Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Baku, Bakı, Azerbaijan

All Topics about Baku All Cities in Azerbaijan

1. Fountains Square Scam

Street performers may insist on payment for taking photos with them. Avoid giving money unless you've enjoyed the performance.

Unexpected Performances: Performances can happen anywhere, even in popular tourist spots.
Photography Fees: Be wary of performers demanding payment for taking photos with them.
Tipping Etiquette: It's customary to tip if the performance was genuinely enjoyed.

Unauthorized guides may approach at Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape. Always book an authorized guide to ensure authentic information.

Authorized Guides: Only hire officially licensed guides for a genuine experience.
Unauthorized Guides: Watch out for unlicensed individuals posing as guides.
Cultural Authenticity: An authorized guide ensures an authentic cultural experience.

Ticket sellers may claim fake tickets are valid for multiple attractions. Always check ticket details before purchasing.

Multiple Attraction Tickets: Some scammers offer multi-attraction tickets, but they may not be valid.
Ticket Checking: Always have your ticket checked at each attraction to ensure its validity.
Attraction Discounts: Look for discounted tickets or combinations with other attractions.

Overpriced souvenirs and restaurant bills may occur in the Old City. Always negotiate prices before purchasing or consuming.

Price Negotiation: Always negotiate prices for souvenirs and meals to get a fair deal.
Overpriced Items: Some shops in the Old City may charge higher prices for tourist goods.
Bargaining Tips: Be aware of local bargaining customs and etiquette.

Sellers may claim inflated prices for flowers at the market. Research average flower costs to avoid overpaying.

Average Flower Costs: Research typical flower prices in Baku before visiting the market.
Haggling: Always negotiate prices with the sellers at the market.
Market Etiquette: Understand the local market etiquette to make a fair purchase.

Dishonest taxi drivers may use circuitous routes or overcharge. Use reputable taxi services or apps to avoid being scammed.

Reputable Taxi Services: Choose well-known and reputable taxi services for a reliable trip.
Taxi Apps: Use taxi apps to ensure accurate pricing and routes.
Avoiding Scams: Be wary of drivers who refuse to use the meter or insist on a fixed price.

Pressure selling may occur at carpet shops. Take your time and don't feel obligated to purchase.

High-pressure Sales Tactics: Be wary of aggressive sales tactics used in some carpet shops.
Price Negotiation: Always negotiate prices when purchasing carpets.
Carpet Quality: Learn about carpet quality before making a purchase to avoid poor-quality products.

Unauthorized guides may approach at the Atashgah Fire Temple. Always book an authorized guide to ensure authentic information.

Authorized Guides: Only hire officially licensed guides for a genuine experience.
Unauthorized Guides: Watch out for unlicensed individuals posing as guides.
Cultural Authenticity: An authorized guide ensures an authentic cultural experience.

Some ticket sellers may claim fake tickets are valid for multiple rides. Always check ticket details before purchasing.

Multiple Ride Tickets: Some scammers offer multi-ride tickets, but they may not be valid.
Ticket Checking: Always have your ticket checked at each ride to ensure its validity.
Funicular Discounts: Look for discounted tickets or combinations with other attractions.

Ticket sellers may claim fake tickets are valid for multiple visits. Always check ticket details before purchasing.

Multiple Visit Tickets: Some scammers offer multi-visit tickets, but they may not be valid.
Ticket Checking: Always have your ticket checked at each visit to ensure its validity.
Center Discounts: Look for discounted tickets or combinations with other attractions.

Overpriced food and drinks may occur at restaurants in Little Venice. Research prices before dining to avoid overpaying.

Price Research: Research typical restaurant prices in Little Venice before visiting.
Menu Prices: Always check menu prices before ordering to avoid unexpected costs.
Dining Etiquette: Understand the local dining etiquette to make a fair purchase.

Street performers may insist on payment for taking photos with them. Avoid giving money unless you've enjoyed the performance.

Unexpected Performances: Performances can happen anywhere, even in popular tourist spots.
Photography Fees: Be wary of performers demanding payment for taking photos with them.
Tipping Etiquette: It's customary to tip if the performance was genuinely enjoyed.

Overpriced food and drinks may occur at restaurants in the park. Research prices before dining to avoid overpaying.

Price Research: Research typical restaurant prices in Baku Seafront Park before visiting.
Menu Prices: Always check menu prices before ordering to avoid unexpected costs.
Dining Etiquette: Understand the local dining etiquette to make a fair purchase.

Some ticket sellers may claim fake tickets are valid for multiple visits. Always check ticket details before purchasing.

Multiple Visit Tickets: Some scammers offer multi-visit tickets, but they may not be valid.
Ticket Checking: Always have your ticket checked at each visit to ensure its validity.
Zoo Discounts: Look for discounted tickets or combinations with other attractions.

Overpriced food and drinks may occur at restaurants in the garden. Research prices before dining to avoid overpaying.

Price Research: Research typical restaurant prices in Baku Botanical Garden before visiting.
Menu Prices: Always check menu prices before ordering to avoid unexpected costs.
Dining Etiquette: Understand the local dining etiquette to make a fair purchase.