Tours and Travel to Armenia

Handbook: Practical Matters

Weather
The climate of Armenia is highland-continental, dry with four seasons. Temperatures can vary considerably between seasons. The summer is generally pleasant reaching 77° F, although in the Ararat valley the temperatures can climb to 104°F. Winters are cold with temperatures dipping to 41°F in Yerevan, and colder in the Ararat Valley (-22F) and the Lake Arpu area (-50.8°F). Annual precipitation for the country as a whole averages 2.2 inches. The best time to visit Armenia is in spring or autumn.

Money
The national currency is the Dram (code-AMD, 1$=581.3395AMD June 2002). Currency exchange offices can be found at hotels and various places in Yerevan. The Russian Ruble was retained as the local currency until November 1993 when the government introduced its own currency. The Dram is divided into 100 Luma. Notes are issued in denominations of 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 5,000 and 20,000 Drams. The Luma is not currently in circulation. The US dollar is widely accepted although recent legislation limits the advertising in dollar amounts. Other currencies can be exchanged at local banks and licensed money changers. There are no exchange controls on either local or foreign currency, and currency may be freely remitted. Physical cash in excess of the equivalent of $10,000US requires a document that attests to it having been obtained by legal means.

Traveler's checks may be cashed in a number of local banks. Several local banks issue debit cards which can be used in their domestic network. HSBC (Hong-Kong Shanghai banking Corporation) has issued an international ATM debit card (Global Access) which can be used in Armenia and throughout the world. There are ATM machines throughout Armenia in most major cities.

Language
Armenian is one of the world's oldest living languages, and, like English and French, belongs to the Indo-European family. Eastern Armenian is the official language of the country and considered the native language by 96% of the population. Armenian has its own unique script created in the Fifth century A.D. by Mesrab Mashtots. Ancient Armenian is thought to have originated from Sanskrit and Zend (an ancient Persian dialect). The English poet Byron was one of the few Westerners to master the Armenian language and to compile an English-Armenian dictionary. Russian predominates as the second language, although, as a consequence of Armenia's integration into the world economy, the use of English, French and German are on the rise. Russian and English are the most widely spoken languages following Armenian.

Business Hours
Office hours are generally from 9:00am until 6:00pm Monday through Friday. Government offices close at 5:00pm. Banks operate slightly shorter hours opening at 9:30am and closing at 4:30pm. Retail shops operate seven days a week and are generally open from 9:00am till 7:00pm, with a few shops open 24hrs a day.

Etiquette
Armenians are well known for their generous and hospitable nature. Socializing over dinner with associates is quite common for most business dealing and lengthy toasts are common. Business cards are presented upon the first meeting. Owing to the state of telecommunications in the country, replies may take what might be considered an unusually long time and should be factored into any negotiation.

Embassy of the United States of America
18 Baghramyan Ave.
Yerevan 375019, Republic of Armenia
Telephone: (+3741) 520-791, 521-611, 542-117,
542-132 524-661, 527-001, 524-840 Fax: (+3741) 520-800
E-mail: usinfo@arminco.com
Consular E-mail: consular@usis.am

Customs

Import: free import of 400 cigarettes; 2 liters or 1 bottle of alcohol (regardless of how many liters contained); 11.1 lbs perfume or an amount valued up to $500US; personal goods valued up to $500 US (for residents and non-residents) are allowed. The passenger must retain the customs declaration filled out on arrival. Military arms and ammunition, narcotics, pornographic materials, fruits and vegetables without proper documents are prohibited. A veterinarian health certificate must accompany live animals.

Export: Free export of 2,000 cigarettes; 20 liters of alcohol. The customs declaration filled out upon arrival must be presented. Military arms and ammunition, narcotics, pornographic materials, fruits and vegetables without proper documents are prohibited. Pieces of art must be accompanied by a document from the Ministry of Culture authorizing export. Passengers must have a photo of each piece of art. Passengers must pay a tax at the airport of approximately $10 US per piece of art.

Local Transport
Yerevan has a well-developed public transit system including subway, tram, buses, trolley buses and minivans. Most people in the capital use public transit. Taxis and private cars are available and can be booked through a hotel. The average cost of a taxi from the airport outside the capital to the center of the city is currently $10US.

Photography
In some societies, people are uncomfortable being the subject of a tourist's photographs. It may also be forbidden to take pictures of people (particularly women), buildings, museums, etc. In particular, refrain from photographing anything that may be associated with the military. Always ask your guide or host, or the intended subject if it is permissible to take a photograph.

Be sure to bring plenty of film as it can be hard to find, and expensive. Also, remember to bring spare batteries for your camera.

It is also fun to bring a few photos of family and home to show people. Be sensitive to the conservative attitudes of the people you will meet and avoid bringing pictures of couples openly showing affection, people in swimsuits, and women in revealing clothing. It may well not be an issue, but it is better to be safe and avoid an embarrassing moment for both you and your acquaintance.

If you bring a Video Camera, you need declare it on your passport upon arrival; otherwise you will end up paying taxes at customs upon your departure. Your tour representative can help you with this.

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