A country of stones, apricots, ancient temples and gentle-hearted people, Armenia is always glad to welcome guests from Russia. You can come here at any time of the year and in any company, because there are enough beautiful toasts, fragrant barbecue and interesting historical sights for any number of travelers. You can independently go to Armenia by plane to Yerevan or Gyumri from Moscow and by train through Georgia.
Entry formalities
Citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa to travel to Armenia, and therefore there are no special obstacles for the holder of a foreign passport. If you are going to Armenia on your own, but are planning to enter from Georgian territory, it is important to know the rules for crossing the border of this Transcaucasian republic. A visa is also not needed there, but the passport should not contain any marks about visiting South Ossetia or Abkhazia. Such stamps guarantee the refusal of a Georgian visa.
Dramas and spending
The only national currency in Armenia is the Armenian dram. Dollars and euros are exchanged in banks and exchange offices, but they are accepted in few places - this is considered illegal and Armenians are in no hurry to break the rules. Going into the outback, it is important to have a supply of cash with you, so as not to get into trouble due to the lack of ATMs in the villages.
Armenia is a very inexpensive country. You can have a full dinner for two in Yerevan for $ 20, while on the table there will be wine, shashlik, cheese, and herbs.
Useful observations
- It is not worth renting a car in Armenia on your own - the state of the roads everywhere, except for the capital, is truly depressing, and the mountain serpentine is not usual for a resident of the Russian hinterland. Hire a local driver with a car. It will not cost more, but it will be much nicer and more useful.
- Do not buy bottled water, because in Armenia you can drink directly from the tap and draw water from drinking fountains installed on city squares and on highways. It is healthy and tasty.
- Try to visit ancient temples in the morning, as long as there are not too many tourist groups. In addition, in the morning there is especially beautiful light and amazing photos are obtained.
- Everything is sold at the Vernissage flea market in Yerevan - from duduks to carpets. It is there that you should buy souvenirs. Bargaining is not only appropriate, but obligatory.
- Be sure to try crayfish neck kebab when visiting Lake Sevan. Such a dish is not prepared anywhere else in the world. There you can also buy a unique jam made from young pine cones.
