Baku - Post Report Question and Answers
Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Google Fi so you don't have to 'register' your phone. - Sep 2023
Once you arrive to Baku you have to report your phone with your IMEI number to the government which (to me) is really strange, but it seems to be another way to track your information. I use Bakcell and I got SIM card from them. the plans are super cheap, but nothing is unlimited unless you're using WhatsApp which is common for everyone to use here. When you pay for your phone plan you have to put cash into kiosks that are all over the city. - Aug 2023
Any phone purchased outside of Azerbaijan and using a local SIM card must be registered with the government. GoogleFi users have been able to get by without registering their phones. Local SIM cards and data plans are super cheap. - Aug 2023
I use Google Fi and it usually works fine here. There was a period where everyone lost coverage for a month but then it was back up and running. - Jun 2023
I have an iPhone through my work and my wife has a local phone. It's a pay as you go phone, but she can access the internet and do apps and such. The only problem with any phone is that you have to register it or it will stop working at some point. It can be complicated, but any of the phone stores can help you with the process when you buy something. We also got a GoogeFi phone while we were here and that's worked well for two-factor security authentication and for traveling to other countries. - Jun 2021
Bring a phone or buy one locally, but I think most bring. - Jan 2019
We’ve used unlocked phones with a local SIM card and put money on them every few months. It is pretty cheap. - Jul 2018
My employer provided my phone and paid for the plan. It's easy enough to buy a personal SIM and get top-up cards, but you have to register the number with the government. Cell signal is excellent everywhere, including on the ski slopes of Shahdag. Azerbaijani plans have exorbitant international roaming charges, so be sure to switch off cellular roaming before you cross any borders. - May 2018
Bring an unlocked phone and purchase a local SIM card. It's a pay as you go plan and really, super cheap compared to the US. $10 usually lasts me all month. - Mar 2017
You can bring one or buy one here. - Jul 2015
Several friends have brought i-Phones without any problems. Bring your unlocked phone because they are VERY expensive here. That said, the cell phone plans are all pre-paid and cost $.04 per text and $.12 per minute. Several friends have brought i-Phones without any problems. Bring your unlocked phone because they are VERY expensive here. That said, the cell phone plans are all pre-paid and cost $.04 per text and $.12 per minute. - Jan 2013
Azercell or Bakcell are the two common company providers we mostly use here. If bringing phone from US bring a simple phone -- No iPhones etc. - Dec 2011
Everyone has one - the embassy issues employees cell phones. Stores selling them are all over town. - Sep 2010
Buy a prepaid card here. Cheap and easy to get. - Aug 2010
Very cheap here. - Oct 2009
Make sure you have an unlocked one and you will be able to purchase a sim card and use it here. US$28 will get you about 90 min. worth of talk time. - Nov 2008
You should carry a cell phone. The embassy provides phones for employees. Spouses will need to purchase a phone and SIM card. Minutes can be easily purchased. - Sep 2008
Everyone has one. Azerbaijanis don't leave messages, so most expats just get used to texting. - Sep 2008
