Currency sign: AZN
ISO4217 code: AZM 031
Ruble division: 100 qepiks
The Azerbaijani manat was introduced on August 15, 1992. Initially, it was in circulation in parallel with the Soviet ruble, as well as with Bank of Russia notes of the 1992-1993 model in the ratio of 1 manat = 10 rubles. On November 22, 1993, the withdrawal of Soviet and Russian rubles from circulation began, and from January 1, 1994, the manat became the only legal tender in the country.
On January 1, 2006, a denomination was carried out in a ratio of 5000:1. Previously issued banknotes were in circulation until January 1, 2007.
The banknotes were designed by Austrian currency designer Robert Kalina, who also designed the modern euro banknotes. Thanks to this, banknotes and coins show a certain similarity.
Some banknotes commissioned by the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan are printed by De La Rue.
AZN qepik coins
1 qepik. Material: copper, steel. The edge is smooth.
- 3 qepiks. Material: copper, steel. Edge with cutout.
- 5 qepiks. Material: copper, steel. The edge is corrugated.
- 10 qepiks. Material: brass, steel. The edge is smooth with 7 potholes.
- 20 qepiks. Material: brass, steel. The edge is intermittently ribbed.
- 50 qepiks. Material: brass, steel. The edge is ribbed with the inscription Azerbaijan Respublikası.
Banknotes Azerbaijani manat AZN
1 Azerbaijani manat- the obverse depicts Azerbaijani folk instruments and a treble clef.
1 Azerbaijani manat
5 Azerbaijani manats- the obverse depicts: the facade of the building of the Museum of Azerbaijani Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi, books of Azerbaijan, part of the anthem of Azerbaijan and letters of the modern Azerbaijani alphabet.
5 Azerbaijani manats- the reverse depicts a map of Azerbaijan against the background of rock paintings in Gobustan, as well as text in the ancient Turkic alphabet.
10 Azerbaijani manats- the obverse depicts: Old Baku, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower against the backdrop of the ancient city of Icheri Sheher.
10 Azerbaijani manats- on the reverse there is a map of Azerbaijan against the background of ornaments of national carpets.
20 Azerbaijani manats- the obverse depicts symbols of power - a sword, helmet and shield.
20 Azerbaijani manats- on the reverse there is a map of Azerbaijan against the background of national ornaments and the inscription “Qarabağ” Karabakh in large letters.
50 Azerbaijani manats- the obverse depicts: youth, steps as a symbol of progress, the sun as a symbol of strength and light, as well as chemical and mathematical signs as a symbol of science.
50 Azerbaijani manats- on the reverse there is a map of Azerbaijan against the background of ornaments of national carpets.
100 Azerbaijani manats- the obverse depicts architectural symbols from the past to the present day, symbols of the Azerbaijani manat and economic growth.
100 Azerbaijani manats- on the reverse there is a map of Azerbaijan against the background of ornaments of national carpets.
Azerbaijan is one of the favorite tourist routes. Every year the influx of people wishing to visit this eastern country becomes greater and greater. The reasons for this are not only the rich culture and beautiful nature, but also numerous international sports competitions and music competitions: Eurovision, the First European Games, Formula 1. Of course, those who want to visit this country have many questions: what to see, what to try from the national cuisine. But the main question is: what is the currency in Azerbaijan?
State currency
On August 15, 1992, the new official currency of Azerbaijan, the manat, consisting of 100 qepiks, was launched into monetary circulation. Until 1994, Soviet and post-Soviet rubles were in circulation along with the manat, and after that the manat began to act as a single monetary unit of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The currency in international symbols is known as AZN.
Currency is presented in the form of paper banknotes (manats) and small change coins (qepiks). Manat denominations are 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Gyapik comes in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1.
What does a manat look like?
The design was developed by Robert Kalina, a famous Austrian designer of banknotes, who also came up with the design of the euro. Therefore, there are external similarities between the two currencies. But there are also distinctive features that make it possible to identify differences in the denominations of the monetary unit of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The currency has a standard size of 125 by 63 mm. The exception is the commemorative issue manat, the banknotes of which vary in size. The denomination is indicated on both sides. The front side of the modern manat depicts a cultural monument or architectural object of the country. Banknotes of all denominations have a contour image of the boundaries of the denomination on the reverse next to the number.
The issue of these banknotes began back in 2005, and today modern money has almost completely replaced the old types of banknotes from circulation.
Where can I exchange currency for manat?
