan. Russian is the second language, so speaking a few words will make you a few extra friends. Unfortunately, most people cannot speak English but fortunately, there are enough who speak a little to help you find your way. This is more so the case the further you travel away from the popular tourist areas.

Money

The Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) is the official currency of Azerbaijan. There is an abundance of ATMs across the city (and at the airport) for you to withdraw cash. Similarly, you’ll also find plenty of currency exchange offices. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, like in most other western countries.

Community

Baku is not (yet) a popular destination for digital nomads. If you travel to Azerbaijan, do not expect to see an established digital nomad community.

Accommodation in Baku for Digital Nomads

You will not be short of choices for accommodation in Baku, especially near the Old City which is where you will want to be.

Low-Cost Hostel

The Travel Inn Hostel has specific workspaces and dorm beds with privacy curtains… Though who would argue with a centrally-located accommodation at less than 10 USD!

Budget Hotel

Both, the location and low-cost, are what enticed me to stay at the Nizami Hotel. Their rooms are basic (and some without windows), but would you be spending a lot of time indoors when you are that close to Seaside Boulevard and the Old City of Baku?

You Should Know Before You Go

Best Time to Visit Baku

Baku is a great place to visit year-round although, a little bit of sunshine and a little less wind, would make your visit even better!

The best time to visit Baku would be in Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October). During summer (June, July and August), the temperatures can rise above 30 degrees, which is still doable but it’s not as comfortable when you are exploring the city for longer periods of time.

NOTE: Naturally, the weekend's yield a more exciting and energetic crowd as the locals and city breakers enjoy the city centre.

Something else to think about would be that one month before, the city begins to set up for the Formula 1 races. This means that barricades go up, seating areas are built and bridges are constructed so traffic isn’t as free-flowing and footpaths may be obstructed. If you are interested in Formula 1, then you may want to align your visit to Baku with the occasion. However, many of the locals find the competition and all that it brings an inconvenience, so much so that they’ll take the time to travel out from the city. So, if you are looking for a truly authentic experience of the capital, then the Formula 1 races may not be the best time for your visit.

Apply for your Visa

The majority of visitors to Azerbaijan will need an e-Visa. At the moment, only citizens of Turkey, Ukraine, Tajikistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Belarus are exempt and can enter the country visa-free.

Fortunately, applying for an eVisa to visit Azerbaijan is super easy and can be done within minutes via an online application. This is the website for you to do so.

The single entry e-Visa will be issued within 3 working days. There is a service fee of 26 USD which can be paid electronically. Once the application has been processed and accepted, the e-Visa is sent to your email address in the form of a PDF.

If you need the e-Visa sooner, say within 3 hours, then there is an ‘Urgent’ option on the application website. Obviously, there is a higher fee involved. However, this has been known to be an emergency solution for those arriving at Baku’s International Airport who have forgotten to do their online paperwork beforehand. For this very reason, you will find specific e-Visa machines before the border control at the airport.

Crossing the Border

There is an ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Consequently, many visitors will be questioned, or worse, denied entry if they have an Armenian stamp on their passport, or have any currency and photographs suggesting that they may have visited. More specifically, the e-Visa application will ask if you have been to the undisputed region.

With a recent Armenia stamp on my passport, my experience at the border was fortunately uneventful. I was also carrying the Armenian currency. All to say, this may be because the border control simply did not realise that I had been in the country, or this particular officer did not believe my time there was worth rejecting my request to enter. It’s worth trying, but to guarantee entry without any stress, visit Azerbaijan before you head to Armenia.

Travelling from the Airport

Baku’s International Airport is fairly large, modern and convenient. Even at 4 am, the information desk will be open and ready to answer any questions should you not know where to go from there. The airport is also very comfortable and pretty, so take your time. Make sure you have withdrawn or exchanged your cash and bought your SIM card so that you are ready to embark on your adventure to the city.

Of course, there is no doubt that you will be bombarded with the typical ‘taxi, taxi’ requests as soon as you leave the arrival hall. Though, like everywhere else, this will not be the most economical way to travel to the city centre. Don’t be ripped off!

By Bus – There is an Express Airport Shuttle Bus that terminates nearby the 28 May St. metro station. You’ll find the station and a ticket machine just outside the door from arrivals. The bus departs across the zebra crossing from there.

