ARAMCO OVERSEAS COMPANY

“WELCOME TO AZERBAIJAN”
INTRODUCTION
Azerbaijan, is located in the south of Russia, faces the Caspian Sea towards the west while the Caucasus
Mountains demarcate the northwestern border. In April 2019, Azerbaijan population reached 10 million. It is
the amalgamation of a nascent nation with the antiquity that dates back for millennia.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Azerbaijan

became the first country to have declared
independence. It is where the first oil well was drilled
three years before (in 1847) it started in the US. The
industrial settlement of Neft Dashlar, which means oil
rocks, is the first and the largest town on stilts that was
constructed on the Caspian Sea. The construction
commenced in 1947 and was built in phases. It is also
referred to as “The Land of Fire” which is due to the large
deposits of oil in the land that has ignited from time to
time. Azerbaijan is the largest and most populous
country in the South Caucasus region. Azerbaijan is the
first Muslim country to have operas and theater plays.
Nowruz is the oldest national holiday of Azerbaijan,
which celebrates the New Year and the coming of
spring.

Baku – was founded in the 11th century and therefore

retains mosques, old residences and palaces of the 14th
and 15th centuries, mainly. Since 2000, UNESCO
considers Baku historic since it conserves still streets,
walls, and ancient towers. Here we find the Maiden’s
Tower from the 11th century, the so-called Palace of the
Shirvanshahs of the 15th century, for example. There are
museums dedicated to archaeology, ethnography,
books, ancient art, the country’s agriculture and many
hogares-museos of important characters in the history of
Azerbaijan. Baku - is the largest city on the Caspian Sea
and of the Caucasus region. It is also the largest city in
the world located below sea level. The capital of
Azerbaijan is a port city which is on the western coast of
the Caspian Sea and the center of all the petroleum
activity in the area, for example it abounds in refineries
and industries related to the equipment for this
economic activity, but there are also many textile
industries, shipyards and etc. Baku was once very
important commercial center on the Silk Route, the
trading passageway from Europe to China.

FAST FACTS: EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

Language: Azerbaijani Fire: 101

Population: 10 million Police: 102
Time Zone: GMT+4 hours Ambulance: 103
Measures: Metric System Gas Emergency: 104
Voltage: 220 V Ministry of Emergency Situations: 112
Mobile Phones: GSM 900/1800/2100 Weather: 168
To call outside Azerbaijan: Dial “00”+country code+area code Electricity Hotline: 199
International dialing code: +994
Baku City Code: +994 12
VISA APPLICATION & WORK PERMITS

There are 2 ways to obtain tourist visa to Azerbaijan:

1. E-visa – to apply directly should be proceeded to http://evisa.gov.az/en and the cost of e-visa is only
20 $ for all nationals. It takes up to 3 days to be ready. The visa will have 30 days validity starting
from the day that you put as your arrival day to Azerbaijan in request form.
Electronic visas will be issued only to nationals of 81 countries - https://evisa.gov.az/en/countries
Azerbaijan enabled the issuance of entrance visas for foreigners in Baku International Airport via the
self-service terminals. Citizens of 15 countries can use this service: Bahrain, UAE, South Korea, China,
Iran, Israel, Indonesia, Kuwait, Qatar, Malaysia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Turkey and Japan.
2. Traditional way through the embassy/consulate of Azerbaijan Republic abroad. To obtain tourist visa
in this way you will need an official Letter of Invitation (LOI) from travel agency licensed by Azerbaijan
Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This visa will allow applicant to obtain single entry 30 days tourist
visa. More information : http://azerbaijan24.com/visas/azerbaijan-visa-support/

 All foreigners visiting Azerbaijan for more than 10 days have to register with State Migration Service
of Azerbaijan. Registration has to be made with the place where the foreigner plans to stay.
Registration has to be made within first 9 days after entering the territory of Azerbaijan. Registration
is free and is done by receiving side (hotel, apartment owner, hospital, etc.) or by travelers
themselves.
Citizens of Saudi Arabia will visit Azerbaijan on a simplified procedure. Residents of this country can obtain
entry visa upon arrival at GYD.

