Armenia

We normally need an advance amount once we are able to confirm your arrangements for the tour. The amount depends on the services you may require for the tour. This can be paid through bank transfer (before arrival) credit card, traveller’s cheques or cash. We need balance payment before arrival. The exact terms will be given at the time of reservation.

You should nevertheless go to your doctor before visiting Armenia to make sure you’re in good health and, if you have any issues, to make sure you come prepared.

• The quality of the roads in Armenia varies. The roads in Yerevan and other big cities like Gyumri, Vanadzor, Goris and Stepanakert are in good condition. The highways connecting these places are also generally good, with some exceptions. The most underdeveloped parts of the road system are where the roads connect villages or smaller cities.
• It’s important to always be attentive when driving in Armenia. Besides the letter of the law, there are different road rules and it’s important to always be aware of other cars and drivers both behind and in front of you. Not exclusively, but especially in areas outside of big cities, driving while sleepy or under the influence happens, and anybody driving on remote roads, particularly at night, should be on the lookout for erratic driving behavior.
• To get around, you can use taxis (which will generally take you wherever you want to go in the country), or minibuses called “marshrutkas.” These minibuses have varying schedules, and it’s best to ask around to find out what they are.

• You can expect people in Yerevan to speak some English, especially the youth. Young and old outside of Yerevan speak very little English, but in almost all places there are at least a few people who do. As with most things in Armenia, it’s best to ask around.
• If you want to say “English” in Armenian, say “angleren,” and locals might find someone they know who speaks English to translate.

• Americans talk loudly, the British drink wildly, the Japanese smile profusely and Armenians stare a lot. Actually, although staring was more common before, it’s not so much anymore in Yerevan. In the regions, it’s quite likely. Remember that you’re in a landlocked country that was stuck in the Soviet Union for decades and didn’t have much outside interaction. If you’re from a part of the world where they dress differently, speak differently, or look different, you might expect people in Armenia to be curious. And they are. Who are you? Where are you from?
• You’ll realize that most people who are staring are not doing it out of judgment or malice, but because they’re deeply curious about who you are and what you’re doing in the country. Do not feel threatened. If you’ve got the time or interest, strike up a conversation. If you don’t, just smile or nod, take it as a compliment and be on your way.

If someone offers you something, do not refuse it. Armenians see offering food, housing, or gifts to strangers as a way of connecting with them, and to refuse them is to reject their gesture of friendship. It is considered rude. Think of someone offering a hand for a handshake and you refusing it in the United States or Europe. If for some reason it is something you cannot accept, say no while expressing your thanks, effusively if necessary.

Even though Armenia is one of the most homogenous countries in the world, minorities are happily and generously welcomed. Armenians are very hospitable, and if you’re respectful toward them, they will be respectful and giving toward you.

• Armenia has three main cell phone operators: Vivacell, Beeline, and Ucom. You can go into any one of the many stores each of these has and pick up a phone or if you’ve already got a GSM phone, a SIM card.
• If you’re just looking for something basic that’ll allow you to make and receive phone calls and text messages, you’ll be able to find cheap phones for just this purpose at these stores.

• Although it’s unlikely that your passport or money will get stolen because there aren’t many pickpockets and petty thieves, it’s completely possible for either to get lost while traveling.
• If your passport is lost or stolen, report straight to your embassy. Firstly, it alerts them to the possibility of someone else using it. Secondly, they can start working on getting you a new one immediately.
• If your money is lost or stolen, report it to the police. You can frequently see Armenian police roaming the streets of Yerevan, and the ones in the blue berets are actually there to help tourists. So, if you see them, flag them down and tell them what happened.
• If you happen to be in a village or small town and you lose something, it’s best to talk to the village mayor. Many problems can be resolved by talking to the right people in these tight-knit communities.
• If you’ve got any ATM cards with you, you’ll be able to withdraw money from any one of the many ATMs in Yerevan and throughout most of the rest of the country.

Tips used to be uncommon in Armenia, but are gaining acceptance. Still, not everyone expects tips and many people might think you overpaid or forgot your money if you try to leave a tip.