Armenia is a country in the Transcaucasus, one of the former republics of the USSR. It borders Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran. It has no access to the sea.
Why go?
Every year, millions of foreigners come to Armenia to see ancient fortresses and monasteries, experience eastern hospitality and admire the mountain landscapes that flow smoothly into endless plains.
For fans of alpine skiing, Armenia is a budget alternative to fashionable European resorts. Those wishing to improve their health will find many sanatoriums located near thermal springs.
The language barrier for Russians is minimal: middle-aged and elderly Armenians speak Russian very well. Young people – not always, but most of them know English.
Compared to neighboring Georgia, it is easier and cheaper to get here by plane from Russia, which makes the destination doubly attractive.
The main thing about the country
- The capital and largest city is Yerevan.
- The official language is Armenian.
- The majority of the population are Christians of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
- Time zone UTC+4. Time is 1 hour ahead of Moscow.
- Daily budget for a holiday is from $50 per person per day, excluding tickets.
- The attitude towards Russian tourists from the authorities and local residents is friendly.
- The basis of the country’s economy is agriculture and industrial production.
- The relief is predominantly mountainous, with fast rivers and sparse forests.
- The climate is highland continental – summers are hot and winters are cold.
Customs
Since 2015, Armenia has been a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Since then, flights to the country from Russia have had the status of domestic. In practice, this means no customs control over goods in hand luggage and passenger baggage.
When to go
Excursion and health resort recreation in Armenia is available all year round. But the most comfortable time for exploring cities and sights is from April to June and from September to October.
July, August and September are the best months for beach holidays and hiking. The ski season starts in the second half of December and lasts until the end of March.
In the middle of summer (July-August) there is intense heat, the thermometer can reach +35 degrees. During this period, a traveler must have a wide-brimmed hat, closed light clothing, sunglasses and creams.
Winter in Armenia is mild and short, the temperature stays around zero. The coldest and snowiest month is January. At this time, you will need windproof outerwear, warm shoes, a hat and gloves.
Holidays and non-working days
- from December 31 to January 6 – New Year and Christmas;
- January 28 – Army Day;
- March 8 – Women’s Day;
- April 24 – Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day;
- May 1 – Labor Day;
- May 9 – Victory and Peace Day;
- May 28 – Republic Day;
- July 5 – Constitution Day;
- September 21 is Independence Day.
Currency
The currency is the Armenian dram (AMD), equal to 100 luma. Banknotes and coins are in circulation. The banknotes depict portraits of famous scientists and cultural figures of Armenia, as well as architectural monuments.
There are many bank branches, exchange offices and street money changers in the cities. Dollars, euros and Russian rubles are accepted here equally willingly. You should not change currency at the airport unless absolutely necessary, as the rate there is not the most humane.
Bank cards can be used for payment only in large cities, and even then not everywhere. The ATM network is well developed.
MIR cards are in use in the country: they can be used to withdraw cash and make contactless payments in the devices of banks participating in the ArCa payment system.
Prices
Armenia is one of the most affordable countries to travel to on a budget. There are not many places on the planet where you can rent a cozy apartment in the center of the capital for $25, have a hearty lunch for $10, and visit a museum for $2-4.
Accommodation in a hotel or sanatorium with meals costs from 35 US dollars per day, and a taxi ride in the center of Yerevan costs from $1.5.
Beaches
Despite the fact that Armenia is landlocked, there are interesting places for water recreation on its territory. The most beautiful of them is Lake Sevan, framed by mountain ranges. This natural reservoir is also called the “Geghama Sea”. It is located at an altitude of 1900 meters above sea level and is the largest of the Caucasus lakes. Beach recreation here can be combined with water sports, fishing and health improvement.
Resorts
Yerevan is not only the capital of Armenia, but also its main pride. It received its second name “Pink City” due to the ancient buildings made of pink stone (tufa). Ancient churches, a Turkish fort of the 16th century, and ruins of a Roman fortress have been preserved here. The historical center of Yerevan is compact enough to walk around it.
The second largest city in the country is Gyumri. It is located almost on the border with Turkey and is famous for its military past. In addition, Gyumri has entire quarters-reserves, in which nothing has changed since the 19th century.
The winter resort of Tsaghkadzor, located in a picturesque valley at the foot of Mount Teghenis, attracts skiers and snowboarders.
Among the thermal resorts of Armenia the most popular are: Jermuk, Dilijan, Aghveran, Arzni, Hankavan.
