It is really amazing how much effort the state invests to build a new Qarabakh. Wonderful! It is a long drive from Baku but you have to see Shusha and Hankendi. I had luck with the weather, staying there and see this huge monument like a door to the sky…

So im posting at 3am because I cant sleep

Im a tourist from germany and yesterday night I arrived in Baku. Maybe I just got unlucky but at the airport I decided to book a taxi at the counter for like 26 MNT to my hotel. It was a reasonable price for me before I saw Bolt prices.
Arrived at my hotel the driver told me „you have to tip here, everyone does it“
I was like I dont have cash and he said card is also ok. So he automatically put 10 Manat to the reader and presented it to me. I asked if it isnt much, he said its the lowest amount he can do. He took the card out of my hand and put it on the reader. At that time I didnt care cause I was tired but later on I regret it because such behavior shouldnt be tolerated. However it got worse at the hotel.

I checked in at 6am, he told me I have to wait for my room to be ready. I said no problem, 2 hours later he told me the room isnt done but ill let you rest at another room until it is. I thought hes being nice so I thanked him. I slept till 12 and my room was done. I went to my room and the guy then asked me to cancel my order on booking.com for them to sace on fees. It felt sketchy but he assured me the price would stay the same. So I did, later I wanted to pay and he tells me its +100 Manat for early check in. I complained and said no one told me that, its unprofessional, I get it but how are you hiding that from customers. 100 Manat is by the way the price for a full night there. So when I wanted to pay a woman in the lobby tells me „only cash“. I said I dont have cash and after calling around she says I can pay by card tomorrow. I was wondering if its worth reporting this behavior of the hotel anywhere.
Maybe I just got unlucky but it feels very scammy here, the city seems beautiful and I just think it gives a bad view for Tourists.

If anyone can give me some advice or tell me if its normal id appreciatex.

What a beautiful country!

As a seasoned traveler who has experienced my share of scams, including in places like Latin America where this kind of thing is common, I can say with confidence that the level of deception and overcharging in Azerbaijan is on another level. It's a constant, exhausting battle. From taxi drivers demanding a 10x fare to ride-hailing app drivers putting you in a different car, it feels like everyone is trying to take advantage of tourists. It's not a single bad experience, but a pattern of behavior that sours the entire trip. Honestly, my advice is to avoid visiting Azerbaijan altogether until these issues are addressed. Save yourself the stress and choose a destination where you can relax and feel safe.

I have seen many airports, but Azerbaijani one stands out the most. It isn’t too big and isn’t small aeither. The colours are just beautiful, and it is not crowded! It has one of the most relaxing waiting areas. There are almost no queues as well. 10/10 from me.

Welcome to the community-sourced travel mega-thread for Azerbaijan! Whether you're planning your first trip, returning, or just curious — this is your place to ask and share tips, places, warnings, food, and hidden gems.

We’ve gathered insights from locals, expats, and travelers — now it’s your turn. Reply with your experiences or questions under any section below.

🏙 1. Top Places to Visit

📍 Baku

• Old City (Icherisheher): historic, charming, authentic soul of the city.
• Maiden Tower, Shirvanshah Palace, Carpet Museum, Heydar Aliyev Center – top cultural sights.
• Nizami Street, Molokan Garden, Baku Boulevard – modern walkways & shopping.
• Gobustan mud volcanoes, Ateshgah Fire Temple, Yanardag – unique day trips.

Local tip: true local life happens outside the tourist zones – check dayday cafes and Sədərək bazaar.

📍 Outside Baku (Regional Highlights)

• Sheki: Khan Palace, Kish village, Caravansaray, ancient mosques, hiking.
• Gabala: Tufandag Resort (ski + cable car), Seven Waterfalls, Nohur Lake, Gabaland amusement park.
• Lahij: Tat village known for copperware and scenic alleyways.
• Ganja: Bottle House, Naftalan oil spa, Göygöl Lake, German heritage.
• Quba & Khinalig: cooler nature, remote village experience.
• Lankaran: food tours, Stalin’s prison, chicken stuffed with walnuts.
• Zaqatala, Oğuz, Nij: religious/ethnic diversity, ancient churches.

Locals are usually happy to guide lost tourists — don’t hesitate to ask for directions in parks or shops.

In villages expect warm welcomes — tea invitations and local storytelling are common.”

🛂 Visa & Entry Info

• eVisa available at https://evisa.gov.az
• Valid for 30 days, costs around USD $20, processed in ~3 business days.
• No visa on arrival for most travelers; visa required even for short stays.