Airport Connections
Heydar Aliyev International Airport (Code: GYD)
Call center phone number: +994 12 497 27 27
Heydar Aliyev International Airport is
approximately 25km east of Baku. Travelling time is about 40 minutes.
The easiest way to get from the airport to the city center and the hotels is the taxi. You can order Official Taxi
service with "Marshals" of taxi operators outside the Terminal 1 (2nd lane) in an official taxi pick-up area.
When you exit the Terminal follow the signs "OFFICIAL TAXI" on road panels and asphalt.
We strongly recommend you to use the services of official taxi operators in order to avoid any
misunderstanding. If you call a taxi at the third-party organizations or through online services, we recommend
you to make a call after receiving the baggage. You can pay for official Taxi service both in cash and by plastic
cards. These taxis have a taximeter on board and a price for a taxi ride to the center of Baku is 25-30 AZN.

Shuttle bus company - Aero Express Line run around the clock. Passengers are served with buses that meets
the up-to-date standards. Internet connection, mini-kitchen and double baggage section are available within
the saloon of the bus. You can buy tickets from "BakıKART" terminals.
With a one-time travel ticket – 1.50 AZN (0,89 USD)
With “BakuCard” Smart Card – 1.30 AZN (0,77USD)

Car rental offices are available at the airport. Rental companies can be found in the International Arrivals Area
(Terminal 1). AZNUR (rent-a-car) company offers best services in the area. For more information:
http://aznur.az/

Meet & Assist Service Taxi services

VIP Aviation Services Taxi Baku MS 189
Address: Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Terminal 2, floor 2. Tel: +994 12 189
Hotline: *1888 Mob: +994 444 99 98
Tel.: +994 12 497 27 72 Email: info@taxibaku.az
Mob: +994 50 446 27 72 Website: www.taxibaku.az
For more information:
http://vipavia.az/index.php?lang=en
Uber and Taxify applications work in Baku.
Buses
Buses are an inexpensive way to travel in Baku. Bus schedules are generally available at bus stops. Passengers
pay the driver for their journey when they board or BakuCard* ( Azerbaijani: BakiKART ).
For more information about the public transport system, click on the link below.
http://www.niim.az/en/bus-info

Metro
There are two lines in Baku Metro System - the Red Line (18.36 km) and the Green Line (16.3 km), operates
between 06.00 and 24.00. Stations, trains and facilities are clean and safe, with trains running every two to
three minutes. For a large - scale map: http://www.metro.gov.az/en/#
 BakuCard – is the official pass that unlocks Azerbaijan’s vibrant capital making the spectacular city
even more appealing for visitors. BakuCard includes free public transport, entry tickets for selected city
museums and attractions, plus discounts and special offers at shops, cafes, restaurants and much more. There
are 3 different card types:
24 Hours BakuCard – 24 AZN (appr. 14$)
72 Hours BakuCard – 45 AZN (appr. 26$)
1 week BakuCard – 70 AZN (appr. 41$).

CURRENCY
The unit of money in Azerbaijan is known as AZN and money itself is called the “Manat”
Credit cards (MasterCard, Visa etc.) are accepted in hotels as well as shopping malls, large groceries.
Currency can be exchanged in banks, hotels.
Official rates in 02.26.2019 are: 1 USD = 1.7 AZN; 1 EUR = 1.93 AZN
 ACCOMODATION
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAKU JW MARRIOTT ABSHERON BAKU
This hotel is perched along the Located in the city center, hotel guests are
waterfront in the center of Baku, with near Port Baku Mall, Fountain Square,
the medieval walls of the Old city just Shirvanshakh Palace and the Central Botanical
steps away and a trio of flame-shaped, Garden. Every hotel room features a generous
Park Bulvar Mall, modern skyscrapers layout with views of Baku’s skyline or the
flickering nearby. Caspian Sea.
Address: 1Neftchilar ave, AZ – 1095 Address: 674 Azadlig Square, AZ – 1010.
Tel: +994 12 404 24 24 Tel: +994 12 499 88 88
https://www.fourseasons.com/baku/ https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/gydjw-jw-
marriott-absheron-baku/

