Currency exchange

Best Currency Exchange in Baku

Yeniləndi Oct 2, 2026 · 01:00 AM ET

Compare official banknote rates across Nizami Street (Torgovaya), Fountain Square, and 28 May transport hub.

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Dealer
Kapital Bank
Baku · Baku branch
1 USD = 1.6960 AZN
forGive 500 USD → youReceive 848.00 AZN
saveVsAirport ~84.8000 AZN (8–12%)
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Kapital Bank

Baku · Baku branch
closest0 m
Alış
1.6960
Satış
1.7020
Tight <1.5% Mid 1.5–3% Wide >3%
məntəqə izlənir
1
Cash dependency
Medium
Region
Caribbean

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Currency Exchange Guide for Baku

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): Avoid exchanging substantial funds at Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD), where arrival kiosks levy spreads between 5% and 9%. In Azerbaijan, standalone street exchange kiosks do not exist; all foreign currency exchange is conducted through licensed commercial bank branches (such as Kapital Bank, ABB, and Pasha Bank). Downtown branches along pedestrian Nizami Street (Torgovaya) and Fountain Square trade USD, EUR, and RUB at tight margins of 0.3% to 0.7% around the central bank peg.

Baku is the vibrant Caspian metropolis and capital of Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) has been pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of 1 USD = 1.70 AZN since 2017. Regulated strictly by the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBAR), authorized commercial bank branches provide safe and standardized banknote conversion.

Key Currency Exchange Districts in Baku

Nizami Street (Torgovaya) & Fountain Square

The primary pedestrian shopping quarter, hosting the highest density of competitive commercial bank exchange tellers.

28 May Transit Hub & 28 Mall

Central railway and metro junction featuring bank branches open late seven days a week.

Icherisheher (Old City) & Seaside Boulevard

Historic UNESCO-listed fortress area near Neftchilar Avenue with accessible bank counters for tourists.

Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD)

Terminal arrival counters; suitable only for small cash sums to cover initial bus or taxi fare into Baku.

Comparing Cash Exchange Options

Venue Category Neighborhood / District Typical Spread Trading Features
Major Bank Branches (Kapital Bank, ABB, Pasha Bank) Nizami Street, Fountain Square 0.3% - 0.6% Tightest spreads, official state-backed receipts, instantaneous cash tellers
Mall-Based Bank Branches (28 Mall, Ganjlik Mall) Central transport hubs 0.5% - 1.0% Open 7 days a week until 10:00 PM, comfortable indoor banking
Commercial Banks (Bank Respublika, Unibank) Rashid Behbudov, Neftchilar Ave 0.6% - 1.2% Standard retail tellers requiring passport presentation
Airport Bank Kiosks (GYD Airport) Terminal 1 & 2 Arrivals 5.0% - 9.0% High overhead desks; avoid converting large travel sums here

Local Money Logistics & Payment Methods

The BakuBus Aero Express runs every 30 minutes from Heydar Aliyev Airport to central 28 May metro station for just 1.30 AZN. Metered app rides via Bolt cost roughly 15 to 25 AZN. The Baku Metro and public buses utilize the BakıKart system. Contactless credit cards are widely accepted at modern hotels and restaurants.

Regulations, Taxes & Compliance Guidelines

Central Bank regulations require physical identification (original valid passport for tourists or National ID for residents) for foreign currency exchanges exceeding 500 USD equivalent. Informal street currency trading is strictly illegal. Foreign visitors may bring up to 10,000 USD equivalent in cash into Azerbaijan without declaring it at customs.

Frequently Asked Questions: Currency Exchange in Baku

Where can I get the best exchange rate in Baku?
Commercial bank branches (Kapital Bank, ABB) along pedestrian Nizami Street (Torgovaya) and Fountain Square offer the tightest spreads.
Is the Azerbaijani Manat pegged to the US Dollar?
Yes, the official peg is fixed at 1 USD = 1.70 AZN. Commercial banks buy and sell physical dollars within a very tight band (typically 1.695 to 1.702 AZN).
Do I need my physical passport to exchange currency in Baku?
Yes, bank tellers are legally required to record your original physical passport details on the official transaction voucher.
Are banks open on weekends in Baku to exchange money?
Yes, bank branches inside premier shopping malls like 28 Mall, Ganjlik Mall, and Deniz Mall operate seven days a week until 10:00 PM.
Are older or worn US Dollar banknotes accepted in Baku?
Bank tellers in Baku strictly inspect US banknotes. Stained, written-on, or pre-2013 bills may be declined. Bring pristine notes.