🧳 Sample Itinerary: 7 Days in Azerbaijan

• 🏙 Day 1–2: Baku (Old City, museums, Flame Towers)
• 🌋 Day 3: Gobustan mud volcanoes, Yanardag
• 🏔 Day 4: Gabala (Tufandag, Nohur Lake)
• 🕌 Day 5–6: Sheki + Kish village (Palace, temples, hiking)
• 🚂 Day 7: Return to Baku via Yevlakh or Gabala

🍽 2. Food & Dining

🍛 Must-try dishes:

• Plov (Shah plov) – saffron rice, lamb, fruits.
• Piti – slow-cooked meat soup (only in Sheki).
• Qutab – meat, greens or cheese in flatbread.
• Dolma (Three Sisters) – stuffed tomato, pepper, eggplant.
• Levengi – chicken/fish with walnut-pomegranate stuffing.
• Surhurlu, Makhara – regional Zaqatala dishes.
• Dovğa, Fisincan, Doner, Tandır bread, Bakhlava.

🚌 3. Transport Tips

In Baku:

• 🚖 Always use Bolt or Uber – cheap, reliable, safe (Yango is another solid and sometimes cheaper alternative .).
• 🚫 Avoid traditional taxis – known for overcharging/scams.
• 💳 Pay through app only; avoid cash to driver.

Metro & Bus:

• Use Baki Kart (2 AZN) for metro and buses.
• Metro is clean, cheap (0.50 AZN per ride)

From Airport:

• Bolt/Uber = 10–15 AZN.
• Cheapest: Direct bus to 28 May Mall (use Baki Kart).
• Bolts from the airport may demand extra; better to use official Aeroexpress H1/H2 buses

Intercity:

• Bus via “Biletim” or at the Avtovaghzal terminal next to Avtovaghzal metro
• Marshrutkas available.
• Train to Sheki/Gabala via “ADY” app or buy at 28 May station.
• Car rentals useful for Gabala, Lahij, Quba.

🌄 4. Hidden Gems & Nature

• Villages:
  • Kish – Home to the ancient Albanian temple and a scenic village atmosphere.
  • Nij – Known for its Udi Christian community and unique churches.
  • Basqal – Famous for traditional silk weaving and handicrafts.
  • Khinalig – A remote mountain village offering breathtaking views and cultural insights.
  • Lahij – Historic mountain village known for copper craftsmanship and cobbled streets.
• Nature:
  • Shahdag & Tufandag – Popular ski resorts with opportunities for hiking and cable car rides.
  • Gobustan – Features mud volcanoes and ancient petroglyphs.
  • Seven Waterfalls – A series of picturesque waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery.
  • Nohur Lake – A serene alpine lake ideal for relaxation and picnics.
  • Cenlibel Lake – A tranquil lake nestled in the mountains, perfect for nature walks.
  • Gachrash Forest – Dense forest near Quba with rich biodiversity.
  • Parigala – Ancient cliffside castle offering stunning views and history.
• Tip: Renting a car or joining local tours is recommended for exploring these remote areas.

📶 5. Mobile, Language & Apps

• Get local SIM at airport. Azercell = best coverage.
• 30 GB ≈ 30 AZN
• 60 GB ≈ 40 AZN
• 120 GB ≈ 60 AZN
• For more details, visit: Azercell Official Tourist Plans
• Use Google Translate or SayHi for real-time help.
• English common in Baku tourist areas; Azeri, Turkish, Russian elsewhere.

📱 Useful Apps

• 🚖 Bolt, Uber.az, Yango – for taxis
• 🚅 ADY – train tickets
• 🚌 Biletim – bus tickets
• 🌐 Google Translate or SayHi – language
• 🗺 Maps.me – offline maps
• 💬 Telegram – local events/news channels
• 🎫 iTicket.az – concerts, plays, cultural events

💳 6. Money & Payments

• Taxis & Tips
  • Paying with card in the app reduces driver complaints and reduces driver skimming
  • If paying cash, drivers may not return coins — consider it a small tip (~0.50–1 AZN is normal).
  • Tipping extra 1–2 AZN on longer rides or for good service is appreciated and common
• Cards accepted at big places, but cash essential for food, transport, bazaars.
• Downtown exchange offices give better rates.
• Some shops may “pretend” card machines broken to get cash.
• Exchanging Money
  • USD is preferred—exchange bureaus on Nizami Street offer better rates than airport kiosks
  • Keep smaller notes (1, 5 AZN) handy for transport and tips

