If you’re looking to have an immersive exploration of Armenia; A country known for old monasteries, rich history, breathtaking nature, gastronomical wonders, and great people. Take the time to read AFC’s Ultimate Armenia Travel Guide Before you Go. It is definitely a good idea to give this a read before you do so that you can best prepare for your trip.
Definitely check out AFC Holidays’ Armenia Tours to start planning your trip.
Language
The Local language is ARMENIAN; Many locals also know RUSSIAN due to historical and political reasons. ENGLISH is slowly being learned by locals especially the younger generation of Armenians due to the rise in tourism and the establishment of new French and English Universities.
For ease of communication, make sure to keep in mind to keep word-choice to the simplest word/s possible. It would also be helpful to keep a mini translator/dictionary that you can keep offline.
What Weather to Expect
Armenia enjoys FOUR SEASONS throughout the year as follows:
• spring (March to May): Ave. 5°C to 18°C (41°F to 64°F)
• summer (June to August): Ave. 16°C to 20°C (61°F to 68°F)
• autumn (September to November): Ave. 6°C to 13 °C (43°F to 55°F)
• winter (December to February): Ave. -6°C to 3°C (22°F to 38°F)
What kind of clothes to pack?
• April: Umbrella/Raincoat/Rain Bag(Waterproof). Rainfalls due to season change. *Rainiest Month
• March-May: Moderately cold temperatures, bring jackets
• June-August: Bring appropriate sun protection products + sunglasses if necessary, Light cotton clothing
• September-November: Moderately thick clothes/ jackets, jumpers/sweaters, and scarves
• December-February: Thick Wooly Clothes + Boots + Scarves + Gloves
• All Seasons: Comfortable walking shoes.
Armenian Religion
PREDOMINANTLY CHRISTIAN (97%). With that in mind, tourists have to be mindful and observe respectful behaviors when in monasteries, churches, or other places of worship.
Currency
ARMENIAN DRAM (AMD) - All transactions are recommended to be settled in AMD. It is best exchanged from USD, EUR, and RUB in that order.
You can also exchange from Georgian Lari when in Armenia if you’re traveling directly from Georgia. However, don’t buy Dram in Georgia as you will experience terrible rates.
There is a wide array of exchange kiosks in markets, rates vary very little between all of them. Rip-off rates or scams are unusual in Armenia.
Should you bargain?
Haggling or bargaining varies in Armenia. Most shops have set prices, but markets and fruit stands are open to haggling if one is buying more than just one item.
Taxi drivers do not complain if the rates are haggled before getting in and followed before getting out. However, ordering taxi-hailing or ride-sharing apps is more recommended.
Should you leave a tip?
There is a tipping rule of 10% on top of the 10% service fee in Armenia, especially in Yerevan.
Taxis may accept tips but it is not obligated. Rounding off is best practice.
How much is a day in Armenia?
Minimum USD 30 per day or more depending on interest and choice of activity.
Power plugs and socket
Armenia uses Type C and F power plugs at 230 Volts and 50 Frequency. Bringing power plug adapters is advisable.
Getting Around
It is possible to walk around Yerevan to reach the places you want to go as one end to the other is just a 30-40 minutes walk away.
One of the most common forms of transportation is the metro, tickets may cost around 100AMD. Another
There is also an abundance of taxis that you can call in by dialing 058 or 059 or hail from the streets of Kyiv. It is 1 Hryvnya per kilometre. It is better to negotiate before boarding as many taxi drivers may not be that good at speaking English.
Tourists may use cab-hailing or ride-sharing apps like GG, or Yandex. A ride may cost somewhere around 3-4 USD. They are actually more recommended than hailing a taxi off the street as there will be a need to negotiate the price before getting in.
For a more local experience, hop on a marshrutka, an old-school soviet van. Just make sure to research where the numbered vans are headed. One way is to check in the A2B Transport App. Just pay before getting off or whenever the driver asks. To get off just say “Kangnek” so that the driver pulls over at the next stop.
Make sure to observe polite behavior when boarding marshrutkas, don’t slam the door, there is a possibility of standing, or being asked to hold bags, groceries, or babies if other ladies are forced to stand. Offering these ladies your seat is also a great gesture.
Armenia Travel Guide – The Checklist
Need Internet Everywhere in Yerevan?
Tourists will commonly find local sim cards with ready network access at Zvartnots International Airport. However, it is more advisable to look for one around town if you’re not in a hurry. It could be cheaper and you will have more choices then.
Keep your passport ready when purchasing a local sim card. Some of the more common options include Beeline, UCom, and MTS Vivacell. They can cost starting from 1000 AMD (2 USD)
Armenia Travel Guide in Medications
Prepare preferred over-the-counter medicines (Keep in original containers/with labels for easy identification) in small quantities (or as you find necessary) into a simple first aid. i.e. Diarrhea medicines, antacids, antihistamines, motion sickness, cough drops, decongestants, pain and fever relief, mild laxatives, bandages, and small antiseptic solutions. Along with your masks and preferred sanitizer.
Bring a doctor’s prescription for other prescriptions that you may have as needed and check for the allowed amount of quantity depending on your stay.
Now that you’ve read this Armenia Travel Guide
You are officially ready to travel to Armenia. Don’t forget that you’re always free to contact your AFC Representative if you have any more concerns before your departure! We wish you safe and happy travels!
Check out AFC Holidays’ Armenia Tour Packages if you’re interested in traveling to this beautiful country.
You may also be interested in our recent post: Ukraine Travel Guide Before You Go.
