Armenia Basics |
The Basics
Time: Local time is GMT +4.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Round two-pin attachment plugs and ‘Schuko’ plugs are in use.
Money: The official currency is the Dram (AMD), which is divided into
100 lumas. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks as well as
many hotels, with US dollars the most widely recognised and easily
changed, although notes should be in good condition. Credit cards
are not widely accepted other than in some large hotels and
restaurants. Travellers cheques should be in US dollars to avoid
additional charges and there are few ATMs in Yerevan, including
HSBC. It is advisable to carry plenty of small change in local
currency as shops and markets will often not have change.
Currency Exchange Rates |
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| AMD100.00 = | US$ 0.26 | £ 0.16 | C$ 0.28 | A$ 0.29 | R 2.01 | € 0.18 | NZ$ 0.35 |
Language: Armenian is the official language, and it has its own alphabet. Russian is widely spoken and English is becoming more prominent.
Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals require a passport and a visa for entry to Armenia.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals require a passport and a visa for entry to Armenia.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a passport and a visa for entry to Armenia.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australians require a passport and a visa for entry to Armenia.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans require a passport and a visa for entry to Armenia.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a passport and a visa for entry to Armenia.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport and a visa for entry to Armenia.
Passport/Visa Note: All passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. It is recommended that all visitors requiring a visa should obtain it prior to arrival from the Armenian Embassy in their home country, however visas are obtainable for most nationalities for a tourist stay of up to four months at Yerevan Zvartnots Airport if holding sufficient funds.
Travel Health: There are no immunizations required for travellers to Armenia; however there is a small risk of malaria between June and October in some of the villages of the Ararat Valley. Medical care is limited, particularly outside of Yerevan, and treatment is not recommended for anything major. Comprehensive medical insurance should include emergency medical evacuation.
Tipping: Many restaurants in the capital will add a service charge onto the bill, but this does not go to the staff, so tips are welcome.
Safety Information: Crime is relatively low in Armenia, but travellers should still be careful with their personal possessions and avoid any unnecessary displays of wealth. Pickpockets take advantage of crowded market areas. Avoid travel near the border with Azerbaijan due to the unresolved dispute over Nagorno Karabakh.
Local Customs: Armenia is an orthodox Christian country and outside the capital people are conservative, so women in particular should avoid wearing shorts and short skirts. Military bases and installations should not be photographed.
Business: Business is conducted formally in Armenia. Business hours are Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm.
Communications: The international dialling code for Armenia is +374. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). Cities codes are in use, and the national prefix to call between cities is 0 e.g. (0)10 for Yerevan. For mobile phones the prefix is 09. Public pre-paid card phones are available throughout the country, but not all will allow international calls; post offices and major hotels have international dialling access, but calls are expensive. Internet cafes are available in Yerevan and other large cities. Mobile phones can be rented.
Duty Free: There is free import on 400 cigarettes, one bottle of alcohol, perfume up to the amount of US$500, and personal goods of up to US$500 in value.