What does a tourist who comes to Azerbaijan need to know? The officially accepted currency is the same for the entire country. The first step for future purchases is to exchange your country's banknotes for local banknotes. Exchanges are made in banks and exchange offices. We recommend not to change money from strangers; it is better to give preference to banks and points that can be found at almost every step. The latter work around the clock.
Usually the rate is favorable and varies slightly between banks and exchange offices. The only negative is that some points do not accept dollars issued before 1992 and torn bills.
The current exchange rate of the manat can be found on websites dedicated to currency exchange. There is also a converter that allows you to find out the ratio of government money to other currencies.
What are the most popular monetary units in the Republic of Azerbaijan? The currencies of Russia, the USA and the European Union are very popular, compared to other currencies, they are easier to exchange than others. Therefore, if possible, it is better to take the currency of one of these countries when traveling.
The national monetary unit of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani manat. 1 manat contains 100 qepik. International currency symbol AZN. Currently in circulation are banknotes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 manats and coins in 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50 qepik (derived from the Russian word “kopek”). Approximate prices in the republic are as follows: a taxi fare costs about 8 manats, a 20-time metro ride costs 3 manats, silk scarves cost about 15 manats, embroidered paintings cost 25 manats.
History of origin
Azerbaijani ruble
In 1917, Soviet power was established in Baku, and in 1918 the Republic of Azerbaijan with its capital Ganja was proclaimed. Two years later, the republic was occupied by Türkiye and then Great Britain. And in the spring of 1920, after the end of the Civil War, the Soviet government was formed, and the Azerbaijani ruble was introduced into circulation.
Manat
After the collapse of the USSR, in 1992, Azerbaijan introduced its own currency - the manat. Manat comes from the word “mannan” - merciful, generous. At first, both currencies were in use, but since 1994 the manat became the only means of payment. The ratio of manat to ruble was 1:10. Manats in 1992 looked like this:
The reverse of all banknotes is made the same - this is a national ornament, a watermark (three flames. In translation, the word “Azerbaijan” means “land of fire”), the denomination of the currency.
The 1.10 manat denominations had several versions since they were reissued in 1993.
On banknotes in denominations of 1,5,10,50,100,250 manats, the “Maiden Tower” is depicted (on the obverse);
500 manat (1993) - Azerbaijani mystic poet and romantic Nizami Ganjavi (on the obverse);
His full name is Nizam ad-Din Abu Muhammad Ilyas ibn Yusuf ibn Zaki ibn Muayad, and Nizami is a creative pseudonym.
1000 manat (1993) - Mamed-Emin Rasulzade (on the obverse);
Full name Mamed Emin Akhund Haji Molla Alekper oglu Rasulzade is a public and political figure, playwright. He was the founder of a democratic republic.
10,000 manat (1994) - Shirvankhanov Palace (on the obverse)
The palace was built in the 15th century in connection with the transfer of the old capital of the Shirvanshahs from Shemakha to Baku. Since 1964, the palace has been a museum-reserve and is included in the UNESCO heritage.
50,000 manat (1996) - Mausoleum of Momine Khatun - Nakhichevan architectural monument (on the obverse);
The Momine-Khatun Mausoleum (Atabek's Dome) was built in 1186 by the local ruler Jahan Pakhlevan and named after his wife.
Modern banknotes
In 2005, a denomination of the currency took place: 50,000 old manats (AZM) were replaced by 1 new one (AZN). New banknotes were put into circulation. The author of modern banknote design is the well-known Robert Kalina (he is also the author of the euro design). The main part of the banknotes is produced in De La Rue (England) by order of the National Bank.
1 manat - graphic images of Azerbaijani national instruments: tara, kamanchi, dafina against the background of an ancient carpet (on the obverse), a map of integration into Europe and a traditional ornament of Azerbaijan (on the reverse);
5 manats - ancient books, an excerpt from the anthem (on the obverse), a map of integration into Europe, the history of the development of writing: hieroglyphs from the Gobustan rock, the Orkhon-Yenisei alphabet, modern writing against the background of famous writers of Azerbaijan (on the reverse);
These writers: M. Fizuli, Guliadze, Natavan, Akhundova, Jabbarla. Gobustan is a museum of rock carvings located in the open air. The Latin inscription below is evidence of the presence of ancient Roman troops. This banknote demonstrates Azerbaijan's contribution to world culture.
10 manat - the ancient city of Baku, the palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower are depicted against the background of the wall of the old tower of the city of Icherchi Sheher (on the obverse), a map of integration into Europe, traditional carpet patterns (on the reverse);
This banknote symbolizes the traditions of the republic.
