Top payment methods in Azerbaijan: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Azerbaijan? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Azerbaijan, with a population of around 10.37 million people, has a GDP of approximately 78.87 billion making it the 85th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN)
The economy is heavily reliant on oil and natural gas exports, which constitute a significant portion of its GDP. It has strong economic ties with Turkey, Russia, and the European Union, particularly Italy, for its energy exports.
| Country | Azerbaijan |
|---|---|
| Population | 10.37 million |
| GDP (USD) | 78.87 billion |
| Global Ranking | 85th |
| Currency | Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Azerbaijan?
Credit and debit cards are an increasingly popular payment method in urban areas like Baku, especially for retail purchases. A unique feature of Azerbaijan's payment landscape is MilliÖN, a widespread network of self-service terminals that allow citizens to conveniently pay bills, fines, and top up various accounts. Nevertheless, physical cash in the form of the Manat remains the dominant payment method for the majority of daily transactions across the country.
How to pay in Azerbaijan
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Azerbaijan.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Manat) | Cash is the dominant and preferred method for the majority of daily consumer transactions across the country. | In-person |
| Cards (Visa/Mastercard) | The use of cards is increasing, especially in the capital city of Baku. In smaller towns and rural areas, card acceptance is low. | Online/In-person |
| Digital Wallets & Online Portals | Local platforms like Hesab.az and e-Pul allow users to pay for utilities, top up mobile credit, and make other online payments. | Online |
| Bank Transfers | Bank transfers are a standard method for formal and B2B transactions. | Online |
Traveling beyond Azerbaijan? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Azerbaijan?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Azerbaijan.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.