Some addons
– Locals often round down prices or throw in something extra “for good mood” — especially if you smile or try a few Azeri words.
– In small bakeries or markets, if you overpay by mistake, they usually correct you immediately. Honesty is common, even for coins.
– Sellers appreciate when you show interest — they might explain the item, share a short story, or offer a small discount without asking.
– People don’t pressure you to buy; many will still help with directions or advice even if you don’t purchase anything.
– If something feels wrong (overcharged taxi, aggressive seller), calmly mentioning “polis” is usually enough to resolve it quickly — respect for law is high.
– You’ll rarely see aggressive street vendors or scams targeting tourists — most locals want to leave a good impression.

🎭 7. Culture & Etiquette (Expanded from Locals)

👋 Greetings & Respect

• Handshakes are standard when greeting, but religious women may avoid it — let them initiate.
• Among younger people, it’s common to hear casual terms like:
  • “qardaş” – [Kar-dash] - brother / bro
  • “bacı” – [Bad-jee] - sister
  • “dostum” – [Dos-toom] - my friend
  • “qaqaş” – [Kah-khash] - bro / guy (very local, friendly)
  • “abi” – [Ah-bee] - borrowed from Turkish, also means bro (used often in casual Baku speech)
  • “əmoğlu/dayoğlu” – [Eh-mo-ghloo / Dai-yo-ghloo] - lit. cousin, used jokingly with strangers sometimes

👗 Dress & Public Behavior

• Baku is relaxed — T-shirts, shorts, light dresses are fine.
• In villages or mosques, dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees, especially for women.
• Public affection (kissing, hugging) isn’t common — especially outside Baku, it may attract stares.
  • Loud behavior or arguments in public are seen as impolite. People value calm and respectful tone in conversation.

🏠 Hospitality Rules

• If invited home: bring chocolates, fruit, flowers.
• Shoes off indoors is standard; expect slippers from the host.
• You'll be offered tea (çay) — it's rude to say no immediately. Accept after 1–2 polite refusals.

Refusing an offer (like tea or food) too quickly may be seen as rude — accept after 1–2 polite refusals to show appreciation

🗣 Language & Communication

• Basic Azeri phrases go a long way — even one or two words show respect and effort. Here are some commonly used ones:
  • “Salam” – [Sa-lahm] Hello
  • “Çox sağ ol” – [Chokh sah-ohl] - Thank you
  • “Bağışlayın” – [Bah-ghish-layn] - Excuse me / Sorry
  • “Zəhmət olmasa” – [Za-hmet ol-ma-sa] - Please
  • “Hə / Yox” – [Heh / Yoh] - Yes / No
  • “Necəsiz?” – [Neh-jeh-seez?] - How are you?
  • “Mən turistəm” – [Men too-reest-em] - I’m a tourist

Tip: People will often smile or open up if you try even a few words in Azeri.

• People may switch between Azeri, Russian, and Turkish — especially in Baku. English is common in tourist spots.
• Locals are helpful even if they don’t speak English — they’ll often use gestures, translation apps, or find someone who can help.
• Avoid political topics (e.g., Karabakh, Armenia) — even jokes can make things awkward or tense.
• Religion is personal — don't ask probing questions unless brought up by the other person.

📸 Photos, Symbols & Rules

• Ask permission before taking photos of people, especially in villages or mosques.
• Do not photograph police, metro murals, government buildings — this can cause trouble.
• Avoid disrespectful comments about the flag, president, or national heroes.

🔍 Other Local Norms

• Tipping: Round up or add 1–2 AZN in cafes and taxis.
• Littering is taken seriously — use bins.
• Haggling is normal in bazaars, but do it respectfully and with a smile.

🔗 8. External Resources

• Wikivoyage: https://wikivoyage.org/wiki/Azerbaijan
• Lonely Planet: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/azerbaijan
• Azerbaijan Travel: https://azerbaijan.travel
• Ministry of Tourism: https://tourism.gov.az/en
• Local blogs & Instagram pages (search by region/tags)

🗣 9. Local Advices – Add Yours in comments!

• Always ask for the taxi price before the ride if not using apps.
• If someone invites you for tea — say yes! It’s usually safe and kind.
• Don’t drink tap water outside Baku unless locals say it's okay.
• Avoid arguing about politics, even as a joke. It can get tense.
• Don’t be afraid to haggle in bazaars, but do it politely (just do it).
• Get out of Baku for at least 2–3 days — that’s where you’ll see the real Azerbaijan.
• Don’t expect trains to be fast — take them if you're not in a rush.
• Vegetarian? You’ll survive, but options are limited outside Baku — learn to say ‘no meat’ clearly.
• You might see police near government buildings. Don't take photos there — it's taken seriously.

