Understanding the currency of Azerbaijan. A country’s currency is much more than a means of payment. Beyond exchange rates and denominations, every coin and banknote tells a story. From iconic landmarks to national unity, statehood, and independence, a nation’s currency reflects its unique cultural heritage and identity. Take a closer look, and you’ll discover that currency is one of the most fascinating ways to explore a country’s history and culture.
What Is the Currency of Azerbaijan?
The Azerbaijani manat is the official currency of Azerbaijan. Its ISO (International Organization for Standardization) currency code is AZN, and it is represented by the symbol ₼. One manat is subdivided into 100 qəpik (also transliterated as gapik). The Central Bank of Azerbaijan manages the issuance and circulation of Azerbaijani coins and banknotes.
The History Behind the Currency of Azerbaijan
The origin of the word manat is just as fascinating as the currency itself. The term is derived from the Russian word монета (moneta), meaning “coin,” which ultimately comes from the Latin word Monēta.
During the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union, manat was used in Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan as the local name for the ruble.
The first Azerbaijani manat was introduced in 1919 by the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), the country’s first independent republic. Before then, various currencies, including the Russian ruble, circulated in the region. The new currency represented Azerbaijan’s attempt to establish economic independence.
Following the Soviet takeover in 1920, the manat was replaced by Soviet currencies, and Azerbaijan used the Soviet ruble for more than seven decades.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the regaining of independence in 1991, Azerbaijan introduced a new national manat in August 1992, replacing the ruble. The currency became an important symbol of the country’s restored sovereignty.
To simplify the monetary system, Azerbaijan redenominated the currency in January 2006. The reform introduced the AZN currency code, with 1 new manat equal to 5,000 old manats (AZM).
Azerbaijani Manat Coins: Exploring the Smaller Denominations
The current Azerbaijani manat coin series includes denominations of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, and 50 qəpik coins. The obverse of each coin displays its denomination, along with a map of Azerbaijan and the inscription “Azərbaycan Respublikası,” meaning “Republic of Azerbaijan.” The reverse features different national symbols and themes across the denominations, including musical instruments, literature, oil production, and military heritage, reflecting important aspects of Azerbaijan’s culture, history, and development.
Azerbaijani Manat Banknotes: The Designs and Stories of Azerbaijani Currency
The current series of Azerbaijani manat banknotes includes denominations of ₼1, ₼5, ₼10, ₼20, ₼50, ₼100, ₼200, and ₼500. The banknotes have a design style that resembles the euro banknotes, with their motifs inspired by the themes and visual elements used in euro currency design. They were designed by Robert Kalina, the same designer responsible for the euro banknotes, giving the manat a distinctive yet internationally familiar appearance.
₼1 – 1 Azerbaijani Manat
The grey-coloured 1 Azerbaijani manat banknote features traditional musical instruments on the obverse, including the daf, kamancheh, and tar, celebrating Azerbaijan’s rich folk music heritage. The reverse features decorative geometric patterns inspired by traditional Azerbaijani art and carpet designs, reflecting the country’s distinctive cultural traditions.
The reverse of the banknote also features a map of Azerbaijan, including the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. This cartographic design element continues throughout the different denominations of the Azerbaijani manat banknote series.
₼5 – 5 Azerbaijani Manat
The orange-coloured 5 Azerbaijani manat banknote focuses on the theme of writing and literature. The obverse features an excerpt from the Azerbaijani national anthem, along with decorative elements representing the country’s literary heritage. The reverse depicts ancient rock carvings from Gobustan and examples of Old Turkic script, highlighting Azerbaijan’s historical and cultural connections.
₼10 – 10 Azerbaijani Manat
The teal-coloured 10 Azerbaijani manat banknote focuses on the theme of history. The obverse features Old Baku, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower, set against the backdrop of the historic Icheri Sheher (Old City) walls. The reverse features decorative ornaments inspired by regional Azerbaijani carpets, reflecting the country’s rich artistic heritage.
₼20 – 20 Azerbaijani Manat
The green-coloured 20 Azerbaijani manat banknote focuses on the theme of the Karabakh region. The obverse features a helmet, sword, and shield, symbolising strength, protection, and resilience. The reverse depicts a symbol of peace, representing hopes for harmony and stability.
