These are the tourist scams Trzly has documented across Azerbaijan, grouped by destination. Each one is real, with a clear way to stay safe. Read before you land.
Cara kerjanya: Drivers at the airport approach arrivals offering a ride and quote 40 to 60 manat for the trip into central Baku, several times the real cost. Some accept an app booking then cancel it and demand a higher cash fare on arrival.
Cara menghindarinya: Take the H1 airport bus, or order a Bolt and pay only the in-app price. Ignore drivers who approach you inside the terminal, and never hand over luggage to an unbooked driver.
Cara kerjanya: Street taxis, especially near tourist sights, quote inflated flat fares to visitors, so a short hop that costs a few manat by app is priced at 20 manat or more. Some refuse to run the meter once you are inside.
Cara menghindarinya: Use Bolt or Uber so the fare is fixed before you ride. If you must take a street cab, agree the price clearly in advance, or insist on the meter, and know the rough app price for your route.
Cara kerjanya: Some exchange booths outside banks give a poor rate, add hidden fees, or short-change tourists, and a few pass counterfeit notes in the confusion.
Cara menghindarinya: Change money at a recognised bank or withdraw manat from an ATM inside a bank branch. Count your notes before leaving the counter, and avoid back-street kiosks offering rates that look too good.
Cara kerjanya: A few bars, clubs and tourist restaurants have no printed prices, or add large service charges and 'extras' you did not order, producing a shock bill that staff pressure you to pay.
Cara menghindarinya: Only order where prices are clearly printed on the menu, and ask the cost of anything brought to the table that you did not request. Pay by card where possible so a charge can be disputed.
Cara kerjanya: In the Old City, some shops invite you in for tea then push hard to sell a carpet or 'antique' at an inflated price, sometimes with dubious claims about age or export paperwork.
Cara menghindarinya: It is fine to accept tea and browse, but do not feel obliged to buy. Compare prices in several shops, be wary of 'antique' claims, and remember genuine antiques may need an export permit.