Key points
- You can bring any amount of foreign currency into Azerbaijan if you follow customs procedure.
- You can take out up to the equivalent of USD 10,000 in foreign cash with an oral declaration to customs.
- From USD 10,000 to USD 50,000 you need a written declaration and customs papers that prove you brought the cash in.
- Above that, or without proof of import, foreign currency leaves only by bank or postal transfer.
- Manat: up to AZN 20,000 in cash with an oral declaration, in or out; AZN 20,000 and more must be declared in writing.
Contents
How much cash can you bring into Azerbaijan?
There is no upper limit for foreign currency. The Central Bank rules (Resolution 16/1 of 3 March 2016) say residents and non residents may bring in foreign currency of any amount by complying with customs procedures. The State Customs Committee repeats this on its currency control page.
No limit does not mean no paperwork. The key point is what happens when you leave: to take more than USD 10,000 out again, you must show customs papers that prove you brought the money in as cash. So if you arrive with a large amount, declare it in writing at the red channel or online, and keep the stamped declaration until you leave.
If you carry a large amount of cash in and do not declare it, you may not be able to take it out again legally. Declare on arrival, keep the paper.
How much cash can you take out of Azerbaijan?
The limits are the same for foreigners and for residents. They are set by the Central Bank and checked by customs at the airport.
| Amount of foreign cash when you leave | What you need | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Up to the equivalent of USD 10,000 | Oral declaration to customs | CBAR rules, point 2.2 |
| USD 10,000 to USD 50,000 | Written customs declaration plus customs papers proving you brought it in as cash | CBAR rules, point 2.3 |
| Above USD 50,000, or above USD 10,000 without proof of import | Not as cash: only by transfer through an authorised bank or the national postal operator | CBAR rules, point 2.4 |
| Cheques and securities in foreign currency above USD 10,000 | Written declaration plus papers proving they were brought in | CBAR rules, point 2.3 1 |
Rules for Azerbaijani manat
Manat (AZN) cash follows a separate rule, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on 10 October 2018. A person may bring in or take out manat banknotes and coins up to AZN 20,000 with an oral declaration to customs. AZN 20,000 and more must be declared in writing, in full. Jubilee and commemorative manat coins are always declared in writing.
There is no limit on moving manat by bank transfer. In practice manat can be hard to exchange outside Azerbaijan and its neighbours, so change what you do not need before you fly home.
| Manat cash | In or out | Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Up to AZN 20,000 | Both | Oral |
| AZN 20,000 and more | Both | Written, full amount |
| Commemorative coins | Both | Written, any amount |
| By bank transfer | Both | No cash limit |
How to declare cash at Baku airport
- 1
Choose the channel
Small amounts within the oral limits: tell the customs officer if asked. Larger amounts: go to the red channel.
- 2
Fill the declaration
Use the paper form, an e kiosk, the e.customs.gov.az portal or the Smart Customs app. Write the full amount and currency.
- 3
Get it stamped
Make sure customs confirms the declaration and keep it with your passport.
- 4
Show it when you leave
To take out more than USD 10,000, show this paper with a new written declaration.
Common situations
- Tourist with USD 2,000: no written paperwork for leaving; an oral declaration is enough on the way out.
- Buying a car or flat with cash brought from home: declare the full amount in writing on arrival, because what you do not spend can leave only with that paper, and only up to USD 50,000.
- Salary earned in Azerbaijan: take it out by bank transfer. Cash above USD 10,000 earned here has no import papers, so it cannot leave as cash.
- Family carrying cash together: the rules speak of each individual, so ask customs before you travel how they apply to your family and declare each person's part.
- Leaving with manat: up to AZN 20,000 orally, more in writing.
Cards, ATMs and exchange
You rarely need to carry large sums. Visa and Mastercard work in most shops and restaurants in Baku, ATMs give manat, and banks and exchange offices change US dollars and euros. Read money in Azerbaijan for visitors for practical tips, and customs allowance for goods.
If you are moving to Azerbaijan, a local account makes transfers easier; see bank accounts for foreigners.
Not sure? Ask customs
The State Customs Committee answers on 195 (from abroad +994 12 404 22 00) and at office@customs.gov.az. Rules can change, so for large amounts check the current text before you travel. Sroky is a private app, not the government; for long stays it helps you keep track of your visa, registration and residence permit dates.
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a limit on bringing cash into Azerbaijan?
No upper limit for foreign currency, but you must follow customs procedure. Declare large amounts in writing so you can take them out again.
How much cash can I take out of Azerbaijan?
Up to the equivalent of USD 10,000 with an oral declaration. From USD 10,000 to USD 50,000 only with a written declaration and papers proving you brought it in.
What if I need to take out more than USD 50,000?
It cannot leave as cash. Send it by transfer through an authorised bank or the national postal operator.
How much manat can I take out?
Up to AZN 20,000 with an oral declaration. AZN 20,000 and more must be declared in writing.
Do I need to declare USD 5,000 when I arrive?
There is no limit on bringing it in; follow the customs procedure and answer the officer if asked. If you plan to take more than USD 10,000 out later, declare in writing on arrival.
Can I take my salary out of Azerbaijan in cash?
Up to the equivalent of USD 10,000 by oral declaration. More needs proof that it was brought in, which earned money does not have, so use a bank transfer.
Official sources
- State Customs Committee: currency control
- Central Bank of Azerbaijan: rules on bringing in and taking out foreign currency (PDF)
- Cabinet of Ministers: rules on declaring manat (PDF, CBAR)
- State Customs Committee: information for individuals
Sroky is a private service and is not part of the government of Azerbaijan. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change: the official source always applies. Disclaimer