Azerbaijan
Driving permit
You can drive in Azerbaijan with a current Australian driver’s licence.
You may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for your travel and car insurance. Check with your insurer and car provider before you drive.
Road travel
Driving in Azerbaijan can be dangerous. Common dangers include:
- roads and vehicles in poor condition
- drivers who ignore traffic signals and rules
- high-speed crashes that cause serious injury or death
- rural roads without lights or road signs
- sharing the road with pedestrians, slow-moving farm equipment and livestock
Right-hand drive cars are illegal in Azerbaijan.
It’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol reading above 0%.
Before you drive in Azerbaijan:
- check your travel insurance will cover you
- get to know local road rules
Look out for pedestrians, livestock and farm equipment when you drive, particularly in rural areas.
More information:
Taxis
Use registered taxis and authorised limousines. It’s best to get your hotel to arrange a taxi for you.
Avoid flagging down taxis in the street.
If you need a taxi when away from your hotel, use an official taxi rank.
Sit in the back seat rather than the front.
Public transport
Public transport can be overcrowded, especially buses. It may not meet Australian safety standards.
Take care of your belongings because petty crime occurs.
More information:
Rail travel
The Baku Metro is fairly good, with basic safety equipment and procedures. Metro signs are in Azerbaijani.
To reduce your risks if you travel by overland train:
- secure your valuables
- don’t leave the compartment unattended
- lock the door of your compartment from the inside
Air travel
Before you travel on Azerbaijan’s domestic airlines, be aware that:
- planes may not meet international standards for maintenance
- overbooking and overcrowding is common
- cancellations and delays can occur without explanation
DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Azerbaijan’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government