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SIM Cards in Azerbaijan & Nagorno-Karabakh: The Best Prepaid Plans | 2024 Guide

Azerbaijan has been my favorite country name forever for some reason. I do not know why, but I LOVE saying Azerbaijan – try it yourself. I just like it as much as I like the medieval town in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, the ancient ruins in Ganja, and the palaces in Sheki. If you love history, you will not be bored when visiting this lovely country.

What may not be lovely, however, is roaming with your provider. Roaming can be expensive in many cases, which is why many travelers who go to the Caucasus, including Azerbaijan, want to buy a local SIM card. In this article, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Azerbaijan. Let's go.

Original publication: 8th of January 2020. Last updated: 2nd of March 2024.


Table of Contents

Telecom Providers in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan has 4 telecom providers: Azercell, Bakcell, Nar Mobile, and Aztrank. Aztrank uses a CDMA network, which is not compatible with most phones out there. As a result, they will not be discussed in this article.

Nakhtel, also known as Naxtel, used to operate in Nakhchivan with a CDMA network only. They started a GSM network in 2014, but not much is known about this operator. Therefore, they will not be discussed in this article either.

All operators have 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. Coverage and speeds with all providers are extensive. However, 4G/LTE is still being developed throughout Azerbaijan, so you will not be able to find it all over the country.

Best SIM Card in Azerbaijan

If you want to buy a SIM card in Azerbaijan, I recommend going with Azercell because they have the best network and fastest speeds in the country.

I will also discuss Karabakh Telecom (KT), which operators in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. It is part of Azerbaijan, but they declared independence a while ago. KT is the only operator that operates in this region and uses a different currency than Azerbaijan itself. KT will briefly be analyzed in this article.

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SIM Card Registration Regulations in Azerbaijan

Just like other countries in the Caucasus, you have to show your passport when buying an Azerbaijani SIM card. Do not buy SIM cards from street vendors because they will either give you a SIM card registered to someone else (and have a package activated you may not like) or an unregistered SIM that can be shut down at any time. Additionally, every individual, including visitors, can have up to 5 SIM cards to their name. This should not be an issue for most travelers.

Azerbaijan introduced an IMEI registration scheme, which forces everyone who wants to use an Azerbaijani SIM card for more than 30 days to register with the authorities. Although the government says this will help reduce phone theft, it is also a surveillance tool.

If you are visiting Azerbaijan for less than 30 days, then you do not have to register. The same counts for those who roam with their provider for more than 30 days. If you are staying for more than a month and want to use an Azerbaijani SIM card, then you can register your phone online (if you understand Azerbaijani) for 5 AZN ($2.95) or go to a post office for 5.5 AZN ($3.25).

If you fail to register within 30 days and keep using an Azerbaijani SIM card, then your phone will be shut off from any network. It is unclear whether you can get the ban reversed or if your device will be barred from Azerbaijan indefinitely. If so, then you would need to use a different device for using an Azerbaijani SIM card.

With all of that said, let’s see what Azerbaijan has to offer.

Azercell

Azercell Logo
© Azercell

Azercell is the largest provider in Azerbaijan and has the best network and speeds. The company is operated by Telia and Turkcell. You may have seen the logo in other countries where Telia is active. Azercell covers 99% of the population, meaning that you will be covered throughout Azerbaijan.

SIM Card Price – Azercell

Azercell SIM cards are sold for 5 AZN in Azercell stores.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

You may want to get a travel eSIM for Azerbaijan, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Azercell (in some cases).

Especially when getting an eSIM covering popular Asian destinations if you do not stay in just Azerbaijan or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.

My Azerbaijan eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.

Here is a quick introduction to them:

  • Airalo: Yaxsi Mobile (Azerbaijan only) & Discover+ (125+ countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
  • Alosim: Azerbaijan – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
  • Holafly: Azerbaijan – these eSIMs have unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
  • Nomad: Azerbaijan, Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)

For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Azerbaijan eSIM buying guide.

Buying an eSIM for Azerbaijan Guide (logos of Holafly, Nomad, Discover+, Yaxsi Mobile, Alosim & Airalo)

But let's continue with Azercell for now.

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Top-up vouchers are sold from 1 AZN to 100 AZN. The following data packs can be added:

  • 0.25 AZN: 50 MB for 24 hours
  • 0.40 AZN: Unlimited data for 1 hour
  • 1 AZN: Unlimited data for 3 hours
  • 1 AZN: 50 MB for 30 days
  • 1.20 AZN: 500 MB for 24 hours
  • 3 AZN: 500 MB for 30 days
  • 5 AZN: 1 GB for 30 days
  • 10 AZN: 5 GB for 30 days
  • 15 AZN: 10 GB for 30 days
  • 50 AZN: 50 GB (“unlimited”), throttled to 128 kbps after full use, for 30 days

Bakcell

Bakcell Logo

Bakcell was the first Azerbaijani operator and is partially state-owned. They are now the second-largest operator with a market share of more than 30%. Their coverage is good, which makes them a good option for those on a budget.

SIM Card Price – Bakcell

Bakcell SIM cards are sold for 5 AZN in Bakcell stores. Recharge vouchers can be bought from 1 AZN to 50 AZN.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

You should consider getting a travel eSIM for Azerbaijan because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Bakcell.

Especially if you get an Asia-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.

