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Country Commercial Guides FY 2000: Azerbaijan Report prepared by U.S. Embassy Baku, released July 1999 Note*

CHAPTER IX. BUSINESS TRAVEL

A. Business customs: Business cards are generally exchanged during initial meetings, with one side of the card in Azerbaijani and the other in English (or Russian). Azerbaijani business people almost always offer visitors tea and sweets. Azerbaijanis tend to be very polite, but may appear to foreigners as vague and noncommittal about specifics in business transactions. Also, they are reluctant to make appointments more than 24 hours ahead of time.

B. Travel advisory and visas: A passport and visa are required to enter Azerbaijan. Business persons who apply for their visas more than five days in advance and tourists who apply more than ten days in advance will usually not be charged for their visas. Individuals requesting visas in less than this amount of time or arriving in Baku without a valid Azerbaijani visa will be charged a special processing fee ranging from $ 40 to $ 250 for their visa. For visitors arriving from countries without an Azerbaijani Embassy, passports are retained by immigration authorities at the airport. Visitors must apply to the consular department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the next working day to retrieve their passport. All visitors to Azerbaijan are strongly urged to obtain a visa prior to their arrival. Travelers with valid Georgian visas are permitted to enter Azerbaijan for five days. Thereafter they must obtain an Azerbaijani visa. Visa applicants must include a letter of invitation from an individual or organization in Azerbaijan when applying for a visa. Outside the United States, visas may be obtained from Azerbaijani embassies in Germany, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. For additional information on visa requirements, contact the Embassy of Azerbaijan, 927 15th Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005; telephone (202) 842-0001; fax (202) 842-0004.

While crime in the city of Baku has generally not been a major problem, in recent months, criminal attacks on foreigners have increased. There is a widespread perception that all foreigners carry large amounts of cash and make ideal targets. Accordingly, the Embassy advises Americans not to go out alone at night, especially later at night. When taking taxis, only use those that have BLUE license plates. Business visitors should arrange to be met at the airport when they arrive in Baku.

Before leaving the U.S., travelers are encouraged to consult the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Web Page at http://ds.state.gov for the most current travel advisories.

Any incidents involving U.S. citizens should be reported immediately to the Embassy's consular section (tel. 98-03-35) and the local police (tel. 02).

C. Holidays: The following national holidays are observed in Azerbaijan.

New Year's Day                     January 1
International Women's Day          March 8
Novruz Bayram                      March 20/21
Victory Day                        May 9
Day of the Republic                May 28
National Salvation Day             June 15
Day of Armed Forces                June 26
Day of State Sovereignty           October 18
Constitution Day                   November 12
Day of National Revival            November 17
Universal Azeri Solidarity Day     December 31

ISLAMIC HOLIDAYS WITH DATES TO BE DETERMINED: Gourban Bayram Ramazan Holiday

NOTE: The U.S. Embassy is closed on all U.S. Holidays as well as the above mentioned Azeri Holidays. D. Work Week: The GOAZ does not restrict business hours. In theory, businesses are open all day Monday through Saturday. Hours may vary considerably depending on the preference of the individual businessperson. Business appointments are rarely made before 10 am.

E. Business Infrastructure: * Business can be conducted in Azerbaijani, Turkish or Russian. * All private transactions are in cash -- credit cards are only accepted in about three dozen establishments. * The telephone system in Baku is oversubscribed and technically inadequate. International calls are possible, but expensive. Cellular communication services are available (including GSM). E-mail via local Internet providers is available. Full Internet service has also recently become available. * The GOAZ postal system is functional, but not secure. The U.S. courier firm DHL is resident in Baku (see contact list, Chapter XI, Appendix E). * There is a functioning subway system in Baku, but, because of severe maintenance problems, the U.S. Embassy discourages Americans from using it. Buses and streetcars run, but are crowded and not recommended. Taxis are inexpensive and readily available. * Electric voltage in Azerbaijan is 220v, 60 cycles. European standard plugs and electric connectors are used. * There are numerous shops in Baku where food, clothing, and small appliances are available. Imported electronics are readily obtainable. * Azerbaijan is famous for its carpets. There are several carpet shops inside the old city near the Maiden's Tower. Antique carpets may also be bargains in Azerbaijan, but it is difficult to take them home without permission from the Ministry of Culture. * Caviar can be bought at local shops. It's recommended that travelers purchase caviar only in tins or sealed jars that bear an Azeri label in order to avoid delays or possible confiscation of caviar at the U.S. Customs. * Drinking tap water is not recommended. Bottled water is generally available on the local market. Beer and soft drinks are widely sold. * There are many restaurants in Baku. One of the most common local dishes is kebab, made of lamb, chicken or fish. Coffee is not up to western standards, and many Americans here drink tea. Vodka, brandy, champagne, and beer flow freely. Fruits and vegetables are more readily available, and at lower prices, here than elsewhere in the CIS. * There are several hotels, built and operated to western standards, in Baku. The Hyatt Regency and Hotel Europe are the most commonly used. Their average room rates are US$300 per day. In addition, there are numerous apartment buildings with private apartments readily available in different parts of town. Those located in the downtown area tend to be expensive. The average monthly rate for an apartment in downtown Baku runs USD800 - 1,200. There are, however, some that are more reasonably priced at USD500 - 600 as well. Due to the recent downturn in the oil industry prices have also come down somewhat, but this is expected to be a temporary situation until business becomes lively again.

F. Temporary Entry of Goods: Personal items, tools of trade, and business samples may be imported with little problem. Goods to be displayed or exhibited may be brought in as temporarily imported goods for a period of time, but must be re-exported within the time stipulated to avoid paying import duties and taxes. Business persons traveling with laptops, must declare them at time of entry. The temporary entry form covering the laptop must be surrendered on departure. Azerbaijan is not a member of the Carnet Convention.

NOTE: U.S, business travelers are encouraged to obtain a copy of the "Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts: Guide for Business Representatives" available for sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 20402; Tel. (202) 512-1800; Fax (202) 512-2250. Business travelers to Azerbaijan seeking appointments with U.S. Embassy - Baku officials should contact the Commercial Section in advance. The Commercial Section can be reached at: Tel. (994)(12) 980-335; Fax (994)(12) 986-117; Email: LallyM@state.gov