How Expensive is Azerbaijan in 2024? Travel Cost in Baku!

FLYING THE WORLD

5 Apr 202411:10

Summary

TLDRThe video script is a travel vlog detailing the narrator's experiences in Baku, Azerbaijan. They discuss the changes and expenses since their last visit in 2019, before the pandemic. The narrator provides insights on visa procedures, accommodation options, food costs, and transportation. They also share tips on avoiding common scams at the airport and offer a comparison of prices from their previous visit, noting that while some things have doubled in price, Baku remains an affordable European-like destination with a unique vibe and cleanliness.

Takeaways

😀 The video is a travel vlog about the city of Baku, Azerbaijan, and the narrator has returned after 5 years to see how much it has changed.
🗺 The narrator visited Baku before, in 2019, and has been twice before that, but this time is focused on the cost and changes in the city.
📅 The visit took place in March, which is mentioned as a bit cold, but the prices discussed are based on this time of the year and might vary.
💰 Azerbaijan's visa process is described as easy and affordable, with online options available for Pakistani passport holders.
🏨 The cost of accommodation in Baku has increased, with the narrator comparing prices from the past and noting that they have almost doubled.
🍽 Food prices have also increased, with the narrator mentioning that they seem to have doubled or more since their last visit.
🏨 The narrator stayed in hostels, which were described as clean and affordable, with prices ranging from $5 to $6 per night.
🍔 Fast food options like McDonald's and KFC are available and reasonably priced, offering a budget-friendly alternative to local restaurants.
🚌 Transportation in Baku is described as not being an issue, with the metro and buses being cheap and accessible.
🚖 The narrator warns about taxi scams at the airport, advising viewers to be cautious and not to pay more than the meter indicates.
🏞 Baku is praised for its European vibes, architecture, and cleanliness, offering a budget-friendly destination with a European touch.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?
-The main topic of the video script is the travel experience of the narrator in Baku, Azerbaijan, highlighting changes in the city, cost of living, and travel tips.
When was the last time the narrator visited Baku before the video was recorded?
-The narrator last visited Baku in 2019, before the video was recorded.
Why did the narrator choose to visit Baku again after 5 years?
-The narrator chose to revisit Baku to see how much the city has changed in terms of expenses and what has or hasn't happened in the past 5 years.
What is the narrator's opinion on the cost of living in Baku now compared to 5 years ago?
-The narrator believes that the cost of living in Baku has increased, with most things having doubled in price, but it is not as expensive as some other places like Turkey.
How does the narrator describe the availability and cost of accommodation in Baku?
-The narrator describes the availability of various hostels in Baku, mentioning that good hostels are not common, but they found a very clean and decent one near Nizami Street for around $5 to $6 per night.
What is the narrator's experience with food prices in Baku?
-The narrator finds the food prices in Baku to be expensive, approximately double what they were the last time they visited, with examples of biryani and other meals costing more than they expected.
What advice does the narrator give for transportation in Baku?
-The narrator advises that transportation in Baku is not an issue, with options like buses, the metro, and taxis being available and affordable, including the use of the Bolt app for taxis.
What are some common scams the narrator warns about in Baku?
-The narrator warns about scams at the airport involving taxi drivers overcharging and suggests using the Bolt app to avoid such issues. They also mention the importance of booking accommodations in advance to avoid being misled by incorrect addresses.
What is the narrator's suggestion for exchanging currency in Baku?
-The narrator suggests that currency exchange can be done both at the airport and in the city, and advises trying to get a better rate by comparing options.
What is the narrator's overall impression of Baku's vibe and cleanliness?
-The narrator's overall impression is that Baku has a European vibe with beautiful buildings, parks, and cleanliness, and it has changed positively over the past 5 years.
What is the estimated daily budget for a traveler staying in a hostel in Baku according to the narrator?
-The narrator estimates that a traveler staying in a hostel in Baku could manage with a daily budget of around $30 to $35.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Returning to Baku: Observations and Travel Tips

The speaker begins by greeting the audience and welcoming them back to their channel. They are currently in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, revisiting the city after their last visit in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this trip is to observe the changes in Baku over the past five years, particularly in terms of cost and development. The speaker provides travel tips, such as the ease of obtaining an Azerbaijani visa online for Pakistani passport holders, and mentions the architectural vibes reminiscent of Europe. They also discuss the affordability of flights and accommodations, comparing prices from March and noting the potential for higher costs during Ramadan. The speaker emphasizes the importance of budget travel and provides insights into the types of expenses travelers might incur, such as accommodation, food, and transportation.

