Travel Tips for Armenia: 10 Actually Useful Things to Know

Armenia has been voted by several travel companies in 2025 as a top travel destination, notably Lonely Planet! And this is such exciting news because the country deserves much more recognition as a tourist destination.

It has the most intricately-decorated, ancient UNESCO monasteries in the most breath-takingly beautiful locations all around the country. The capital, Yerevan, is a hipster city with huge markets, a great food/café scene (which caters for us vegetarians), and plenty of fascinating things to do. And Armenia makes tasty wines and their own brandy!

If you’re thinking of visiting (which is a great idea), these actually useful travel tips for Armenia will help you out with transport, language, ATMs, itinerary highlights, etc.

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Useful Travel Tips for Armenia

Public Transport Around Armenia is a Little Limited

Armenia has a pretty good network of marshrutka (minivan buses) common throughout ex-Soviet republics. They have hardly any leg room and can get pretty cramped, but they are the most efficient and affordable way to get around the country.

Armenia also has a very limited train network which can take you between Yerevan and Gyumri, and even across the border to Tbilisi.

GG Taxi is THE Taxi App

GG Taxi is the local Armenian taxi app. It’s super effective and reliable. The other app is Yandex, which is not local, so pick the local GG app when you can!

Cash vs Card: 50/50

Bigger establishments like hotels and supermarkets etc. usually accept card payments, but local transport, and smaller shops will need cash.

The best ATM for foreign cards with ZERO withdrawal fees is Ameriabank. It’s black and lime green.

Vegetarian Food in Armenia is Difficult Outside of Yerevan

Yerevan really has some great options for vegetarian food and coffee, but venturing further around the country will limit your foodie options. You’ll usually be able to find local zhingyalov hats, loligov dzvadzekh, and gata, but the cheeses and breads in Armenia are great too!

We gave Armenia a 6/10 on the vegetarian-friendliness scale.

Must try food: Ghapama – whole roasted pumpkin stuffed with rice, nuts, and dried fruit.

Must try drinks: pomegranate wine, Armenian brandy, Kilikia beer

Coffee Country or Tea Town: Coffee Country

Armenia Has Several ‘World’s Oldests’

Armenia has the world’s oldest:

The Armenian Language is Unique!

Armenian script is beautiful and completely unique. Russian is also widely spoken, and you’ll find some English spoken in Yerevan.

Try to learn some of these basics before your trip. I’ve put the Armenian script next to the English equivalent below.

Tipping Culture

Tipping isn’t necessarily expected, but restaurants often have a non-negotiable 10% service charge.

Armenians don’t call Armenia, ‘Armenia’

In Armenian the country is called Hayastan, so not even close to the anglicised version of the name!

Prepaid Tourist SIM Provider

Beeline has great coverage all over the country.

Highlights of a Trip to Armenia

Definitely try to incorporate these into your Armenia itinerary:

In a Nutshell

Armenia is the perfect destination for adventurers wanting to get away from the tourist crowds and discover a truly unique and fascinating culture. The nature, history, wine, warm culture (and falafel wraps 😉) absolutely make Armenia a travel destination you need on your list for this year.

Take a look at all our Armenia blog posts to help you plan your trip.

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