Azerbaijan's info ( May,2013)

"Why came here, such boring and expensive country compare with Armenia and Georgia! Almost tourist just for transfer, take an boat from Baku went to Central Asia. Or from Central Asia went to Caucasus ( Silk Road ), but avoid Iran". This is I heard before I came to Azerbaijan. Some of them only had been Baku! But past 6 days, I still interesting... Played game, drink the red tea, share cake with old man at the tea house; pick mulberry with a boy from tree at the street; visited collage girl's dormitory, played volleyball together; Enjoy tradition food by Azerbaijan' mama when I stay her house; Be a good listener even I couldn't understand when we passby on the road; Take group photo with whom curiously about me, etc...

Yes, Azerbaijan same all of those Muslim countries still were Man's world, even the women don't need wear scarf, and dress as me normal! Also I can see Azerbaijan didn't get ready to welcome backpacker, especially the accommodation was crazy hight! Even more expensive than Istanbul in Turkey. And from Internet I couldn't find any useful info about guesthouse, hostel or homestay in here! This is why backpacker had came but fast to leaved! But when I arrived and wonder "how can I find cheap accommodation? Always have right person came to me!)) Thank these driver and local, not let me slept on the street^^ really big help! Therefore, I put these info in here, hope can help some who prepare come to Azerbaijan but still struggler with^^ ( About my travel, I'm more interesting about the people than scenery spot, so please check another link to know what you can see in Azerbaijan)

* Visa

I get Azerbaijan visa in Batumi, Georgia. 50$ / 30days / single enter, waited 3 days, no invite letter!

* Accommodation ( So far, I just visited Zaqatala, Sheki and Ganja )
1) Sheki : Homestay: 10AZN / beds; Hicran (Mama): (+994) 55 354 54 39; Ratik (Son): (+994) 55 367 20 22. From outside bus station find marshrutka (minivan)No.11(0.2AZN), stop at the Caravanseray, then cross that short bridge on your right side, follow stoney path go to up, just a short walk! Beware watch your right side, did you see the green iron door? Yes, here you are! Or ask outside Caravanseray taxi driver, they knew! Also if you can speak Azerbaijani or Russian or Uzbekistan, just call the owner direct.
2) Ganja: Homestay ( pink iron door): 10AZN / beds; Gozal ( Daughter): 2561003; 0518413680. You can take taxi from Bus station to ask driver contact first and then send you to here ( 2~3AZN), Or from Bus station take marshrutka No.23(0.2AZN) stop at the downtown, then change taxi ( 1AZN) to get here. Actually not really far, about 10 minutes by walk from city hall, but because it was hidden in the reside- area, for the first time is not easy to find, especially if you had big backpack with you! No English in here! ( attach address see picture)
**No correct Homestay name, because both of them's guest were the local, also they have rood to rent too! But when I was there, I'm the only one guest! And for both, bargain is possible, I got a good deal^^
3) Zaqatala: Gorush Motel and restaurant : 12AZN / night, include bathroom. Recommend!!! Good location, just beside bus station, but quiet! Staff were very friendly especially Ilkin was good English speak, I got very good time with them^^

* Transport
Transport is very cheap in Azerbaijan, if you choose local transport! Two or three hours journey only 2~3 AZN. My route:
1) From Georgia / Azerbaijan border to Balakyan ( Azerbaijan side): 1AZN ( share taxi, less than 0.5h)
2) Balakyan to Zaqatala: Free ride ( 0.5h). For local was 1AZN ( share taxi), also I had saw this route by Marshrutka in Zaqatala, but at the Balakyan I couldn't find!
3) Zaqatala to Sheki: 2AZN ( Marshrutka 2h)
4) Sheki to Ganja: 3AZN ( Marshrutka 2.5h)

* Exchange
1$ = 0.782 ~ 0.7835AZN
1€ = 1.0AZN ~ 1.02AZN
** If you come from Georgia, use Lagodekhi to cross to Balakyan (A) border? You can exchange money at there, unless you already had AZN. Otherwise when you enter Azerbaijan, there was no money exchange and shop at the border! I had saw two exchange shop at Georgia's border: first one, beside mini market was offer best rite: 1$=0.78AZN, the other just closer border: 1$=0.77AZN.

If you really want to know something and true! Only one way: go there, with your open mind to observe! Neve ever 100% to trust Internet or media. Because some of them just narrow personal view or political filter news(( I was very glad I made this right decide to come here! My first time can surely I has been completely open my heart, I'm melt in Azerbaijan, because everyday had been touch by these lovely people! You always can see the beauty if you with open mind! Enjoy^^