Exploring Azerbaijan’s currency: Understanding the manat
Heading to Baku’s old town, wandering through colourful markets, or planning a road trip along the Caspian coast?
Before you go, it helps to know what money you’ll be using.
The Azerbaijan currency is the manat, written as AZN, and it will be your day-to-day companion throughout the country.
Currency symbol and AZN code
The manat has its own currency symbol, which looks like a tilted euro sign.
You’ll see it printed on receipts and bank machines alongside the Azerbaijan currency code AZN.
Together, these make prices easy to spot whether you’re checking menus or shopping.
Buy your manat now
Meet the manat: a quick intro
The official currency of Azerbaijan has been the manat since the country gained independence from the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.
The National Bank of Azerbaijan manages the system and ensures stability.
Denominations you will see in shops
The Azerbaijani manat is subdivided into 100 qəpik, with coins of 20 and 50 qapik often given in change.
Paper banknotes come in a range of denominations, including 20, 50 and 100.
Higher values, such as 50 and 100 manats, are practical for larger purchases, while smaller notes make transactions easier in taxis and cafés.
Banknotes and coins design highlights
If the Azerbaijan currency notes look stylish, that’s because they were designed by Robert Kalina, the artist behind the euro.
Each series celebrates culture, education, and heritage.
Current banknotes in circulation include clear security features, making them hard to counterfeit and easy to recognise.
Azerbaijan currency history at a glance
The manat’s history reflects the country’s journey. After independence, the ruble was replaced.
A major redenomination in 2006 reset the national currency: 5,000 old manats became one new manat. Since then, reforms have kept the system steady and modern.
Converting manat to pounds without fuss
Wondering about the Azerbaijan currency to GBP exchange rate?
If something costs 10 AZN, think of it as around £5–6. This back-of-the-envelope trick helps you keep track of prices on the go.
What moves the price you pay
Like every currency, the manat’s value changes as exchange rates fluctuate.
The Azerbaijan currency exchange rate you see online may shift slightly from one provider to another.
Keeping an eye on the manat rate helps you spot a good deal before ordering.
Paying in Baku and beyond: cards and cash
In Baku’s hotels and shopping centres, card payments are widely accepted.
Outside the capital, carrying cash is more reliable.
Local banks and ATMs are generally reliable for withdrawals, although charges may apply.
If you’re sending money abroad, look out for fees or consider using a travel account.
How to buy Azerbaijan currency with Manor FX
Ordering online is quick and safe with Manor FX as your Azerbaijan currency converter.
Here’s a step-by-step process with Manor FX:
- Select the amount of Azerbaijani currency you require
- Lock in your Azerbaijan currency rate for your GBP to AZN exchange
- Confirm your order with secure checkout
- Complete ID verification if required
- We’ll post your money by Royal Mail special delivery, fully insured, or you can collect in store
- Your Azerbaijani manat AZN arrives at your door, ready for your trip
Buying and selling options at Manor FX
You can buy Azerbaijani currency at competitive rates and sell back leftover notes through our Azerbaijani currency exchange service.
We even trade other exotics – we carry 160+ currencies, more than any other bureau de change in the UK.
Azerbaijan currency tips for your trip
- Take a mix of cash and card.
- ATMs are reliable in cities but scarcer in rural areas.
- You might spot prices in euros, US dollars, or rubles, but everyday spending is firmly in manat.
- Sticking to the local money ensures you avoid poor exchange rate conversions.
- Exchange any leftover Azerbaijani manat to British pounds when you get back.
FAQs
How do I convert pounds to Azerbaijan currency?
Conversion is straightforward: check out a GBP chart or use a reliable app.
If you don’t have those handy, a rough guide is that 1 manat is worth a little over half a pound.
Travellers often compare pounds to Azerbaijan currency and Azerbaijan currency to pounds rates before booking.
The manat to British pound rate is one of the most useful currency pairings for UK visitors.
What is the currency for Azerbaijan?
The manat is the national currency, often called the manat currency.
What is the Azerbaijani manat symbol?
It’s a slanted “€”-style mark used alongside AZN.
Who manages the manat?
The central bank of Azerbaijan oversees the system and helps set the official rate.
When was it introduced?
After independence from the Soviet Union, there was a major reform in January 2006 and later updates in August.
Is it widely used across the country?
Yes, across the whole country. All new series are issued to keep notes secure and fresh over time.