Verified Facts
The internet in Azerbaijan is relatively well-developed, with good coverage in urban areas, but can be limited in rural regions, and getting a SIM card is a straightforward process with several carriers offering tourist-friendly plans.
Quick Facts
Internet Overview
The internet in Azerbaijan has undergone significant development in recent years, with the average internet speed being around 25 Mbps download. However, there is a notable urban-rural divide when it comes to internet quality, with cities like Baku and Ganja having better coverage and faster speeds compared to rural areas. The reliability of the internet can also be affected by the location, with some areas experiencing occasional outages or slow speeds. Despite these challenges, the Azerbaijani government has been working to improve the country's telecommunications infrastructure, including the rollout of 5G networks in major cities.
In general, the internet in Azerbaijan is relatively stable, with most users having access to a range of services, including social media, online banking, and streaming platforms. However, there have been reports of internet censorship, with some websites and services being blocked or restricted. This can be a challenge for remote workers and travelers who rely on the internet to stay connected. To overcome these challenges, many users in Azerbaijan rely on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to access blocked content and ensure their online security.
Getting a SIM Card
Getting a SIM card in Azerbaijan is a relatively straightforward process, with several carriers offering tourist-friendly plans. The main carriers in Azerbaijan are Azercell, Bakcell, and Nar Mobile, all of which offer a range of plans and services. To buy a SIM card, you will need to provide your passport and proof of address, and the cost of a tourist SIM card is around 10 USD. The SIM card can be purchased at the airport, or at one of the many carrier stores located throughout the country.
The recommended carriers for tourists are Azercell and Bakcell, both of which offer a range of plans and services, including data, voice, and text. The data plans are relatively affordable, with prices starting from around 5 USD per month for 1 GB of data. It's also possible to purchase a prepaid SIM card, which can be refilled with credit as needed.
| Carrier | Tourist Plan | Data | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azercell | Tourist SIM | 1 GB | 5 | Includes 10 minutes of voice calls |
| Bakcell | Visitor SIM | 2 GB | 10 | Includes 20 minutes of voice calls |
| Nar Mobile | Travel SIM | 3 GB | 15 | Includes 30 minutes of voice calls |
| Azercell | Data Only | 5 GB | 20 | No voice or text included |
WiFi Availability
- Hotel WiFi quality is generally good, with most hotels offering free WiFi to their guests
- Cafe WiFi culture is widespread, with many cafes and coffee shops offering free WiFi to customers
- Coworking spaces are becoming increasingly popular in Azerbaijan, with many offering high-speed WiFi and other amenities
- Public WiFi is available in many areas, including parks and public squares
- Many restaurants and bars also offer free WiFi to customers
For Remote Workers
- Coworking spaces are a good option for remote workers, with many offering high-speed WiFi, desks, and other amenities
- Reliable cafe chains like Starbucks and Coffee Club offer good WiFi and a comfortable working environment
- Backup internet options like mobile hotspots or portable WiFi devices can be useful in case of internet outages
- VPNs are recommended for remote workers to ensure online security and access to blocked content
- Many hotels and apartments offer coworking spaces or office facilities, which can be useful for remote workers
Tips & Warnings
- Internet censorship is a challenge in Azerbaijan, with some websites and services being blocked or restricted
- Blocked sites include some social media platforms, news websites, and online services
- VPNs are recommended to overcome internet censorship and ensure online security
- Roaming alternatives like eSIMs or portable WiFi devices can be useful for travelers who want to stay connected without incurring high roaming charges
- It's recommended to purchase a local SIM card or use a VPN to avoid high roaming charges and ensure online security
- Be aware of your online activities and avoid accessing sensitive information or using public WiFi for online banking or other sensitive activities