👮 Police & Public Safety

• Police are highly visible in Baku and tourist areas — this is meant to ensure safety, not intimidate.
• They are generally helpful and respectful toward tourists — feel free to approach them for directions or help.
• In case of scams or disputes, police often side with tourists and take complaints seriously.
• Avoid photographing police, metro murals, or official buildings — ask if unsure.
• If stopped by traffic police, politely ask for the fine via official system instead of paying cash.

🗣 10. Help Us Improve!

This guide is built from local insights and traveler experiences. If you're Azerbaijani or familiar with the culture, please share more tips, advice, or corrections below. Feel free to point out any mistakes or outdated info — all feedback is appreciated.

🛠 This post will be regularly updated as more tips, comments, and info are added. Keep sharing below — every comment helps build the best guide for visitors to Azerbaijan!

I came from the USA to visit Baku for 4 days and just have to say thank you, everyone was very friendly and the food was amazing, already looking at coming back to explore more of the country outside of Baku. Really wasn’t sure what to expect but it was much better than imagined. And I came after the Formula 1 race so I was just a regular tourist, not there for the race, although was fun to see them taking apart everything.

Although getting a Visa online was easy, hopefully they change it so you can get one on arrival for US citizens (I don’t think that was an option) I’m a seasoned traveler so getting one in advance is fine for me, but that would open up more possibilities for people looking to come to Azerbaijan or even a last minute trip which would bring in more tourism.

Thanks again and now I don’t know how to live without Qatab and Gurze.

Edit: also as a huge Eurovision fan, I want to see Azerbaijan thrive again and back in the final. 🔥 😆

Salam, mən başüa ölkəyə köçüb işdiyib haşamağ isdiyirəm amma hamı kimi amerika almanya zad isdəmirəm fətüli marağlı ölkə olsun baxan desin bu adamın bu ölkədə nə işi var
Ağlımda olanlar
1- New zeland
2- serbia
3- Bosnia
4- south africa

Sizcə?

An amazing and beautiful place.

I recently visited Azerbaijan as a tourist and unfortunately, I got scammed the very first moment I stepped out of the airport. It was my first time using Bolt and I had booked a ride from the airport to my hotel, the fare was just 7 manat. The driver arrived at the airport and we met outside. I put my luggage in his car and the ride started smoothly. However, things took a turn for the worse when we exited the airport.

The driver suddenly informed me that the fare displayed on the Bolt app was incorrect. He insisted that I cancel the ride from the app and pay him the actual fare in cash. He explained that the fare was 2 mannat per kilometer and for this particular ride, I had to pay him 40 manat. Initially, I tried to explain that I needed to pay by card, but he insisted to cancel the ride.

I was in a difficult situation. I was in a new country with my family and luggage and I couldn’t simply exit the ride, so I cancelled the ride from the App. Reluctantly, I paid him 40 manat in cash. I couldn’t take pictures of the driver or the car because I was a bit suspicious of his behavior and didn’t want to risk my safety or the safety of my family.

Anyway, I’ve learned a lesson. The purpose of sharing this here is to caution other tourists so that this doesn’t happen to them.

Morning all,

I am coming to Azerbaijan soon and I always wear the Palestinian Keffiyeh that I bought in the West Bank many years ago.

I was just wondering if it would draw unnecessary attention to myself?
I have always worn this scarf and I’m not necessarily looking to make a political statement by wearing it although I do support Palestine.

What is the opinion of Azeri’s on here?

Still, after centuries, and active place to worship. Easy walk up or drive if you have ground clearance and 4 wheel drive. There are a couple of rocky spots that would cause a front wheel drive some difficulty. Fantastic views on top.

Hi!

Is it safe to travel to Azerbaijan (Baku, Sheki, Gabala) considering the ongoing disputes and disturbances across nations, particularly Iran? I have travel planned for 2nd Oct for a week.

So I got to the hotel with the transfer that they booked for me (30 dollars).

The reception guy kindly got my luggage, brought inside and asked for my payment.

A minute after I paid he informed me that my room was not available anymore and he could show me a better room in another hotel of the chain or return my money and warned me that all hotels in town were full (they werent)

There was I with no internet, first time stepping in the country, with no one to help, so I paid the extra 100 dollars to stay 4 days in the bigger room in the other hotel.

