Baku has rapidly emerged as a top tourist destination with its unique blend of futuristic architecture, rich cultural heritage, and captivating Caspian Sea views. Its charm, however, doesn’t make it immune to the unfortunate reality faced by most major tourist hubs: scams that prey on unwitting visitors. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through Baku’s tourist scams and enjoy your trip without any hiccups:
Baku’s Tourist Scams To Know Of
1. Taxi Scams: The Age-Old Ruse
Taxis in Baku are notoriously known for being a hotspot for scams. The scam usually takes the form of overcharging, rigged meters, or drivers claiming the meter is broken. Often, drivers quote exaggerated flat rates for short distances, especially if they sense you’re a foreigner.
How to avoid: Download apps like Bolt or Yandex Taxi, which are reliable and let you see the price before your ride begins. Avoid taxis parked in touristy areas, they are likely to overcharge compared to those you can flag down a few blocks away from major attractions.
2. Currency Exchange Scams
Currency exchange scams are common in Baku, especially at exchange booths that aren’t located in well-known banks or high-traffic tourist areas. Unsuspecting tourists can be given the wrong exchange rate or counterfeit bills.
How to avoid: Always exchange your money at official currency exchange offices or banks. Avoid small exchange booths. It’s often safer to withdraw Azerbaijani manat directly from an ATM in a well-known bank. This eliminates the risk of being shortchanged or given fake bills.
3. Overpriced Or Fake Souvenirs
Baku is home to several charming markets, including the famous Taza Bazaar, where you can buy everything from dried fruits to traditional crafts. However, tourists may encounter souvenir shops selling low-quality goods at highly inflated prices or even passing off fake items as authentic handicrafts.
How to avoid: If you’re looking to buy traditional Azerbaijani souvenirs such as carpets, tea sets, or pomegranates, familiarise yourself with typical prices and what constitutes genuine craftsmanship. If you’re purchasing high-value items such as carpets, go to stores with a good reputation or those recommended by locals.
Also Read: Solo Trip To Azerbaijan: My Perfect ₹50,000 Itinerary For The Savvy Budget Traveller
4. The Pickpocket Problem
As with most bustling cities, pickpocketing can be a problem in Baku, particularly in crowded tourist areas like Baku Boulevard or near the Flame Towers. Scammers often work in pairs, where one will distract you while the other takes your wallet or valuables.
How to avoid: Keep your belongings close to you, especially in busy areas. Pickpockets often use distractions like asking for directions or accidentally bumping into you. Keep your guard up in these situations.
5. Taxi Intimidation Tactic
Many tourists in Baku choose to rent a self-drive car to explore the scenic outskirts at their own pace. However, some have reported being chased or harassed by local taxi drivers, particularly white tourists. These taxi drivers may claim it is illegal for foreigners to drive to certain areas, attempting to intimidate or bully them into using their taxis instead. This claim is entirely false, but when you’re unfamiliar with local laws, it can be easy to fall victim to such a scare tactic.
How to avoid: Before your trip, familiarise yourself with the driving rules in Azerbaijan to avoid being misled by false claims. Avoid engaging with anyone making these false claims.
6. The Taxi Driver Deception
If you’re relying on public transport and find yourself at a bus station in Baku, you might encounter persistent taxi drivers who claim that there are no buses to your intended destination. This is a common scam to coerce tourists into using their taxis, often at inflated prices. In most cases, buses are available, but the drivers try to exploit your lack of local knowledge.
How to avoid: Instead of relying on what taxi drivers tell you, head directly to the bus station or check official transportation apps and schedules.
A little vigilance will go a long way in ensuring that your trip to Baku is as delightful as the city itself. Safe travels and avoid yourself from tourist scams in Baku!
Cover image credits: Canva