HILTON BAKU HOTEL FAIRMONT BAKU, FLAME TOWERS

Enjoy European sophistication at Hilton Located on a high elevation which provides a
Baku which is located 25 minutes from spectacular view to the Caspian Sea and the
the Airport, a short walk along the city of Baku. Close to Upland Park.
Caspian Sea Boulevard to the famous 12th Address: 1A Mehdi Huseyn, Flame Towers,
– century city walls of Icheri Sheher. AZ-1006
Address: 1B Azadlig Ave, AZ – 1000 Tel: +994 12 565 48 48
Tel: +994 12 464 50 00 https://www.fairmont.com/baku/
https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/azerbaij
an/hilton-baku-
GYDHBHI/index.html?WT.mc_id=zELWAKN0
EMEA1HI2DMH3LocalSearch4DGGenericx6G
YDHBHI

THE LANDMARK HOTEL BAKU SEA BREEZE RESORT & RECIDENCES

The Landmark Hotel was designed to Premium-class settlement Sea Breeze has a
meet the expectations of business perfect infrastructure, apart-hotel, Shore
executives and there are 9 restaurants House restaurant, terrace, sports complex,
with different cuisines, which touch the tennis court, football field, rescue and medical
gourmet preferences and meet the services, playground and many more.
particular needs of everyone. Address: Nardaran village
Address: 90A Nizami str, AZ – 1010 Tel: +994 12 310 22 22
Tel: +994 12 465 20 00 http://www.seabreeze.az/
http://www.thelandmarkhotel.az/

SHAHDAG MOUNTAIN RESORT QUBA PALACE HOTEL

Tourist complex "Shahdag" is the first ski The location of the property is ideal for a family
resort in Azerbaijan. Shahdag is located vacation. It is very quiet and calm place, with a
in the north-east corner of the country small lake alongside the natural forest
on the territory of Shahdag National mountains with beautiful landscape and lovely
Park, in Gusar region of Azerbaijan near atmosphere.
Shahdag mountain. This complex Address: Aski Igrigh village road, Guba,
occupies a well-deserved place in the list AZ4013
of the most beautiful corners of the Tel: + 994 12 404 34 34
Caucasus. https://www.qubapalace.com/en/
Address: Shahdag Mountain Resort,
KP29 Gusar - Leze, Motor Road, Gusar
Info: +994 12 1110
Reservation: +994 12 310 00 09
http://www.shahdag.az/
MEDICAL SERVICES

International SOS
Address: 1 Yusif Safarov street
Tel: (+994 12) 493 4089, (+994 12) 493 7354
Fax: (+994 12) 493 9644
Mob: (+994 50) 212 6921
Website: https://www.internationalsos.com/locations/cis/azerbaijan

MediClub Republican Diagnostic Center

Address: 45 Uzayir Hajibeyov str. Address: 147 Tbilisi avenue
Tel: (+994 12) 497 09 11/12 Tel: (+994 12) 530 90 29
Coordinator of “Cigna” insured employees: Mob: (+994 50) 229 81 90
Mr. Babak Abdullayev – Landline: (+994 12) 497 09 11 Website: http://rdm.az/en/
(ext. 1159)
Mobile: (+994 50) 283 88 57
Website: http://www.mediclub.az/
Email: office@mediclub.az

