Is Baku Safe? You Need to Check Before Travelling

Wondering if it is safe to travel to Baku?

Read on for my tips based on my solo female travel experience 👇

Is Baku Safe?

I have traveled to Baku as a solo female traveler, and I felt safe all the time I was there. I stayed outside the city center in a residential area.

Getting Lost

I got lost walking back and ended up in a housing area. It was a bit ramshackle, with dogs running about everywhere. I was okay, just a little nervous because I had gotten lost.

Public Transport

I used the public transport system and felt safe, even when it was busy. I did experience someone pushing through the barrier behind me. It was nothing major, just a bit of an invasion of personal space.

I felt safe walking anywhere around the city center.

A Little Anxiety

The only time I felt a little anxious was when I couldn’t find the bus stop to get back to my accommodation. I did manage to find a taxi, and the taxi driver took me back to the hotel but then refused to take any money.

Late Night Adventures

I also stayed out quite late one evening because I wanted to take some photos of the sunset and the night sky of Baku.

I didn’t feel uncomfortable walking around on my own or taking the funicular to the viewing area. It was busy with locals, visitors, and families, which gave it a nice atmosphere.

Is Baku Safe Video

Is Baku Safe?

Comparing Baku and Istanbul

Interestingly, I visited Baku after staying in Istanbul for a few days. I definitely did not feel safe in Istanbul. I was very apprehensive about going to Baku, given it’s much less visited. However, it was absolutely fine. I experienced some lovely acts of kindness.

Acts of Kindness

When boarding the bus for the first time, I found that they didn’t accept cash. A local girl paid for me to get to the town center, where I could buy my own Baki Kart for public transport.

As mentioned above, a taxi driver ran me back to my apartment and refused payment at night.

Shopping Experience

I also needed to go shopping and get cash when I arrived. I found a taxi driver who didn’t speak English. He rang a family member who did, and we managed to figure out what I wanted to do.

• He ran me around town for an hour or so.
• He waited outside the shops for me.
• He took me to the ATM.

When we got back, he only wanted to charge me £10 for the whole hour of being driven around. I think he enjoyed the novelty of having a tourist onboard, as we saw quite a few of his friends during our journey. He was lovely, and despite the language barrier, we got on well, and I felt completely safe.

Is Baku Safe?

Encounter with a Tour Guide

I was also approached by a man offering tours. He wasn’t aggressive, just genuinely excited to see a tourist, perhaps because it was November! When I said no to the tour he was offering, he seemed quite surprised but wished me a lovely day. We parted with lots of smiles and waves. I did not feel intimidated or uncomfortable.

Frustration Over Tea

The only thing I got a little frustrated by was wanting to have a cup of tea. Baku has a kind of tea ceremony with teas and flavored jams. It’s lovely, but you don’t want to do it or pay for it every time you have a cup of tea.

A couple of cafes told me that the only option available was the full tea ceremony when I went to get a drink. At that point, I advised I would leave. They then offered me a single tea or coffee, just like the locals were enjoying. It wasn’t an uncomfortable experience, just a little aggravating.

Is Baku Safe?

Is Baku Safe for Tourists?

The Foreign Office reports that crime levels in Baku are generally low. However, it is important to stay cautious while traveling.

Personal Possessions

Always take care of your personal possessions. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Do not carry large amounts of cash or valuables.
• Avoid wearing valuable jewelry or watches.
• Stay alert to your surroundings.

These precautions apply no matter where you travel.

Is Baku Safe?

Credit Card Safety

There are issues with skimming of credit cards and ATMs in Baku, similar to other destinations. To stay safe, follow these tips:

• Check the ATM machines for tampering before use.
• Use machines in well-lit areas.

Is Baku Safe?

Reporting Crimes

If you need to report a crime in Baku, you can call 102. They have English-speaking staff available.

Going to the Police Station

If you need to visit a police station, it is best to take someone who can interpret for you.

Do not sign any documents unless you fully understand them.

Is Baku Safe?

Carrying ID

It is a requirement to carry your ID documents while traveling around Baku. Here?s what to do:

• Keep a copy of the photo page stored safely.
• Have a photo of the photo page on your phone.

Is Baku Safe?

Cultural Considerations

Azerbaijan is a Muslim country that observes Ramadan. The dates vary each year, but it usually falls in March and April.

Is Baku Safe to Travel?

found public transport easy to use once I purchased a Baki Kart. This card enabled me to use the buses and underground. The buses don’t take cash at all.

Is Baku Safe?

Experiences at the Underground Barriers

I read about people pushing through the underground barriers when they scanned their Baki Kart. This happened to me too. Some young girls were obviously trying to avoid paying.

Knowing it might happen made it much less of a shock when I experienced it myself.

Is Baku Safe?

Road Safety in Baku

Take extra care when crossing roads. Thankfully, many of the major junctions in Baku have pedestrian underpasses, which makes it safer. Always use these underpasses. A number of them have:

• Escalators
• Stairs

Understanding Driving Standards in Baku

Driving standards can vary in Baku. A flashing yellow traffic light means that traffic can cross from either direction. This can be very confusing!

Is Baku Safe to Visit? – Conclusion

Sensible precautions regarding personal safety and personal possessions are recommended for Baku, just like any other place you plan to visit.

Travel Advice

If you are travelling out of Baku, check the Foreign Office advice. There is a conflict at the border where travel is not advised.

You Might Also Like;

If you have found my ‘Is Baku Safe?’ article useful you might also like;

Is Baku Worth Visiting?

Is Baku Expensive?

How to Get to Baku from the UK

Where to Stay in Baku

What to Do in Baku

You can find more information on my Baku Holiday review

My Azerbaijan YouTube Videos

Further Reading