₼50 – 50 Azerbaijani Manat
The yellow-coloured 50 Azerbaijani manat banknote focuses on the theme of history, the future, and youth. The obverse features stairs symbolising progress, the sun representing energy and light, and chemical and mathematical symbols reflecting scientific advancement and innovation.
The reverse of the banknote features decorative ornaments inspired by regional Azerbaijani carpets. This design element continues throughout the higher denominations of the Azerbaijani manat banknote series,
₼100 – 100 Azerbaijani Manat
The mauve-coloured 100 Azerbaijani manat banknote focuses on the theme of economy and development. The obverse features architectural structures representing Azerbaijan’s journey from antiquity to the modern era. It also includes the ₼ symbol, reflecting the importance of the national currency and the country’s economic growth.
₼200 – 200 Azerbaijani Manat
The blue-coloured 200 Azerbaijani manat banknote focuses on the theme of modern architecture. The obverse features the iconic Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku, representing Azerbaijan’s contemporary architectural achievements and urban development.
How the Currency of Azerbaijan Is Used in Everyday Life
The Azerbaijani manat is used for everyday transactions throughout Azerbaijan. In Baku, card payments have become increasingly popular and are widely accepted at most businesses, including the Baku Metro. However, smaller vendors, local shops, and market stalls often still prefer cash payments.
For this reason, it is advisable to carry a small amount of cash for situations where card payments may not be accepted. Cash is also useful for tipping in restaurants, cafés, and bars. Before leaving a tip, always check your receipt to see whether a service charge has already been included in the bill.
For travellers joining tours in Azerbaijan, carrying cash can make restaurant payments much easier. As in many former Soviet countries, it is common for one person to settle the entire bill for the table rather than having each guest pay separately. Restaurant staff may not always have the time to process individual card payments for larger groups of 10 to 14 people.
A practical approach is to calculate the cost of your meal and contribute your share in Azerbaijani manat, along with a small amount for the tip. This allows the group leader or designated payer to settle the bill quickly and efficiently. It simplifies the payment process and gives everyone more time to relax, socialise, and enjoy the dining experience in Azerbaijan.
How to Exchange the Currency of Azerbaijan: Tips for Travellers
There are numerous banks and licensed currency exchange offices throughout Baku and other major cities in Azerbaijan. To ensure a safe and reliable transaction, always use an official bank or authorised exchange bureau.
When exchanging foreign currency, it is advisable to carry clean, undamaged, and unmarked banknotes, as some banks and exchange offices may refuse notes that are torn, heavily worn, or marked.
While currency exchange services are available at hotels and transportation hubs, including Heydar Aliyev International Airport, the exchange rates offered at these locations are often less favourable than those found in the city.
A convenient alternative is to withdraw Azerbaijani Manat from an ATM upon arrival at the airport. This ensures you have local currency immediately available for transportation into the city, whether you choose a Uber taxi, public bus, or another form of transport. Once in Baku, you can compare exchange rates at banks and licensed exchange offices if you need additional cash.
ATMs, Banks, and Accessing the Currency of Azerbaijan
ATMs are widely available throughout Baku and can be found at bank branches, shopping centres, supermarkets, hotels, and other busy locations across the city. For many travellers, withdrawing cash from an ATM is often more convenient than exchanging foreign currency and may offer a competitive exchange rate, depending on your bank.
Before making a withdrawal, it is worth checking the current exchange rate using a reliable currency converter and reviewing your bank’s fees for foreign transactions and international ATM withdrawals. Taking a few moments to compare costs can help you get the best value when accessing Azerbaijani Manat during your tour to Azerbaijan.
Exploring Azerbaijan Through Its Currency
Azerbaijan has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in the Caucasus, thanks to its modern capital, Baku, which serves as a major transport hub, and its straightforward eVisa process. The Azerbaijani manat tells the story of the nation, celebrating the country’s culture, music, literature, architecture, history, and economic progress through its beautifully designed banknotes and coins.
However, Azerbaijan is much more than Baku. Our tours also explore the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and the Karabakh region, offering a deeper insight into the country’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage. Azerbaijan also serves as an excellent gateway for exploring the wider South Caucasus, with easy connections to neighbouring Georgia and Armenia.
Join one of our Privet Tours and explore the destinations we travel to along the way.
