Card Payments in Azerbaijan: Availability, Limits and Tips

Card Payments in Azerbaijan: Availability, Limits and Tips

1. Card Acceptance in Cities

In major cities like Baku, Ganja, and Sumqayıt, Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards are widely accepted at: Hotels and large restaurants, Supermarkets and shopping malls, Cafés and tourist services, ATMs for cash withdrawals.

Visitors with cards issued by global networks (such as Visa or Mastercard) usually won’t have problems paying at these places. However, American Express and other less common card networks may not be accepted everywhere — many merchants prefer Visa/Mastercard due to network fees. 

2. Smaller Shops, Markets & Rural Areas

In smaller towns, local markets, or family-run shops: Cash is still preferred and sometimes required. Some small businesses might not have a POS terminal and may ask you to pay by card-to-card transfer or insist on cash. So it’s a good idea to carry some Azerbaijani Manats (AZN) as a backup. 

3. ATMs

ATMs are available throughout cities and many towns, allowing: Cash withdrawals in AZN, Use of foreign debit/credit cards. (Visa/Mastercard) Be aware that local ATM fees may apply, and your home bank might charge foreign transaction or withdrawal fees. 

4. Transport & Contactless

Card acceptance for public transport payments (e.g., direct tap for buses/metro) isn’t generally supported yet — you may need a local transport card (like BakiKart).  Contactless payments (Apple Pay / Google Pay) often work at many POS terminals in cities, but this still depends on the merchant’s system. 

5. Tips for Travelers

Inform your bank before traveling so your card isn’t blocked for international activity. 

Always have some cash for small purchases, street vendors, taxis, or remote locations. 

Check if your card network is accepted before paying — if a merchant doesn’t support your card type, they may ask for another card or cash