Currency
The currency is the Armenian Dram (AMD). As of 2025, roughly $1 USD = 390–400 AMD. Cash is king outside Yerevan — many restaurants, guesthouses, and shops in smaller towns don't accept cards. Withdraw enough before leaving the capital.
ATMs are widely available in Yerevan. Ameriabank ATMs (black and lime-green branding) are the best option for foreign cards and charge no withdrawal fees. Outside Yerevan, ATMs exist in larger towns but are not always reliable.
Language
Armenian (Հայերեն) is the official language, written in its own unique script. Russian is widely understood, particularly among older generations — knowledge of Russian is genuinely useful for travelling off the beaten track. English is increasingly spoken in Yerevan, especially among younger people and in the tourism industry.
Communications
SIM cards are cheap and easy to buy at the airport or in Yerevan. The main providers are Ucom, Beeline, and VivaCell-MTS. Coverage is good in cities and main routes; patchy in remote mountain areas.
Wi-Fi is widely available in Yerevan cafés and hotels.
Safety
Armenia is a safe country to travel in. Street crime targeting tourists is rare. The main risks are road safety (driving standards vary) and the uneven terrain in rural and mountain areas. Solo female travellers generally report feeling safe.
The border areas with Azerbaijan — particularly in the northeast (Tavush) and southeast (Syunik) — have seen occasional tension. Check current travel advisories before visiting these regions, though the situation has been more stable since the 2023 peace talks.
Health
Tap water is safe to drink in most of Yerevan and larger towns, though bottled water is cheap and widely available. At high altitudes (Lake Sevan is at 2,000m, Mount Aragats over 4,000m) take sun protection seriously — UV levels are high.
No vaccinations are required for entry, though standard travel vaccinations are advisable.
Electricity
220V, 50Hz. Type C and F sockets (standard European two-pin).
Time zone
UTC+4 (Armenia Standard Time). No daylight saving.
Useful contacts
- Emergency: 911
- Tourism information: armenia.travel
- e-Visa applications: evisa.mfa.am