Who to tip, how much, and what's already included in the bill
Azerbaijan doesn't have the rigid tipping culture of the United States, but a modest tip for good service is increasingly normal in tourist-facing businesses, particularly in Baku. Service charges are occasionally added automatically to restaurant bills — check before tipping again on top.
Azerbaijan applies an 18% VAT on most goods and services, generally already included in displayed prices. A limited tax-free shopping scheme exists for purchases over a minimum threshold at participating stores — ask for a tax-free form at the point of sale if buying expensive carpets or jewellery, and process the refund at the airport before departure.
There is no general sales tax separate from VAT, so the price on the tag is genuinely the price you pay.