The Basics

Electricity

Electrical current in Armenia is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Round two-pin attachment plugs and �Schuko� plugs are in use.

Language

Armenian is the official language, and it has its own alphabet. Russian is widely spoken and English is becoming more prominent.

Travel Health

There are no immunizations required for travellers to Armenia; however there is a small risk of malaria between June and October in some of the villages of the Ararat Valley. Medical care is limited, particularly outside of Yerevan, and treatment is not recommended for anything major. Comprehensive medical insurance should include emergency medical evacuation.

Tipping

Many restaurants in the capital will add a service charge onto the bill, but this does not go to the staff, so tips are welcome in Armenia.

Safety Information

Crime is relatively low in Armenia, but travellers should still be careful with their personal possessions and avoid any unnecessary displays of wealth. Pickpockets take advantage of crowded market areas. Avoid travel near the border with Azerbaijan due to the unresolved dispute over Nagorno Karabakh.

Local Customs

Armenia is an orthodox Christian country and outside the capital people are conservative, so women in particular should avoid wearing shorts and short skirts. Military bases and installations should not be photographed.

Business

Business is conducted formally in Armenia. Business hours are Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm.

Communications

The international dialling code for Armenia is +374. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). Cities codes are in use, and the national prefix to call between cities is 0 e.g. (0)10 for Yerevan. For mobile phones the prefix is 09. Public pre-paid card phones are available throughout the country, but not all will allow international calls; post offices and major hotels have international dialling access, but calls are expensive. Internet cafes are available in Yerevan and other large cities. Mobile phones can be rented.

Duty Free

There is free import on 400 cigarettes, one bottle of alcohol, perfume up to the amount of US$500, and personal goods of up to US$500 in value.