Practical information for travellers to Armenia

Armenia is a safe, welcoming and easy country to travel in, but a little local knowledge goes a long way. This guide covers the practical essentials — money, language, climate, transport, electricity, safety, tipping and etiquette — so you can focus on enjoying your trip. If anything is unclear, our team at Touristik is happy to help before and during your stay.

1. Currency and money

The local currency is the Armenian dram (AMD, ֏). At the time of publication, US$ 1 ≈ 400 AMD and EUR 1 ≈ 430 AMD (rates fluctuate — check a live converter). ATMs are widely available in Yerevan and all regional towns, and dispense AMD (some also USD/EUR). Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops in Yerevan, but carry some cash for small cafés, taxis, markets and remote areas. Currency exchange offices are common, open late, and offer competitive rates — compare a couple before exchanging large amounts.

2. Language

The official language is Armenian, which uses its own unique alphabet (created in AD 405). Russian is widely understood, especially by older generations. English is common in hotels, tourist restaurants and among younger people in Yerevan, but less so in regional towns and villages. Touristik guides speak fluent English, Russian and Armenian; guides in other languages (French, Spanish, Italian, German, Arabic, Persian) can be arranged on request.

3. Climate and when to visit

Armenia has four distinct seasons. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the best times to visit: mild temperatures, clear skies, wildflowers or autumn colours, and ideal conditions for sightseeing and hiking. Summer (June–August) is hot in Yerevan (30–38°C / 86–100°F) but pleasant at altitude in Dilijan, Sevan, Jermuk and Tatev. Winter (December–March) is cold with snow; it is excellent for Tsaghkadzor skiing and winter festivals, and lowland tours run all year.

4. Time zone

Armenia is on Armenia Time (AMT), UTC+4, all year round — there is no daylight-saving change. That is 2 hours ahead of London (GMT), 3 hours ahead of Paris/Berlin, and 9 hours ahead of New York in winter (8 in summer).

5. Electricity and plugs

Armenia uses 220–230 V, 50 Hz, with European two-pin plugs (Type C and Type F). Travellers from the UK, US, Canada, Japan, Australia and some Asian countries will need a plug adaptor. Most modern phones, laptops and camera chargers work on both 110 V and 220 V — check the label before plugging in. Hotels in Yerevan usually have a few universal sockets.

6. Getting around

Yerevan has an inexpensive metro (single line, flat fare around 100 AMD), city buses and marshrutkas (shared minibuses). Taxis are cheap and reliable: use the Yandex Go or GG app for fixed, honest fares — a short ride in Yerevan costs 600–1,500 AMD. For day-trips outside Yerevan, we recommend a private driver or a Touristik transfer — the roads are good but signage is often in Armenian only. Rental cars are available for confident drivers.

7. Food, drink and tap water

Armenian cuisine is a highlight of any trip — try khorovats (barbecue), dolma, khash, lavash bread baked in a tonir, home-made cheese, apricots, pomegranates, and superb wine from Areni and brandy from Yerevan. Tap water in Yerevan and most towns is of excellent quality and safe to drink — free drinking fountains (pulpulaks) are dotted all over the city. Bottled water is easily available if you prefer.

8. Safety and health

Armenia is one of the safest countries in the region. Violent crime is very rare, and women travelling alone are generally comfortable. Normal precautions apply: look after valuables in crowded markets and on public transport. No special vaccinations are required. Yerevan has excellent private hospitals; pharmacies are plentiful and most staff speak some English or Russian. Emergency number: 911. Tourist police in Yerevan: +374 10 562 000.

9. Internet, SIM cards and connectivity

Armenia has fast, cheap 4G/LTE — often better than in many European capitals. Tourist SIM cards from Team, Ucom or Viva-MTS cost around 2,000–3,000 AMD including data and can be bought at the airport on arrival with your passport. Wi-Fi is free in almost every café, restaurant and hotel in Yerevan, and in tourist sites across the country.

10. Tipping

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, 10% service is sometimes already added to the bill (it is shown separately); if not, rounding up or leaving 10% for good service is normal. For guides and drivers on multi-day tours, US$ 5–10 per traveller per day is a fair guideline and very much appreciated. Taxi fares from the app do not need to be tipped.

11. Dress code and etiquette

Armenia is a conservative Christian country with a strong tradition of hospitality. Dress is generally relaxed in Yerevan, similar to southern Europe. When visiting churches and monasteries, dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered; women are not required to cover their hair, but a scarf is appreciated in some active monasteries. Shoes stay on. Photography is fine except during active services. Armenians are famously warm hosts — accepting an offered coffee or fruit is a sign of respect.

12. Emergency contacts

Universal emergency number: 911 (police, ambulance, fire). Your embassy: see mfa.am for a list of foreign embassies in Yerevan. Touristik 24/7 guest support during your tour: +374 33 060 609 and +374 55 060 609 (WhatsApp/Telegram available). Save these numbers before you travel.