WEATHER DRESS
In Baku, the summers are hot, humid, arid, Dress is generally informal in Baku except on
and clear; the winters are long, very cold, social, diplomatic or government occasions
dry, and partly cloudy; and it is windy year when a suit and tie is appropriate. Winter
round. Over the course of the year, the requires coats, hats, and gloves as
temperature typically varies from 36°F temperatures can drop near freezing, on
(2°C) to 89°F (32°C) and is rarely below 29°F occasion. Light clothing is appropriate for the
(-1°C) or above 97°F (36°C). spring and summer months.
TIPPING
Many mid-range and top-end restaurants
include their own service charge that varies.
Tipping is an unusual practice. However if
you find the service above average, tipping
is acceptable. For many restaurants, a
service charge is already included in the bill.
If there’s no charge included, you may tip
10% of the total amount.

PUBLIC HEALTH BUSINESS HOURS (APPROXIMATELY)

You should be up to date on routine Bank Hours
vaccinations while traveling to any 9.30 am to 5.30 pm from Monday to Friday.
destination. Check with your local doctor or Office Hours
health care professional about vaccination 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Friday.
requirements before you plan your trip to Shop Hours
Baku. It is recommended that you drink 9 am to 10 pm daily. Small groceries usually
only boiled or bottled water during your work around the clock.
stay in Baku. Lunch breaks vary between 12.00 pm – 2.00
pm.
Weekly off-days Saturday and Sunday.
GASTRONOMY
NARSHARAB – Restaurant, Banqueting hall, SHIRVANSHAH MUSEUM RESTAURANT –
Country restaurant that serves fish & Azerbaijanian cuisine can admire everyone who
seafood. As well as national cuisine, you can tasted it. If you want to eat and relax in an
find European meals also. Azerbaijanian way, so Shirvanshah museum
Address: N.Guliyev str, Bibiheybet restaurant can be the best option for you.
Tel: +994 50 241 01 01, +994 12 581 25 55 During summertime the veranda of the
restaurant operates as well.
Address: Baku 1009
ART GARDEN – The restaurant of traditional Tel: +994 12 595 09 01
Azerbaijanian cuisine and the art center. It is
located in the center of Baku – Icheri sheher
QAYNANA – It is the best option in the city
in “Kichik Caravanserai” of the XII century.
center for local breakfast.
Here you can taste a wide range of
Address: Kichik Qala
national dishes and in the courtyard of
Tel: +994 79 434 00 13
caravanserai, which can provide seats for
up to 250 people, in the evenings there is
a live jazz and folk music.
SEABREEZE RESORT (RESTAURANT) - Seaside
Address: Asef Zeynalli 22, Icheri Sheher.
restaurant.
Tel: +994 12 492 13 31, +994 50 669 13 31
Address: Nardaran 1000
Tel: +994 12 310 22 22
QUZU TANDIR & KABAB – A traditional
Kebab restaurant located in Old City. You can
R&B CAFÉ – It is the modern and trendy joint
listen live local musicians on Weekends.
situated in the heart of Baku.
Address: Sharifzada Str, 14
Address: 9 Narimanov Square
Tel: +994 50 643 55 88
Tel: +994 50 307 19 19

MANGAL STEAK HOUSE – Best steaks in the

city.
Address: 3 Mirza Mustafaev str.
Tel: +994 12 505 10 11; +994 50 228 10 11

ALTERNATIVE CUISINE

MARIVANNA BAKU – Russian EL PARTALON – Tapas Bar & Restaurant with

home-styled cuisine. Spanish and European cuisines.
93 Zarifa Aliyeva str. National Flag Square Complex, AZ -1010
Tel: +994 50 256 44 29 Tel: +994 12 404 82 17; +994 50 254 54 42

GUNAYDIN - Turkish Restaurant. MOVIDA - European, Lebanese and

51 Khatai ave. Moroccan cuisines.
Tel: +994 51 487 05 05 Port Baku Towers, 153 Neftchilar ave, AZ -
1010
Tel: +994 12 404 82 03
SHOPPING