20 manat - signs of power - helmet, shield and sword in combination with the peace symbol “Khari Bulbul” (on the obverse), a map of integration into Europe, national patterns and the word “Qarabağ” written in different fonts (on the reverse) ;
The flower "Khara Bulbul" (wild orchid) grows in Karabakh and is listed in the Red Book. The theme of the banknote is the foreign policy of Azerbaijan.
50 manat - stairs and young people (as a symbol of growth), the sun (symbols of strength and light), signs from mathematics and chemistry (symbol of education) (on the obverse), a map of integration into Europe, a carpet ornament (on the reverse);
The banknote is dedicated to education as a symbol of the future.
100 manat - symbols of architecture from ancient times to the present day, the letter “M” (manat symbol) (on the obverse), a map of integration into Europe, a carpet ornament (on the reverse);
The theme of the banknote is the economic development of the country.
Modern coins
The images on the coins match the images on the banknotes. Coins are made of copper, brass, steel, and nickel.
1, 3,5,10,20,50 apiks
Degree of protection
The currency has a fairly high level of protection against counterfeiting.
- Watermarks: each banknote has its own watermark: torch (1 manat), pen with book (5 manat), maiden tower (10 manat), wild orchid (20 manat), spiral staircase (50 manat), letter “M” (100 manat).
- Hologram: fortress wall (10 manats), ancient helmet (20 manats), openwork circle (50 manats), map of Azerbaijan (100 manats). There is no hologram on 1 and 5 manats. On all holograms it is written in small print AZeRBAYCAN MILLO BANKI, the denomination of the currency and part of the word “Manat” are indicated.
- At the top left is a colored rectangle in which the denomination is visible.
- At the bottom left is a hidden numeral and watermark, as well as an iridescent denomination numeral.
- On the reverse there are so-called magic lines - these are two multi-colored stripes that are visible only at a certain angle.
- The banknote is covered on both sides with very clear and precise lines.
- Various elements that appear only under ultraviolet light.
Currency in Azerbaijan: Azerbaijani manat (AZN).
The manat symbol is very similar to the euro sign rotated 90 degrees.
1 manat = 100 qepik
It is customary to pay in manats in the country; in rare cases, rubles, dollars and euros are accepted.
How much money to take to Azerbaijan
You can make your vacation as cheap as possible by staying in a hostel or in a private house.
A separate double room in a hostel will cost 50 manats. Bed space - 20 manats. You can rent a room or bed in a private house in the suburbs, especially on the coast.
Bed space in a private house: 5 manats
Room in a private house in the suburbs: 10 manats
Bed in a hostel: 20 manat
Hostel room: 50 manat
Daily rent of a 2-room apartment 70 manat.
You need to plan your vacation in advance; hostels are booked several months in advance.
Approximate prices in Azerbaijan
- Lunch in a cafe: from 8 manats
- Cup of coffee: 4 manats
- Can of beer: about 1 manat
- Bottle of wine: from 1 manat
- A carton of milk: 1.5 manats
- Pack of cigarettes: from 1 manat
- Loaf of bread: 0.5 manat
- Liter of gasoline: from 0.5 manat
Bank cards in Azerbaijan
It is reasonable to put a small amount on your bank card, which may be needed in extreme cases. It is better to have the remaining funds with you in cash. You can pay by card in large hotels, large stores, and famous restaurants. They are also accepted at gas stations, but mostly only in large cities.
Currency exchange in Azerbaijan
Money in Azerbaijan can be changed at bank branches and exchange offices, which are located at airports, train stations, bus stations, and shopping centers. In Azerbaijani, exchange offices are called mubadile menteqesi. The least favorable exchange rates are at airports and train stations, as well as near popular tourist spots.
In addition to the favorable rate, you should definitely pay attention to the presence of a commission for the service. It often happens that the higher the amount exchanged, the lower the commission.
You can also withdraw cash from a Visa or MasterCard credit card at any ATM. When conducting a transaction, you must take into account not only the commission at the ATM itself, but also the fact that the bank that issued the card will charge interest on the transaction.
It is most profitable to bring dollars or euros to Azerbaijan. The direct ruble-manat exchange rate is not so favorable.
Banks of Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani banks are open 09:00-13:00 and 14:00-18:00. Banks in the country are closed on Sundays and holidays. On Saturdays, banks operate with reduced hours, usually 09:00-14:00.
The major banks of Azerbaijan are: AccessBank, Bank of Baku, Bank Respublika, Kapital Bank, Unibank and the International Bank of Azerbaijan. There is also the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, which manages the financial sector in the country.
