Pros and Cons of Living in Azerbaijan

"People enjoying the many parks and fountains--makes you forget that the place is bascially a desert. People are very kind and helpful when asked. Those who have studied English are bold about using it--which is unlike other places and can be very helpful. Public transportation is quite good, and inexpensive," said one person in Baku.

"Expats in Azerbaijan appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which includes a variety of traditional music, dance, and art. They also enjoy the hospitality of the local people, who are known for their warmth and generosity. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's diverse cuisine, which features a variety of dishes from the Caucasus region. Finally, expats enjoy the country's stunning natural beauty, with its majestic mountains, lush forests, and crystal-clear lakes," remarked one expat in Azerbaijan.

"Racism, superiority complex coupled with ignorance, a very disturbed religious zealotry that defies belief, constant yelling and arguments everywhere, corruption, unprofessional work environment. My first landlord broke into our apartment at 11PM because she felt she had the right to walk in whenever she wanted. Our next landlord wanted a full inspection every month. My current landlord calls my being here "letting me live at his house". There are no binding contracts even through an agent, and no concept of personal space or private property. Other than the main areas of the city which are kept immaculate, the "real" city is the world's largest trash can with no clean-up crew. I have never seen people tear up their own apartment building and neighborhoods like this, not even in the poorest countries of Africa or South America," explained one expat living in Baku.

"Of not the culture but the place: the wind is overpowering and dries the skin terrbily; the food, especially for a vegetarian, offers little choice/variety. Bureacracy is cumbersome and mysterious--you need to know someone to get the proper paperwork to get things done," said one expat in Baku.

"Expats in Azerbaijan often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. Language barriers can be a challenge, as Azerbaijani is the official language and English is not widely spoken. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand and navigate. Expats may also find the local cuisine to be quite different from what they are used to, as Azerbaijani cuisine is heavily influenced by the country's location at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Finally, the local climate can be a challenge for expats, as Azerbaijan has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters," said a person living in Azerbaijan.