Currency: The unit of currency is the Dram and there are approximately 417 Drams to US$1. Armenia is a cash-based society and it is a general rule that visitors to the country should bring the majority of their funds in US Dollars, exchanging to the Armenian Dram as required. There are a few places where dollars are welcome but most purchases must be made using the Dram. Credit cards are not widely accepted. There are many bank cash dispensers in Yerevan, including eight operated by HSBC. These accept cards that work in HSBC ATMs in the UK.
Visas: All visitors to Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh require a visa. It is possible to get one at the airport on arrival, but safest option to get one from the Armenian Embassy in the UK before departure. A copy of the Visa application form can be downloaded from http://www.armeniaforeignministry.am/
Local time: + 4 hours GMT
Languages: Armenian. English is also understood.
Religion: Armenia was the first country in the world to formally adopt Christianity. Ninety-four percent of the population are members of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church.
Food:
An evening, Armenian meal would generally consist of:
Starter: A selection of small salad dishes including, cooked vegetables, dolmas (stuffed vine leaves) and cucumber and tomato salad accompanied by traditional breads including Lavash.
Main course: Meat or fish often barbecued and served with rice and vegetables.
Dessert: Fruits including cherries, apricots, strawberries, water-melons and pomegranates (the national symbol), flavourful cheeses, or nut filled pastries and cakes.
Health:
No vaccinations are required for entry in to Armenia. However, it is advised that all travellers are up to date with immunisation against hepatitis A, tetanus, polio and diphtheria.
Climate:
Cool winters and hot summers.
| Month |
°C |
°F |
Rain (mm) |
| Jan |
1 |
34 |
16 |
| Feb |
2 |
36 |
21 |
| Mar |
7 |
44 |
30 |
| Apr |
12 |
54 |
52 |
| May |
17 |
63 |
83 |
| Jun |
21 |
70 |
73 |
| Jul |
24 |
75 |
49 |
| Aug |
24 |
75 |
40 |
| Sep |
19 |
67 |
44 |
| Oct |
14 |
57 |
39 |
| Nov |
8 |
46 |
32 |
| Dec |
3 |
37 |
21 |
Public holidays:
| New Year’s Day |
1 January |
| Christmas Day |
6 January |
| Good Friday |
March / April |
| Easter Monday |
March / April |
| Genocide Memorial Day |
24 April |
| Victory and Peace Day |
9 May |
| First Republic Day |
28 May |
| Constitution Day |
5 July |
| Independence Day |
21 September |
| Earthquake Memorial Day |
7 December |