Tipping in Azerbaijan
In many restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is included in the bill. In some cafes, staff remuneration is not included in the final check and is left to the discretion of visitors. It is also customary to thank hotel staff and taxi drivers.
Azerbaijani manat– the official currency of the Azerbaijan Republic. Bank code – AZN. 1 manat is equal to 100 qepik. Denominations of banknotes in circulation: 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 manat. Coins: 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1 qepik.
The front side of the banknotes reflects various aspects of life in modern Azerbaijan. 1 manat is dedicated to culture and decorated with national musical instruments. 5 manats symbolize the country’s contribution to world literature: the banknote depicts the facade of the building of the Museum of Azerbaijani Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi (a classic of Persian poetry, one of the largest poets of the medieval East, who lived on the territory of today’s Baku at the end of the 11th - beginning of the 12th century), as well as books and part of the text of a modern anthem. 10 manats are dedicated to state traditions and decorated with a symbolic map of old Baku. On 20 manats there is a shield, a sword and a helmet (it is believed that this banknote illustrates the modern foreign policy of the state). 50 manats reflects Azerbaijan's desire for progress (symbolic youth walks towards the staircase facing the sun; mathematical signs and chemical elements are placed around as the personification of knowledge). The largest banknote - 100 manats - represents the symbols of economic progress: silhouettes of ancient buildings, buildings of the mid-20th century and modern buildings made of glass and concrete, replacing each other from left to right.
On the reverse side of the banknotes are the contours of the map of Azerbaijan and national ornaments.
The coins in circulation resemble eurocents, and this is not an accident - they were created by the same person - the chief designer of the Bank of Austria, Robert Kalina. On the front side of 1 qepik - musical instruments, on 3 qepiks - ancient books, on 5 qepiks - the Maiden Tower (one of the symbols of Baku), on 10 qepiks - a knight's helmet, on 20 qepiks - geometric symbols and a spiral staircase going up, on 50 qapiks – oil rigs against the backdrop of the sun’s rays.
On the reverse side of all coins there is an outline of a map of the country, the inscription “Republic of Azerbaijan” and the denomination.
The history of the manat dates back to the first half of the 20th century. Before the revolution, Azerbaijan was part of the Russian Empire. In 1918, it gained independence and the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was proclaimed. The first monetary unit of the new state was the pan-Caucasian ruble, which circulated in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.
In 1919, the first manats were issued. There were two names written on the banknote: “manat” in Azerbaijani and “ruble” in Russian. This monetary unit existed until 1924, that is, until Azerbaijan joined the USSR as an independent republic - before that there was a single North Caucasian Republic.
The word "manat" has the same origin as the Russian "coin" and means money. The Soviet ruble contained inscriptions in all the languages of the republics that were part of the USSR, including the denomination in manats in Azerbaijani.
In 1991, the declaration “On the restoration of state independence of the Azerbaijan Republic” was adopted. And on August 15, 1992, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, created by that time, announced the transition to a new national currency. 10 Soviet rubles were exchanged for 1 manat.
By 2002-2003, the economic and political situation in the country was stabilized, and favorable times began for the manat. The rate fluctuated only between 4,770–4,990 per US dollar.
In 2004, the largest contract was signed for the development of oil fields in the part of the Caspian Sea that belongs to Azerbaijan. And in 2005, the manat began to strengthen. This was due to the influx of petrodollars and the high level of world energy prices. The main source of income for modern Azerbaijan is the sale of hydrocarbons.
By the end of 2005, the manat exchange rate was less than 4,600 manats per dollar. On January 1, 2006, monetary reform began: a redenomination of the manat was carried out, in which old money was exchanged for new ones at a rate of 1 to 5,000.
Currently, the Azerbaijani manat is not a freely convertible currency, but its exchange rate is one of the most stable in comparison with the currencies of other states formed after the collapse of the USSR. This is facilitated by the high price of energy, the influx of foreign investment and the policy of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan aimed at strengthening the national currency.
It should be noted that the well-being of the country largely depends on the global situation. The growth rate of Azerbaijan's GDP remains more than modest - less than 1%, budget expenditures exceed income by more than twice, and the standard of living in the republic is not too high.
For the summer of 2018, the exchange rate fluctuates between 0.59 dollars per manat, 0.50-0.52 euros or 36-40 Russian rubles. Cash manats can be freely bought or sold at local banks or exchange offices, but they are not circulated outside the republic. In addition, the use of bank cards is quite common in Azerbaijan, and there are ATMs in many shopping centers and almost all credit institutions.
