The best eSIM for Azerbaijan depends on how much data you need, but for a typical trip eSIM Ahora offers plans from $2.35, activated by QR code in about 30 seconds with no roaming from your home carrier. A 3 GB, 30-day plan costs $7.08. You connect, with top-ups available and nationwide coverage. Compatible with iPhone XS or newer, Samsung Galaxy S21+ and Google Pixel 3+.
Full-speed data every day; after the daily cap the speed is reduced.
Full speed up to 500 MB/day, then 512 Kbps.
Every eSIM can be installed within 180 days of purchase. Plan validity starts when you first connect.
Your eSIM picks between these networks on its own. If you see bars and nothing loads, you can pick one by hand.
Your Azerbaijan eSIM runs on Bakcell and Azercell, and your phone picks whichever has the better signal. Other local networks won't carry your data: if you see signal bars and nothing loads, turn off automatic network selection (iPhone: Settings → Cellular → your eSIM → Network Selection; Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → your eSIM) and pick Bakcell or Azercell by hand.
Azerbaijan has three carriers: Azercell (largest nationwide coverage, 5G in Baku and Sumqayit), Bakcell (5G in Baku and Ganja), and Nar Mobile (Azertelekom subsidiary, best value). Plugs are Type C and F (standard European), 220V. 4G coverage reaches the entire Caspian coastline, the Ganja-Şəki wine region, and accessible Lesser Caucasus mountain areas. The Baku Metro has 4G at all stations.
Baku's Heydar Aliyev Airport (GYD) offers fast unlimited free WiFi. The currency is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN, ~1.7 AZN/USD); Kapital Bank, PASHA Bank, and Bank Respublika ATMs accept foreign cards with no commission up to 500 AZN. The electronic visa (ASAN Visa) costs USD 25 and processes in 3 days. Tips are 10%. Azerbaijan is majority Muslim but secular — alcohol is available. WhatsApp and Telegram work; Skype has intermittent restrictions. Azerbaijanis speak Russian and English in tourist areas.