Personal contact and relationship-building is critical in Azerbaijan, and therefore meetings are more effective than long distance communication. It is common to exchange business cards in meetings, which should be in Russian or English and have an Azeri translation on the reverse. The language of business is Azeri or Russian, and translators will be required for those not speaking either language. Azeris tend to be polite and visitors should be aware that a 'yes' might actually mean 'no' to avoid causing 'loss of face'. Azeris should not be rushed to make a business decision. Gender roles are traditional and businesswomen might be met with sceptism.

Nine out of 11 existing climate zones are present in Azerbaijan, although most of the country is dry semiarid steppe. Generally summers are hot and winters mild and wet, with snow in the mountains. Average temperatures range from 41°F (5°C) in the mountainous regions to 81°F (27°C) in the lowlands in summer, and 14°F (-10°C) to 37°F (3°C) in winter. The best time to travel for warm and dry weather is between April and October, but mountainous areas are best visited in the summer months of July and August. Baku in the summer is very hot and humid.

The international dialling code for Azerbaijan is +994. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). Area codes are in use e.g. 12 for Baku. There are few telephone lines outside of the main cities, and international calls usually require the use of the operator, many of whom do not speak English. It is possible to make international calls from public phones, which require a card; local phones use tokens. GSM coverage is basic and includes the area around Baku as well as some other cities. Roaming charges are high and it is best to buy a local SIM card. Internet cafes ('klubs') are available in Baku.

Most of the country is Muslim and visitors should respect religious customs, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or religious shrines; women should cover arms and legs, and men should not wear shorts even in summer. Although homosexuality is legal in Azerbaijan, public displays of affection will cause offence, especially outside the capital. Foreign nationals are routinely subject to police checks and it is advisable to carry identification at all times.

Travellers older than 16 may bring 1, 000 cigarettes, 2 litres of wine and 1.5 litres of other alcohol, and perfume for personal use without paying customs duty. An export certificate is required to take carpets or anything else considered antique out of Azerbaijan.

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin attachment plugs and ?Schuko' plugs are in use.

No vaccinations are required for entry to Azerbaijan, but travellers should ensure that all routine vaccinations are up to date. There is a malaria risk between June and November in the lowland areas. Bird flu has been reported, but there is little risk to travellers; as a precaution it is advised that close contact with domestic and wild birds be avoided, and all egg and poultry dishes are thoroughly cooked. Most health facilities are state-owned and equipment and staff fall short of Western standards. Outside of the capital, medical care and supplies may be difficult to come by and serious medical problems will require air evacuation to another country; comprehensive medical insurance is advised.

Azerbaijani, or Azeri, is the official language. Turkish and Russian are widely spoken; few people speak English.

The official currency is the new Manat (AZN), which is divided into 100 qapik. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside of large hotels and restaurants in Baku, and travellers cheques are not easily accepted; travellers are therefore advised to carry cash, preferably in Euro, Sterling or US dollars. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and official exchange bureaux, but visitors are advised to keep all receipts until departure from Azerbaijan. ATMs can be found in most major cities and towns.

Visas are only available on arrival if the passport holder also has an official invitation letter from Azerbaijan. Visas are only valid for the cities listed in the visa.

The crime rate is relatively low, but muggings do occur in central Baku, particularly at night. Political gatherings and demonstrations should be avoided, as these have become violent in the past. Unlicensed taxis should be avoided. Corruption is widespread. The area around Nagorno-Karabakh has long been the subject of dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia and most foreign governments advise against travel to the region due to ongoing exchanges of gunfire despite the ceasefire.

Local time is GMT +4 (GMT +5 in summer).

Service charges are usually included in bills and tipping is not compulsory, although taxi-drivers, waiters and hotel staff are commonly given some small change.