Armenia

Travel tips for Armenia: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards widely accepted. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Yerevan, but you will still need cash for street markets like Vernissage, rural villages, and buying QR tickets for the new public transit system.

Try the food

  • Khorovats (Խորոված): Large chunks of pork, lamb, or beef marinated and grilled on skewers over hot coals.
  • Khash (Խաշ): A rich, slow-cooked winter broth made from cow's feet, traditionally eaten early in the morning with garlic and dried lavash.
  • Dolma (Տոլմա): Minced meat mixed with spiced rice and wrapped tightly in tender grape leaves or stuffed into vegetables.
  • Lavash (Լավաշ): A soft, thin, unleavened flatbread baked against the hot walls of a traditional clay tonir oven.

Say it in Armenian

  • Hello: Բարեւ (Barev)
  • Thank you: Շնորհակալություն (Shnorhakalutyun)
  • Please: Խնդրում եմ (Khndrum em)
  • Excuse me: Ներողություն (Neroghutyun)
  • How much is this?: Ինչքա՞ն է սա (Inchkan e sa?)
  • The bill please: Հաշիվը, խնդրում եմ (Hashivy, khndrum em)
  • Yes / No: Այո / Ոչ (Ayo / Voch)
  • Goodbye: Ցտեսություն (Tstesutyun)

Essentials

Voltage
230V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
SIM tip
Pick up a local SIM card from Ucom, Viva-MTS, or Team Telecom at Zvartnots International Airport upon arrival, or purchase an eSIM online before you travel.

Etiquette

Tipping around 10% is customary in restaurants and cafes, though you should check the bill first as a service charge is sometimes already included.

Airports in Armenia