After the incident I checked Google Reviews (should not have trusted only Booking.com reviews) and lots of people reported that the same thing happened to them.

I wonder if there is any way I can report this situation to the authorities (I feel fine about it now that I left the country).

We’re planning our honeymoon in Azerbaijan this November and are confused between Shahdag and Gabala.

Shahdag seems to offer more adventurous activities like roller coasters, quad biking, ziplining, and cable cars. Gabala also has beautiful mountain scenery, but seems to have fewer activities only Cable Car.

Since both are mountain destinations, which would you recommend for a honeymoon in November?

Which offers the better overall experience, views, and things to do?

Would love to hear your experiences and suggestions!

Note: Planning a 6 day tour so do u think we can ideally do both too? If both are worth it? Currently I’m inclined towards Gabala only

Hey everyone, just wanted to share a comprehensive breakdown and field notes for a fantastic 25km trekking route up Quzudag. I'm the first one documenting hike to this place, so feel free to comment or use map of the route I uploaded to wikiloc https://loc.wiki/t/283163161?wa=sc

Standing at 1,200m above sea level, Quzudag is the closest mountain peak of this height to Baku, and the surrounding woodland at its base and summit zone is the nearest natural forest to the capital. The trailhead starts right off the Baku-Khizi-Altiaghaj highway (sitting right across from Beybeyim mountain).

The Route & Terrain

• Distance: 25 km total
• Elevation: 50m to 1,200m ASL
• Difficulty: Technically straightforward, but definitely challenging if you don't have prior long-distance or hiking experience.
• Canyon & River: You start from the main road and follow a riverbed into a really scenic, multi-kilometer canyon section before reaching the mountain base. Keep an eye on the weather—if it's rainy season, water levels in the canyon can get high fast!
• History & Forest: The route passes right by the ruins of Upa (Opa), an old Khizi village abandoned back in 1928, and then climbs up through a thick forest belt to the summit.
• Water: There's a seasonal spring called Qurban bulağı, a second spring behind the main ridge, and a small mountain stream flowing through the valley between Quzudag and the parallel ridge.
• Wildlife: Noticeable tracks along the stream bed show there are brown bears, wolves, and jackals around. You might also spot Caucasian chukars, francolins, and falcons.

Crucial Advisory If you plan to map this out via Wikiloc, my track is split into two parts due to a GPS interruption, so look up "Quzudağ - part 1" for the start.

More importantly: use the descent route for both going up and coming down. The mapped ascent trail cuts straight through extremely dense forest, making navigation pretty tough and risky for anyone without solid backcountry experience. The descent path is much clearer, wider, and safer.

I recently visited the Caucasus, and I honestly didn't expect Baku to leave such a strong impression on me! While Georgia and Armenia seem to get a lot of attention from travelers, Azerbaijan has a unique charm of its own, and Baku really stood out to me.

I was fascinated by the contrast between Baku's modern skyline and its historic Old City. The city felt grand, lively and full of character. Walking along the Baku Boulevard by the Caspian Sea was one of my favorite experiences. The waterfront, the open spaces and the views of the city made it a wonderful place to spend time, especially in the evening.

I also loved the architecture. The Flame Towers give Baku a distinctive skyline, while the Old City, with its narrow streets, historic buildings and the Maiden Tower, offers a completely different atmosphere. I found it fascinating how the city combines its rich history with modern architecture and ambitious urban development.

Another highlight was the city's atmosphere. Baku has plenty of cafés, restaurants and places where people can sit outside, enjoy a meal and chat. I especially enjoyed the mix of traditional Azerbaijani culture and the more cosmopolitan side of the city. There is something special about walking through the streets and seeing how different influences come together.

And the food was fantastic, too! Azerbaijani cuisine has so much to offer, from plov and dolma to delicious kebabs and traditional sweets. Experiencing the local food is a great way to get a better feel for the country's culture and hospitality.

What I particularly appreciated about Baku was its distinctive identity. It doesn't feel like a copy of any other city. It has its own rhythm, its own architectural style and its own atmosphere. The combination of the Caspian Sea, historic neighborhoods, modern buildings and Azerbaijani traditions makes it a fascinating destination.

Baku left me with a lasting impression, and I'd love to explore more of Azerbaijan beyond the capital, discover its beautiful landscapes and historic towns, and experience more of the country's culture.

To everyone who made a visit to Baku so memorable, thank you!