PORT BAKU MALL - Here you can find most

popular and coveted brands and enjoy the
gastronomic delights of tenant cafeteria and
restaurants. It is the new level of service
exclusive not only for Baku, but also within
entire Caucasus. 400 car parking spaces on
two levels are available.
Address: 151 Neftchilar Ave., Baku

28 MALL presents around 70 international

and local brands and 16 coffee shops and
restaurants. 28 Cinema – the most popular
cinema in the capital city is also located
there. 350 car parking spaces are available.
Address: 27 Azadlig str., Baku

GANJLIK MALL – largest shopping center, a

mix of international and local retail brands, a
range of restaurants and cafes, a multiplex
cinema, bowling and family entertainment
offers.
Address: 38, Fatali Khan Khoyski

PARK BOULEVARD MALL consists of six

floors, including two underground floors. The
mall contains about 99 stores, one large
supermarket, 6 hall movie theatre,
planetarium etc. It also has a parking lot for
550 automobiles.
Address: Neftchilar Ave., Baku
ART & CULTURE

Icheri Sheher is the oldest inhabited part of Baku. It was

declared a historical and cultural reserve in 1977, and was
included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. A thick
fortress wall, with one side open to the Caspian Sea, surrounds
three sides. You can find these historical places inside Old City
– Baku bathhouses, Shirvanshah Palace, Synyk – Kala Mosque,
Maiden Tower, Juma Mosque, Open Air Museum etc.
Ateshgah Fire Temple is known for such unique natural
phenomenon as burning natural gas outlets (underground gas
coming onto surface contacts oxygen and lights up). The
Temple in its present state was constructed in the 17th – 18th
centuries.
The place known as Yanar Dagh located in the Mahammadi
village. The natural gas that seeps onto the surface gives this
mountain its famous “burning” look. The mountain appears to
be covered on tongues of flame from its foot to its peak,
resembling red tulips.
Museum of Petroglyphs is another name for Gobustan – a
mountainous place in the southeast of the Major Caucasian
ridge located 60 km from Baku. The archeologists found there
the ancient sites of primitive people who left behind numerous
rock drawings – Petroglyphs.

More than half the world’s mud volcanoes – about 300 in total
– are found in Azerbaijan, and some of them are here in
Gobustan. Mud volcanoes are not volcanoes at all, but take
their name from their resemblence to the molten-lava kind.

Take the cable car up to the highest point in Baku at Upland

Park, boasting panoramic views of the Azerbaijani capital.
Enjoy the scenic funicular ride to the summit; alternatively, you
can drive or climb the stairs leading to the hilltop. Once there,
stroll through the park and take in the peaceful atmosphere,
with an expansive bird’s-eye view of the city and the Caspian
coastline.

Baku Boulevard is one of the most pleasing areas of the city.

It roughly runs 3km along the fringe of the Caspian Sea,
connecting two of the city’s historic squares; National Flag and
Azadlig (Freedom) and other modern places; such as Baku
Crystal Hall (which hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012
and other events), “Little Venice” (small town), etc.

The Flame Towers - Completed in 2012, this trio of sinuous

blue-glass skyscrapers forms contemporary Baku’s
architectural signature. They are most impressive seen from a
considerable distance, especially at night when they form a
vast palate for a light show.
 If you wish to learn about this ancient city, see its most famous
artifacts, and hear the stories of Azerbaijan, then you will not
find a better place than the Azerbaijan National History
Museum in Baku.

Heydar Aliyev Center – Zaha Hadid’s phenomenal

masterpiece includes an auditorium (congress center), a
museum, exhibition halls, administrative offices.

Carpet Museum. A National Artist of the Azerbaijan SSR Lyatif

Kerimov, who first had the idea to make a museum dedicated
to carpets. Thanks to his efforts, the first museum specializing
in the study and protection of Azerbaijan’s ancient carpets was
opened. Work to collect exhibits and items began in 1967, and
in 1972, the first visitors could see the rare exhibits collected
in the museum.