I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for Azerbaijan in my Azerbaijan eSIM buying guide, which are:

  • Airalo: Yaxsi Mobile (Azerbaijan only) & Discover+ (125+ countries worldwide + minutes and SMS) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
  • Alosim: Azerbaijan – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
  • Holafly: Azerbaijanunlimited data eSIMs – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
  • Nomad: Azerbaijan, Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)

As I said, check out my Azerbaijan eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with Bakcell for now.

Buying an eSIM for Azerbaijan Guide (logos of Holafly, Nomad, Discover+, Yaxsi Mobile, Alosim & Airalo)
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The following monthly data packs are available, which also entitles you to use the Bakcell WIFI network for free:

  • 0.99 AZN: 1 GB (per day – auto-renews daily)
  • 1 AZN: 50 MB (for 15 days)
  • 2 AZN: 150 MB
  • 3 AZN: 500 MB
  • 4 AZN: 750 MB
  • 5 AZN: 1 GB
  • 7 AZN: 1.5 GB
  • 9 AZN: 3 GB
  • 10 AZN: 5 GB
  • 15 AZN: 10 GB
  • 22 AZN: 20 GB

Bakcell also sells data-only SIMs for tablets and modems, but they can be used for phones too. You can get a lot more data. Be sure to mention that you are getting this SIM card for a tablet. Else, they may not sell it to you. The following monthly data packages are available for the data-only SIM cards:

  • 12 AZN: 10 GB
  • 20 AZN: 30 GB
  • 30 AZN: 50 GB

A bit more about the Balcell WIFI network. Bakcell hotspots can be found in many locations throughout the country in restaurants, hotels, and parks. When connecting to your hotspot, you have to fill in your number to retrieve your password that will be sent via SMS. Then you can log in and use the hotspot for an hour. You can use the same passport multiple times throughout the day, but you will automatically be disconnected every hour.

Nar Mobile by Azerfon

Nar Mobile Logo

Nar Mobile by Azerfon is the third operator in Azerbaijan. They have the “worst” coverage, but they may be the only operator in some remote areas. They claim that they cover 98% of the population with their 3G network and 92% with their 4G/LTE network.

SIM Card Price – Nar Mobile by Azerfon

Nar Mobile SIM cards are sold for 5 AZN in Nar Mobile stores. Top-up vouchers can be obtained from 2 AZN to 50 AZN in credit.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

You can consider getting a travel eSIM for Azerbaijan, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Nar Mobile.

Especially if you get an Asia eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported Asian countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).

In my Azerbaijan eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.

But I will introduce them here quickly:

  • Airalo: Yaxsi Mobile (Azerbaijan only) & Discover+ (125+ countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
  • Alosim: Azerbaijan – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
  • Holafly: Azerbaijan – include unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
  • Nomad: Azerbaijan, Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)

Once again, check out my Azerbaijan eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.

Buying an eSIM for Azerbaijan Guide (logos of Holafly, Nomad, Discover+, Yaxsi Mobile, Alosim & Airalo)

For now, I will continue with Nar Mobile.

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The following data packs are available:

  • 0.10 AZN: 30 MB until midnight
  • 0.40 AZN: 200 MB until midnight
  • 0.59 AZN: 100 MB (and 25 minutes) until midnight
  • 1 AZN: 60 MB for 15 days
  • 2 AZN: 200 MB for 20 days
  • 3 AZN: 600 MB for 30 days
  • 6 AZN: 1.5 GB for 30 days
  • 12 AZN: 7 GB for 30 days
  • 20 AZN: 20 GB for 30 days
  • 30 AZN: 40 GB for 30 days

Karabakh Telecom

Karabakh Telecom, also known as K-Telecom and KT, is the only operator that operates in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The region is also known as the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh but is often referred to be part of Azerbaijan. In this region, they use the Armenian Dram (AMD) instead of the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). Therefore, the prices will be listed in AMD. 1 AMD is around 0.25 USD.

None of the previously mentioned operators have a roaming agreement with KT or work in Nagorno-Karabakh. You can use an Armenian SIM card and roam in this region. However, I assume it is cheaper to buy a SIM card from KT than to roam here.

SIM Card Price – Karabakh Telecom

Karabakh Telecom SIM cards can be bought for 1200 AMD in KT stores. Recharge cards are sold from 500 AMD to 9000 AMD.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

You may want to get a travel eSIM for Azerbaijan, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Karabakh Telecom (in some cases).

Especially when getting an eSIM covering popular Asian destinations if you do not stay in just Azerbaijan or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.

My Azerbaijan eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.

Here is a quick introduction to them:

  • Airalo: Yaxsi Mobile (Azerbaijan only) & Discover+ (125+ countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
  • Alosim: Azerbaijan – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
  • Holafly: Azerbaijan – these eSIMs have unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
  • Nomad: Azerbaijan, Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)

For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Azerbaijan eSIM buying guide.

Buying an eSIM for Azerbaijan Guide (logos of Holafly, Nomad, Discover+, Yaxsi Mobile, Alosim & Airalo)

But let's continue with Karabakh Telecom for now.

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The following data packs can be added:

  • 500 AMD: 25 MB for 10 days
  • 750 AMD: 50 MB for 20 days
  • 1250 AMD: 100 MB for 20 days
  • 1900 AMD: 200 MB for 30 days
  • 2300 AMD: 300 MB for 30 days
  • 6500 AMD: 1 GB for 30 days
  • 7800 AMD: 3 GB for 30 days
  • 9800 AMD: 5 GB for 30 days

The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Azerbaijan

Getting a SIM card from Azercell would do you well when considering an Azerbaijani SIM card.