Frequently asked questions

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the most pleasant — mild weather, wildflowers or autumn colour, and perfect hiking conditions. Summer is warm and lively and ideal for high-altitude regions like Dilijan, Sevan, Jermuk and Tatev. Winter is cold but beautiful, especially for Tsaghkadzor skiing and Yerevan’s festive atmosphere.

Citizens of EU/EEA, UK, US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, CIS/EAEU and many other countries enter visa-free for 90–180 days. Most others can apply online in minutes through evisa.mfa.am or obtain a visa on arrival. See our Visa page for full details.

The Armenian dram (AMD). Cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops in Yerevan, but you should carry some cash for taxis, small cafés and regional travel. ATMs are everywhere and exchange offices are competitive.

Yes — Armenia is one of the safest countries in the region, with very low crime and a strong tradition of hospitality. Women travelling alone are generally comfortable. Normal precautions against pickpocketing in crowds apply.

Armenian is the official language; Russian is widely understood; English is common in hotels, tourist restaurants and among younger people in Yerevan. All Touristik guides speak fluent English, and other languages can be arranged on request.

Yes — tap water in Yerevan and most of the country is excellent and safe. Yerevan also has hundreds of free public drinking fountains (pulpulaks). Bottled water is cheap and available everywhere if you prefer.

Mobile internet (4G/LTE) is fast and cheap. Tourist SIM cards from Team, Ucom or Viva-MTS cost around 2,000–3,000 AMD with generous data and can be bought at Zvartnots airport on arrival with your passport. Free Wi-Fi is standard in cafés, hotels and at tourist sites.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge — 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.

Yandex Go and GG are the two main apps — both honest, cheap and reliable in Yerevan and most towns. A short ride in Yerevan typically costs 600–1,500 AMD (US$ 1.50–4). We recommend these over flagging down taxis on the street.

Modest: shoulders and knees covered for both men and women. Hair covering is not required but a scarf is appreciated in some active monasteries. Shoes stay on. Photography is fine except during services. Armenia is a Christian country with beautifully preserved 4th–13th century monasteries — you will visit many on our tours.

Armenia uses 220–230 V, 50 Hz, with European two-pin plugs (Type C and Type F). Travellers from the UK, US, Australia and Japan should bring an adaptor. Most modern phone and laptop chargers work on 220 V.

In Yerevan, yes — almost all hotels, mid-range and upscale restaurants, supermarkets and many shops accept Visa and Mastercard. American Express is less common. Outside Yerevan cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants but cash is king for rural cafés, taxis, markets and crafts.

Zvartnots International Airport is about 12 km from the centre. A pre-booked private transfer with Touristik (from 7,000 AMD / US$ 18) is the most comfortable option — your driver meets you with a name sign. Airport taxis by the Yandex Go or GG app cost around 2,500–4,000 AMD. Public bus 201 runs into the city for about 300 AMD.

Comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets and monastery visits; modest layer for churches; sun protection (strong sun even in spring/autumn); a light jacket for evenings and higher altitudes; swimsuit if visiting Lake Sevan or Jermuk spas; and a plug adaptor if you are not from continental Europe. Winter travellers add a warm coat, gloves and grippy shoes.

Yes — custom itineraries are one of our specialities. Tell us your dates, interests (history, wine, hiking, culture, food, family) and budget, and our Yerevan team will design a private itinerary with hand-picked guides, drivers, hotels and experiences. Contact info@touristik.am or use our "Plan your trip" form.