Attractions
Mount Ararat is the symbol of Yerevan and all of Armenia. It is depicted on coats of arms and state documents, although it is territorially located in Turkey. It is already visible in the city, but you can drive closer and walk in the valley at its foot.
The country amazes with a multitude of perfectly preserved ancient religious buildings. The most famous of them are the pagan temple of Garni, the monasteries of Geghard, Khor Virap and Noravank.
The History Museum of Armenia is the main historical museum of the country. It is located in Yerevan, on the Republic Square, and occupies the two lower floors of the building.
Families with children, and all animal lovers, will be interested in the Yerevan Zoo, where about 300 species of animals, birds, amphibians and fish live.
Entertainment
The mountains of Armenia offer a wide variety of leisure activities, including rock climbing, trekking, rafting, hot air ballooning, ziplines and rope courses.
Yerevan also has many leisure options: theaters, concert halls, cinemas, casinos and night clubs. Fans of water entertainment should definitely visit the Water World Yerevan aqua park – with its beautiful beaches, fountains and pools, extreme slides and fascinating shows.
The Play City amusement park offers bowling, go-karts and bumper cars, paintball, play areas and trampolines.
Kitchen
The basis of Armenian cuisine is minced beef and lamb with fresh and stewed vegetables. But the main secret of local cooks is the use of over 300 types of aromatic herbs and flowers.
Dishes you should definitely try:
- royal kebab “khorovats” made from 4 types of meat;
- “kutap” – baked stuffed trout;
- “dolma” – minced meat wrapped in grape leaves;
- Armenian soup “khash” made from rich broth with vegetables and herbs;
- thin lavash, which here comes not only white, but also black.
Souvenirs
Carpets, jewelry, and ceramics are brought from Armenia. A special place in Armenian culture is occupied by the duduk, a national musical instrument in the form of a tube with nine playing holes and a double reed.
Local sweets and dried fruits will be a great treat for those with a sweet tooth: jams, preserves, candied apricots “shalakh”, “churchkhela” (sweet sausages made from nuts).
Armenia has a Tax Free system. VAT is refunded on goods purchased by foreign citizens when leaving the country. A refund can be issued within 90 days from the date of purchase. The service is available only in stores where the cash register has a corresponding sign.
Transport
Yerevan has a metro, buses and minibuses. One ride costs 100 AMD. It is also comfortable and inexpensive to travel around the city by taxi, Yandex.Taxi and Uber services work.
It is convenient to see the sights outside the capital as part of organized excursion groups.
You can rent a car directly at the airport or on the way to the city. Rental points are usually located at gas stations and large hotels. A Russian driver’s license is sufficient to drive a vehicle.
Safety
The probability of terrorist attacks is low. The most tense military and political situation is in the areas bordering Azerbaijan.
The crime rate is low and the situation is confidently controlled by local law enforcement agencies.
Medicine
Medical care and the healthcare system in Armenia are at a decent level. Wide-range medical services are provided mainly in Yerevan and its suburbs.
Medical services for foreigners, including Russian citizens, are provided on a paid basis. Moreover, tariffs for foreigners are significantly higher than for the local population. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase international medical insurance valid in Armenia.
There are also many private clinics in the country, and medical tourism is actively developing, the main areas of which are:
- dentistry;
- human reproduction (IVF);
- all types of ophthalmological services;
- aesthetic medicine.
Traditions
There are no special rules of conduct in everyday life and public places in Armenia. The attitude towards visitors to Armenia is the most welcoming and hospitable. At the same time, traditional norms of conduct are adhered to here:
- It is customary in the country to show respect for elders and attention to children;
- Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages and licentious behavior in public places are not welcome.
Internet
Russian operators work in roaming in Armenia, each at their own rates. But if you come not for a couple of days, but at least for a week, it is wiser to take a local SIM card. On days of promotions and special offers, you can get it for free at the airport. Please note that the Internet package must be activated separately. If you do not do this, the gigabytes will be “golden”.
Mobile communications in the country are provided by 3 operators: Armentel (Beeline), VivaCell (MTS) and Ucom. Standard: 4G. Coverage is stable in areas of large cities and highways. In remote corners of the country, in the mountains, there may be interruptions.
Useful facts
- Traffic is on the right. Traffic regulations in most cases correspond to Russian ones.
- Sockets with two round contacts, “Soviet style”. Only in large hotels of the capital can you find sockets of the European standard.
- The tip size is usually 5-10% of the bill and depends on the quality of the service received: if you are not satisfied with the service, then you do not have to leave a tip.
Local laws
It is not recommended to photograph military bases, equipment and structures.
It is recommended to always carry identification documents with you.