FORMULA 1 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX

Baku first hosted F1 in 2016, with its street
circuit running in part along the shoreline of
the city’s historic center. It soon grabbed the
attention of fans, and for the last two years
running has been voted as the best race of the
season in the annual survey run by the F1 Fan
Voice community.and was followed by an
amazing post-race party that lasted long into the
night where the global music superstars
performs. In addition, the fastest city route in F1
is Baku City Circuit with max speed 366 km/h.
Circuit Address
Baku City Circuit
93 Zarifa Aliyeva Street
Baku
Azerbaijan
AZ1000
 Gifts from Baku
Carpet: National pride of Azerbaijan and the most expensive gift
from Baku is carpet. Carpet weaving made its way into the
everyday life of the people of Azerbaijan and turned into a symbol
for the nation. If you are thinking about buying national carpet,
then Old City is quite an interesting place for stroll. The prices vary
from shop owner to shop owner ranging from 230 Manat to 300
Manat as initial price for small silk carpet. Get a Certificate for
your carpet:
 Usually, you should be able to get a certificate from the same carpet dealer
(in IcheriSheher).
 If not, you need to get it at the Carpet Museum. Certificates are issued in the
Carpet Museum every Wednesday.
 Normal cost for carpet certificate: 26 AZN (This is the price if you leave your
carpet there and pick it up one week later).
 Expedited cost for carpet certificate 46 AZN (With the expedited version you
can take your carpet with you the same (Wednesday).

Armudu Glass: Tea serving is an important part of Azerbaijani

culture. The Armudu is a traditional drinking glass made from a
variety of materials, such as porcelain, stained glass and silver.

Backgammon: Nard or backgammon is the oldest recorded game

in human history. This game is still very common to see here and
there people playing backgammon in the parks or local teahouses
in Azerbaijan.

Crude oil painting: Baku is one of the birthplaces of the oil

industry. The oil fountain in the Bibiheybat field of Baku in 1848
laid the foundation for the first industrial production of “black gold”
in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani artist Sabir Chopuroghlu creates the oil
paintings, just using his fingers and nails.

Caviar (Kuru) is one of the Azeri luxuries, and you can taste it not
only canned but also fresh. There is some sturgeon farming but
most caviar comes from the dwindling stocks of the Caspian sea.
AOC Office in Baku
In December 2018, AOC AZ established an office in Baku. This the regional office to develop businesses with the
Central Asia countries. Below is the contacts and Emergency Information & Safety Guidelines.

Office Address: Aramco Overseas Company Azerbaijan (AOC AZ)

Landmark 19th floor
Nizami Street, 90A
AZ1010, Baku, Azerbaijan

AOC AZ General Director: Ahmad M. Al Shiha Mob. No. +994 55 400 56 56

Phone No. +994 12 525 48 11
Assistant to Gen. Director: Gulara Huseynova Mob. No. +994 55 400 56 81
Phone No. +994 12 525 48 22
AZ Reception: Ulviyya Ajamova Mob. No. +994 55 400 56 39
Phone No. +994 12 525 48 00

When you hear the emergency alarm: Emergence Numbers:

1. Stay calm; move quickly but do not run  Fire Protection: 101
2. Follow instructions “floor plan is below”  Emergency Situations: 112
3. Do not use the elevator Building Director
4. Use stairways to escape “remove high-heels”  + 994 12 498 24 56
5. Hold on the stairwell’s handrail  + 994 50 210 14 27
6. Give way for responding team
7. Help people with disabilities, if needed Security Chief
8. Exit the Building to the assembly point  + 994 12 498 24 56
 + 994 50 491 35 42

Landmark Reception
 +994 12 498 24 85

Emergency Hospital (MediClub)

 +994 12 491 04 13
 +994 70 233 21 02

Local Hospitals
 +994 12 495 85 61
 +994 12 495 93 50

GULARA HUSEYNOVA
April, 2019