Banks to ensure comprehensive services during Baku 2015

/By AzerNews/

By Amina Nazarli

With the approach of the inaugural European Games -- a sporting event that is scheduled for June 12-28 in Baku, the country is putting the finishing touches to its welcoming apparatus, ahead of the expected arrival of tens of thousands of visitors.

Officials have taken all provisions to ensure that visitors have the best experience possible while in Azerbaijan.

To this regard, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan ordered banks to ensure uninterrupted and stable operation of all ATMs network and POS-terminals during the Games.

The number of ATMS operating in Azerbaijan comprises 2,633 units - some 1,481 have been installed in Baku itself, while 1,152 have been spread across the country’s regions.

By April 2015 the number of POS terminals installed in the country stood at 77,631 units. 50,229 of these terminals are operating in the capital and 27,402 in the regions.

The CBA announced that it held several meetings with the heads of commercial banks to solve any outstanding issues. The sides discussed how best to implement all necessary measures to supply ATMs with sufficient financial resources both in local and foreign currencies. They also decided to carry out regular monitoring of all ATMs' technical condition.

“Banks should inform markets’ sellers locating near sport complexes as well as the city center about the terms of use of POS terminals and conduct regular checks to keep them in good working condition,” the banks reported.

In addition, each bank should have a special employee to coordinate ongoing activities.

Visitors to Azerbaijan do not have to worry about currency exchange since the manat - Azerbaijan national currency - is very similar to the euro or USD in value and therefore will not pose tourists difficulties in assessing the value of goods and services.

The official exchange rate of the dollar and euro against the Azerbaijani manat was set at 1.0486 manat and 1.1662 manat, respectively as of May 21.

The inaugural competition for the continent, Baku 2015 European Games will start on June 12 and will gather 6,000 athletes from 50 countries for 17 days to compete in 20 sports.

Baku, which was awarded the Games by the European Olympic Committees in 2012, will host a total of 20 sports: 16 Olympic sports and four non-Olympic sports.

Tickets for Baku 2015 can be purchased directly from 11 conveniently located ticket outlets around Baku, including Park Bulvar, 28 Mall, and Metro Park Baku, and online atbaku2015.com/tickets.