Standard time zone UTC/GMT +4 hours.
Electric power the standard voltage in Armenia is 220V. Sockets follow the two-prong CEE 7 Standards (common to EU).
Climate in Armenia
Armenia packs the true range of the four seasons; hot and sunny summers, cold and icy winters, and the beautiful flora of spring and fall.
Armenia has an astounding array of landscapes within its borders, including seven geographic zones, from deserts and semi-deserts to alpine and subalpine meadows. The largely volcanic mountains and the tectonic activity they once promoted has pushed Armenia up above the clouds, stimulating the true range of the four seasons; hot and sunny summers, cold and icy winters, and the beautiful flora of spring and fall. Average summer temperatures exceed 25ºC; while in the winter, the average temperature is -5ºC, although in places it is known to go as low as -36ºC! The best time to visit the country is from April to October when it is not too cold, the snow has melted, and the fields are ripe with fruits and flowers.
Armenian Cuisine
When we talk about Armenian cuisine, we are not only referring to the interpretation of traditional dishes, but to a cultural movement, a process that engages locals and visitors alike.
Restaurants and cafes in and around Yerevan offer a wide variety of cuisines to choose from. You can experience, along with traditional Armenian food, the amazing flavors of both eastern and western cuisines. Whether you eat in or have the meals delivered, the service is super, and the prices are reasonable.
The Armenian national cuisine can satisfy the most exacting gourmet who can enjoy variety of tasty dishes served in a friendly atmosphere.
Armenian bread Lavash is prepared in tonir, a special cylinder made of clay buried in the ground.
The art of wine and beer making has existed in Armenia from time immemorial.
Armenian Cognac is the number one souvenir. Armenian cognac Dvin was the favorite drink for Winston Churchill.
Armenian feasts are led by tamadas that make toasts full of philosophy and wisdom.
Mineral water of various healing effects is widely bottled in Armenia.
Armenia offers pure organic (bio) fruits, vegetables, milk and meat products and healthy food.
Visa, Permits
Citizens of a number of countries can get Armenia tourist visa right at the border, while some others don’t have any need for that.
For more information on Visas and Passports, please visit https://www.mfa.am/en/visa
Currency in Armenia
Armenia’s national currency is the Armenian Dram (AMD). Coins are available in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 dram and notes are available in denominations of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 dram. Exchange rates vary, but in general float around 480 AMD to 1 USD, or 520 AMD to 1 EUR. You can exchange most common currencies in banks, supermarkets and exchange shops throughout the city any day of the week and at any time. Many establishments accept credit cards.
Insurance
Even though Armenia is one of the safest countries to travel to, boasting one of the lowest crime rates worldwide, and ranking eighth on this year’s Gallup Poll on how safe people feel, taking out a travel insurance policy that covers theft, loss, accidents and medical problems is highly recommended. If you plan to do any adventure or extreme sports such as scuba diving, bungee jumping, motorcycling, skiing and even hiking, check that your policy fully covers you.
Communication
Cellular network carriers in Armenia include: Vivacell, Beeline, U!com, and Rostelecom.
To get a prepaid SIM card, visit one of the above carriers with your passport, and sign up; it should take about five minutes and cost 500 AMD. Most major international carriers also provide roaming services, which you should activate prior to arrival.
Internet and Wi-Fi is widely available throughout Yerevan, especially in cafes and hotels. Many parks also offer free Wi-Fi! Availability of Wi-Fi outside Yerevan is limited, but available at most major hotels.
Tips in Armenia
When you are given the bill in a cafe or a restaurant, the prices may include tax and tips, however, it’s widely accepted among Armenians to leave additional 10% tip to the waiters, and on their part the waiters are always waiting for it and based on that even form an overall impression. Leaving an additional tip is never something obligatory, but something that is a matter of preference and even goodwill.
Emergency Contacts
Book & Film Recommendations
ARMENIA: Books
The Burning Tigris: The Armenian Genocide and America's Response by Peter Balakian
The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian
The Human Comedy by William Saroyan
Armenian Golgotha by Grigoris Balakian
The Gendarme by Mark Mustian
The Forty Days of Musa Dagh by Franz Werfel
Passage to Ararat by Michael J. Arlen
Zabelle by Nancy Kricorian
Survivors by Donald E. Miller
ARMENIA: Films
The Promise (2016)
Ararat (2002)
If Only Everyone (2012)
Earthquake (2016)
Vodka Lemon (2003)
The Last Inhabitant (2016)