Language: Armenian is the official language, and it has its own alphabet. Russian is widely spoken and English is becoming more prominent.
Currency: The official currency is the Dram (
AMD), which is divided into 100 lumas. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks as well as many hotels, with US dollars the most widely recognized and easily changed, although notes should be in good condition. Credit cards are not widely accepted other than in some large hotels and restaurants. Travelers cheques should be in US dollars to avoid additional charges and there are few ATMs in
Yerevan, including
HSBC. It is advisable to carry plenty of small change in local currency as shops and markets will often not have change.
Time: Local time is GMT +4.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Round two-pin attachment plugs and 'Schuko' plugs are in use.
Communications: The international dialing 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 dialing 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.
Tourist OfficeArmenia
Tourist Office, Yerevan: +374 (8)1 542 303 or www.armeniainfo.am
EmergencyEmergency numbers in Yerevan: 102 (Police); 103 (Ambulance).
Embassies
Armenia Embassy,
Washington DC,
United States: +1 202 319 2982.
Armenia Embassy,
London, United Kingdom (also responsible for
Ireland): +44 (0)20 7938 5435.
Armenia Embassy,
Ottawa,
Canada: +1 613 234 3710.
United States Embassy, Yerevan: +374 (0)10 464 700.
British Embassy, Yerevan: +374 (0)10 264 301.
Canadian Embassy,
Moscow,
Russia (also responsible for Armenia): +7 (0)495 105 6000.
Australian Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Armenia): +7 (0)495 956 6070.
South
African Embassy, Kyiv,
Ukraine (also responsible for Armenia): +380 (44) 287 7172.
Irish Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Armenia): +7 (0)495 937 5911.
