Best SIM Cards & Internet Options for Tourists in Azerbaijan

Best SIM Cards & Internet Options for Tourists in Azerbaijan

Staying connected while traveling in Azerbaijan is easy — whether you want mobile internet for navigation, social media, or calls. Here’s a guide to the best SIM cards and internet options for tourists 🇦🇿.

📱 1. Local SIM Cards — Best for Affordable Internet

When you arrive in Azerbaijan, buying a local SIM card is one of the most cost-effective ways to stay connected.

📌 Major Mobile Operators

Here are the main telecom providers where tourists can get prepaid SIMs:

🔹 Azercell

Offers special Tourist SIM packages designed for visitors.

Packages include internet data, voice and text options with good coverage across Azerbaijan.

Tourist packages have been updated to include larger data volumes (e.g., 30 GB, 60 GB, 120 GB) valid for up to 30 days. 

🔹 Nar Mobile

Provides TouristSIM bundles with data, local minutes, and international minutes — for example 40 GB, 70 GB or 130 GB plans.

These are valid for about 30 days after activation when you show your passport at a Nar store. 

🔹 Bakcell

Another local option offering prepaid SIM cards with data and minutes.

Coverage is strong in cities and most tourist regions. 

💡 You usually need to present your passport to register the SIM card in Azerbaijan. These SIMs can be bought at the airport on arrival or at official stores in Baku and other cities. 

🌐 2. eSIM Plans — Perfect for Quick Setup

If your phone supports eSIM, you can buy and activate internet before you even land — no physical SIM card needed.

📍 Popular eSIM providers include:

SimCorner eSIM — offers 1 GB to 50 GB data plans with 4G/5G coverage across Azerbaijan. 

Blink eSIM — worldwide travel eSIM with daily flat-rate internet that works immediately after arrival. 

YourESim & Simbye — flexible prepaid data plans from 1 GB up to 50 GB with easy QR code activation. 

✅ Advantages of eSIMs:

Quick and easy — install before travelling.

No passport or in-person registration required.

Ideal for short trips or if you want internet immediately after landing.

⚠️ Considerations:

eSIM data may cost more per GB than local SIMs.

Some plans are data-only (no local voice number). 

Things to Do

📶 3. Free & Public Wi-Fi Options

While mobile data is the most reliable option, you may find free Wi-Fi in many hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces, especially in larger cities like Baku and Ganja. �

However, coverage can be spotty outside urban centers, so having a SIM or eSIM is still recommended.

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🧠 Tips for Tourists

✔ Buy at official stores: Avoid buying SIM cards from taxi drivers or unofficial vendors — prices and activation fees can be higher. �

✔ Compare plans: Local prepaid SIMs usually give the best value for larger data needs.

✔ Keep your passport handy: It’s required for local SIM registration.

Azerbaijan offers flexible connectivity choices for tourists — from budget-friendly local SIM cards with voice and data, to convenient eSIM plans you can set up before departure. Whether you’re exploring Baku’s old city or traveling across the countryside, you’ll stay connected throughout your trip!