Exchanging foreign currency at Baku Airport: your ultimate guide
November 2, 2024
Currency exchange • Best rates • Baku Airport guide
Currency exchange • Best rates • Baku Airport guide
When arriving in Azerbaijan, especially for the first time, one of your immediate concerns is likely about how to exchange your foreign currency into the local Azerbaijani manat (AZN). Thankfully, Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Baku provides multiple options for currency exchange, ensuring that you’re never short of money upon your arrival. In this guide, we’ll focus on Terminal 1, as the majority of international flights arrive and depart from here.
Currency exchange at Heydar Aliyev International Airport
Heydar Aliyev International Airport, the main gateway to Baku and the rest of Azerbaijan, has multiple exchange offices located in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. These currency exchange services are offered by three prominent banks: Premium Bank, ABB Bank, and Kapital Bank. Understanding their locations and exchange rates will help you make an informed decision about where to change your money.
Terminal 1 currency exchange overview
Terminal 1 at Baku Airport serves most international flights and, consequently, has a wide variety of currency exchange offices. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Before passport control: as you step off your flight and head towards the passport control area on the second floor, you’ll find two Kapital Bank exchange offices conveniently located on either side of the entrance to the passport control section. These Kapital Bank exchange offices typically offer the best exchange rates in the airport, which are just as good as those in central Baku. The USD exchange rate is stable at 1.697, meaning that exchanging 100 USD will yield 169.7 AZN. Since these rates are excellent, you can exchange as much as you need here without concern.
Tip: if the exchange office appears unstaffed or the bank clerk is temporarily unavailable, waiting a bit might be worth it to secure the best rate. In some instances, the staff may redirect you to another exchange office past the passport control area, but it doesn’t hurt to politely request an exchange here for a more favorable rate.
2. After passport control (baggage claim area): once you clear passport control, head to the baggage claim area on the first floor. Here, you’ll find a Premium Bank exchange office. The exchange rate for USD here is generally less favorable, such as 1.6500, meaning that 100 USD would give you only 165 AZN. The difference may seem small, but it adds up, especially when exchanging larger sums. If you can't exchange at Kapital Bank before passport control, you might consider exchanging only a small amount here for immediate expenses and waiting to handle larger transactions in the city center for better rates.
3. Meet and Greet area: if you missed the exchange offices inside the secure area, don’t worry. In the Meet and Greet area, still on the first floor and accessible to both arriving and departing passengers, you will find additional exchange offices. Here, there is another Premium Bank office (same rate of 1.6500) and an ABB Bank office, where the rate is slightly better at 1.6600. For 100 USD, you’ll receive 166 AZN at ABB Bank.
Operating hours: some exchange offices operate 24/7, so you’ll be able to exchange your money no matter what time your flight arrives. This convenience ensures you can easily obtain cash for immediate expenses like transportation from Baku Airport to the city center.
ATMs at Heydar Aliyev International Airport
In addition to currency exchange offices, there are numerous ATMs strategically placed throughout the airport for easy access to Azerbaijani manat. Here’s where you’ll find them:
1. Before passport control: near the Kapital Bank exchange offices in Terminal 1, you’ll also spot ATMs from Premium Bank. These ATMs are convenient if you prefer withdrawing money directly in AZN rather than exchanging cash.
2. After passport control (baggage claim area): ATMs from ABB Bank and VTB Bank are available, making it simple for you to withdraw cash before leaving the airport.
3. Meet and Greet area: this area offers ATMs from ABB Bank and Premium Bank, available for both arriving and departing passengers.
Currency Rates for ATMs: keep in mind that the exchange rate when withdrawing from ATMs might vary slightly depending on your home bank and associated fees.
Should you exchange large amounts at Baku Airport?
If you can exchange your money at Kapital Bank in Terminal 1 before passport control, go ahead and exchange as much as you need, as the rate is excellent and the same as in central Baku. However, if you have to use other exchange offices, such as Premium Bank or ABB Bank, consider exchanging only a small amount for immediate expenses and saving larger transactions for when you reach the city, where better rates may be available.
Currency exchange tips
- Check the airport’s official map on their website to locate exchange offices and ATMs more easily.
- Take advantage of the 24/7 operating hours, especially if your flight lands at odd hours.
- Since the manat is pegged to the USD, the exchange rate for USD to AZN is stable, but rates for EUR may fluctuate. For EUR to AZN conversions, compare rates carefully as they can be less predictable than USD to AZN.
Navigating currency exchange at Heydar Aliyev International Airport doesn’t have to be stressful. By knowing the best spots for favorable exchange rates in Terminal 1, where ATMs are located, and the differences between banks, you can ensure that you get the most value out of your money when arriving in Baku. Safe travels, and welcome to Azerbaijan!
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Baku Airport provides currency exchange services in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The main banks operating exchange offices are Kapital Bank, Premium Bank, and ABB Bank, with the most favorable rates typically found at Kapital Bank in Terminal 1.
The best place to exchange money at Baku Airport for arriving passengers is in Terminal 1, before passing through passport control, at the Kapital Bank exchange offices. They offer the most favorable rates, similar to those in central Baku.
The USD to AZN exchange rate at Kapital Bank in Terminal 1 is stable at 1.697, which is very competitive. Other banks, such as Premium Bank and ABB Bank, may offer slightly lower rates.
To exchange currency at Baku Airport, head to one of the exchange offices in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. For the best rates, visit Kapital Bank before passport control (only for arriving passengers) in Terminal 1. There are also ATMs throughout the airport if you prefer withdrawing cash.
It's generally better to exchange USD at Baku Airport, as the exchange rate for USD to AZN is stable and favorable, given that the Azerbaijani manat is pegged to the USD. The EUR to AZN rate can fluctuate, and you may find better rates for EUR in the city rather than at the airport.
Related articles