05:02

🍽 Exploring Baku's Culinary Scene and Transportation

The speaker continues by sharing their experience with Baku's food scene, highlighting the variety of Pakistani and Indian restaurants available and the increased cost of food since their last visit. They mention a specific Pakistani restaurant called 'Maharaja' where they enjoyed a biryani meal and strong tea. The speaker also talks about cheaper food options like doner rolls and fast food chains like McDonald's and KFC, which are reasonably priced. They discuss the cost of international brands like Starbucks and the differences in pricing compared to Turkey. Additionally, the speaker covers the topic of transportation in Baku, including the availability of buses, trams, and the metro system, which are all affordable options for getting around the city. They also provide advice on avoiding scams, particularly at the airport, and recommend using the Bolt app for taxis to ensure fair pricing.

10:03

🏨 Accommodation and Lifestyle in Baku on a Budget

In the final paragraph, the speaker discusses the cost of living in Baku, providing estimates for daily expenses based on accommodation type—either a hostel or a hotel. They emphasize that Baku is a budget-friendly destination, especially when considering the European-like vibes it offers. The speaker also talks about the changes that have occurred in Baku over the past five years and notes a slight increase in pricing. They invite viewers to watch their next video, where they will share a more comprehensive travel experience of Azerbaijan, showcasing the country's beauty and attractions.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, which serves as the main setting for the video. The script discusses the narrator's experiences in the capital city, Baku, and provides insights into travel to this country, including its visa process and cost of living.

💡Baku

Baku is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan. It is highlighted in the script as a destination the narrator has visited multiple times, with the latest visit being five years after the previous one. The city's architecture, vibe, and changes over time are discussed in relation to the travel experience.

💡Visa

The term 'visa' refers to the official permission given to someone to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period in a country. In the script, the ease of obtaining an Azerbaijani visa for Pakistani passport holders is mentioned, emphasizing the accessibility of travel to this country.

💡Travel

Travel is the act of moving from one place to another, usually for the purpose of tourism. The script revolves around the theme of travel to Azerbaijan, discussing various aspects such as the cost, experiences, and practical tips for planning a trip.

💡Expenses

Expenses refer to the costs incurred in the process of traveling. The script provides an overview of the expenses one might encounter in Baku, such as accommodation, food, and transportation, and how they have changed over the years.

💡Accommodation

Accommodation is a place where one stays during travel. The script mentions different types of accommodations in Baku, including hostels and hotels, and discusses their affordability and quality.

💡Food

Food is an essential part of travel, and the script touches upon the cost and variety of food available in Baku. It mentions the presence of Pakistani and Indian restaurants, indicating the availability of familiar food options for visitors.

💡Transportation

Transportation refers to the means of moving people or goods from one place to another. The script discusses the availability and cost of transportation in Baku, including the metro, buses, and taxis, and how it fits into the overall travel budget.

💡Scams

Scams are fraudulent schemes designed to cheat people out of their money. The script warns viewers about potential scams at the airport and offers advice on how to avoid them, which is crucial for ensuring a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

💡Budget Travel

Budget travel refers to traveling in an economical manner, often by finding affordable options for accommodations, food, and activities. The script provides insights into how to travel in Baku on a budget, suggesting specific hostels and discussing the cost of living in the city.

💡Cultural Experience

Cultural experience involves engaging with the customs, traditions, and lifestyle of a place. The script mentions the European vibe of Baku and its architecture, indicating that visitors can enjoy a rich cultural experience during their stay.

Highlights

The video is a travel vlog about the city of Baku in Azerbaijan, discussing the changes and expenses after 5 years since the last visit.

The narrator visited Baku before COVID-19 and has returned to see how much things have changed and become expensive.

Baku's visa process is described as easy and affordable, obtainable online for Pakistani passport holders.

The narrator mentions the European architectural vibes and the influence of Turkish culture in Baku.

Flight costs to Baku are discussed, with a range from approximately 1 lakh to 1.2 lakh, depending on various factors.

The narrator's second channel is mentioned, where more visa-related information can be found.

Accommodation options in Baku are discussed, with a focus on budget-friendly hostels and their current prices.

Food expenses in Baku have increased, with a comparison to the last visit made 5 years ago.

The availability of various restaurants, including Pakistani and Indian, is highlighted, providing options for tourists.

The cost of a meal at a Pakistani restaurant is detailed, providing an example of current food prices.

The affordability of fast food options like McDonald's and KFC in Baku is discussed.

Public transportation in Baku is described as cheap and accessible, including the metro and buses.

The use of the 'Bolt' app for taxis is recommended as a way to avoid scams and ensure fair pricing.

Tips for avoiding common scams at the Baku airport, such as overcharging by taxi drivers, are provided.

The importance of booking accommodation in advance using online platforms to avoid being misled by taxi drivers is emphasized.

The overall cost of staying in a hostel or hotel in Baku is estimated, providing a budget guide for potential travelers.

The video concludes by summarizing the changes in Baku over the past 5 years and the current state of tourism in the city.