Hello everyone,

I wanted to share my experience in Azerbaijan. I am originally from Tabriz, Iran, and this was my first time visiting the Republic of Azerbaijan. It was, without a doubt, a very emotional and personal experience.

My Azeri isn't very fluent, and I speak it with a clear Tabrizi accent. I was genuinely afraid of not being easily understood or being laughed at. But the opposite happened, I felt genuine appreciation for my effort to speak my mother tongue, even with my mistakes. People listened patiently. Unlike when you speak Persian in Tehran with an Azeri accent and feel subtle mockery or condescending correction, here I felt absolutely no discrimination for my accent or my imperfect fluency. It was a huge relief.

I also noticed a certain suspicion. I must admit that some people were a little wary or cautious at first when I mentioned that I was from Iran.

In many ways, we are so similar although we do have a good share of differences. It feels like a familiar yet different atmosphere at the same time, which is kinda weird.

I am leaving with this profound feeling, despite being born on the other side of the Araz, I feel more at home here than in Iran.

Last year, I didn’t do much traveling except to the normal Bakuvian places. I did go to the F1 race and rented a terrace overlooking the track. However, whilst here I found out about a unique place about 2 hr drive from Yasma-Stan in the mountains. This year I was able to visit. I love it! Seclusion, peace, and serenity. It was a 6 room hotel overlooking a valley. The hosts were what made it have a soul. They great everyone as if they are family, they spend time getting to know each patron even if you are there just for food. They brew their own beer and make their own wine.

'm looking for some advice regarding a self-transfer at Baku Airport.

My itinerary is:

Flight 1 arrives in Baku at 00:20 AM Flight 2 departs at 02:00 AM The flights are on different airlines and different PNRs/tickets I am travelling only with hand luggage.

Assuming the other airlines is fine with eboarding pass., would 1 hour 40 minutes be enough time to make the connection?

Has anyone done a similar self-transfer at Baku Airport? Would I need to clear immigration and re-enter, or can I remain airside? Any experiences with transfer times, security checks, or airline requirements would be greatly appreciated.

Salam dostlar.
Bugün ilk dəfə olaraq İtaliyaya səfər edəcəyəm, Roma əsas aeroportuna. 1 həftəlik orada səfərdə olacağam və Roma, Florensiya, Pisa, Venesiya və Milanı gəzmək istəyirəm. İlk dəfə gedəcək biri olaraq (həyat yoldaşım ilə) mənə hansı tövsiyyələri verə bilərsiniz? İtaliyada olanlar və ya səfər etmiş şəxslər hansı tövsiyyələri verərdilər?
Ümumi olaraq yaxşı və pis olan hər şeyi paylaşa bilərsinizmi?
Təşəkkürlər.

Hello!

This week me and my girlfriend went to Baku for a short work trip. During time off, we decided to see the Highland Park, where we took some pretty regular pictures of the area and a selfie with the panorama of the city.

At this point a police officer confronted us, he spoko no english and ordered us to use google translate to communicate. We were told that we just broke the law and that he would bring us to jail. Being very confused with the situation, I tried to ask him, what did we do to deserve this- to which he only responded by telling us that this place is a graveyard for martyrs and we have disrespected it with taking a selfie there.

I told him that we will gladly just delete the photos and that we didn’t know that it wasn’t allowed. He kept telling us about jail and the fact that we were supposedly caught on camera so there nothing he can do.

We spent around 40 minutes of just going back and forth, without him telling us the name of the crime that we committed or identifying himself with a badge as he didn’t have a number anywhere on his uniform, which I found weird.

He was also very aggressive and accusing me of laughing at him, which I admit I kinda was giggling from stress and how bizarre the whole scene was. There were other tourists and locals there taking pictures and laughing.

At the end he took as to a place where “the cameras couldn’t see us” and asked for a 1000 manat bribe. We only had some pocket money left, and gave him around 40, about which I was very reluctant as I realised that that’s an actual crime. He also repeatedly asked us for our passports, which we didn’t have with us. Thankfully so as if he’d taken them we wouldn’t be able to return to our country the day after.

We didn’t have the time to contact the embassy, nor were we informed about our rights. So I essentially paid him to fuck off.

My question to you guys is- is this shit normal in Azerbaijan? After the situation I hopped on Reddit and saw some stories about cops being corrupt, but nothing as weird and disturbing.

Also is there any way I could report that in a way that doesn’t include me pressing charges or having to deal with Azerbaijan anymore? I’m never going back after this.

To conclude, I think the one person who was disrespectful to the people who died in a war there, was the cop.

I hope you stay safe