By Taxi – Baku’s Heydar Aliyev International Airport is an approximate 30-minute taxi ride from the city centre. This would depend greatly on the traffic at the time. You’ll find the cheapest fares on the Bolt app. If you’d like to arrange your transport before you arrive, then you can book your airport transfer here.

Flying from Baku Airport

Baku International Airport is actually one of my favourites. As soon as you enter the departure gates, you are welcomed with sleep pods and actual sofa chairs! I mean, this city treats its airport go-ers as actual human beings that may need to sit comfortably whilst they wait a longer period of time for their flight. With simple-to-use and free wifi, charging points in an abundance and chairs at the gate that’ll allow you to feel the exhale of relief after experiencing the whirlwind of emotions from the place you just visited. Heydar Aliyev International Airport receives a thumbs up from me, as you’ll be well-rested by the time you depart.

Bonus: Baku Recommendations

Working Remotely from Baku

It’s likely that you won’t have come across Baku in any of your typical digital nomad guides, Facebook groups or conversations. Baku is not well-known for its high-speed internet, gorgeous accommodations or convenient coffee shops. That’s not to say that Baku cannot be visited whilst you work!

TIP: If you'd like some peace, avoid the over-crowded coffee shops around Fountain Square (especially during the weekends).

Things To Do in Baku

Try the Local Cuisine – Fountain Square is a hub of places to dine, drink and socialise with a blanket around your shoulders for warmth from the wind. Nergiz Restaurant is metres away from the fountain, so you won’t have to walk too far away from the hustle and bustle to fill your cravings. The food tastes divine, the cave setting is unique and most importantly, the menus have pictures of each meal. Sorted!

Ride Along the Seaside Boulevard – If you can’t beat them, join them!.. Let the wind blow you even faster along the seaside boulevard on a Wingz scooter. There are multiple points along the front in which you can rent an electric scooter or bicycle.

Take a Walking Tour – Gain a local’s insight through a guided tour of the city. My personal favourite is Gani’s Free Walking Tour of the Old Town.

Read a Miniature Book – Stop by the Museum of Miniature Books to marvel at the vast collection of teeny, tiny books. This museum holds the Guinness Book of Records for having the largest collection of small books. Books may not excite everyone, but the stories about these many thousands of miniature stories are quite incredible. Try to hear them from the owner herself as she can be quite the character!

Feel the Romance – Philarmonia Garden was the first public park in Baku. The location has been romanticized by many of those who have read the story of Ali and Nino which is a novel about the relationship between a Muslim Azerbaijani boy and a Christian Georgian girl in Baku. If you have a keen eye, you’ll also be able to spot a Green Parakeet flying between the tops of the trees above.

Where to Eat in Baku

Try the Local Breakfast – In Azerbaijan, Kükü is a dish where vegetables, herbs, meat or fish are mixed and cooked with eggs, much like an omelette. Where better to try this local speciality than at the restaurant dedicated to the meal, Kuku.

Eat Local – Dolma Restaurant serves Azerbaijani dishes at reasonable prices in one of the busiest areas of Baku, nearby Fountain Square.

Binge for Cheap – Xezer Restaurant isn’t necessarily local food, but the place is a local favourite. In the area in which the restaurant is located, the places to dine are particularly expensive. This alternative offers traditional meat dishes, salads and soups at very affordable prices.

For the Expat Community – Apparently, Azerbaijan consumes the second-most amount of alcohol out of the Muslim countries (with the first being Azerbaijan’s brotherly nation, Turkey). At Finnegan’s, you can contribute to this statistic with both the locals and any visiting international communities, especially the Irish and Scottish.

Whilst You’re Stuck Indoors – Wolt is the most popular food delivery service app.

Where to go after Baku?

Tbilisi – Take the overnight train from Baku to Tbilisi in Georgia. Buy tickets or check the timetables for trains to the region from this website.

Almaty – Fly to a city back-dropped by mountains, this former capital of Kazakhstan is feasible as a digital nomad.

Would you prefer another country? Check out these digital nomad destination guides for Morocco, Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles or the Adriatic Coastline.

Let’s go!
@katie.maree

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