Currency & Payment

Armenia uses the Armenian dram (AMD, ֏), divided into 100 luma. You will see prices quoted in dram, and cash is still widely used, especially outside Yerevan. Carry some dram for small shops, markets and rural areas, where cards are less common.

Exchange offices are plentiful in Yerevan and generally offer good rates with low or no commission. US dollars, euros and Russian rubles are the easiest to change. Rates in the city centre are usually better than at the airport, so change only a little on arrival and more once in town.

In Yerevan, cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants and larger shops, with Visa and Mastercard the most common. Outside the capital, and in small shops, markets and family-run guesthouses, cash is still king. Carry enough dram for rural travel and do not rely on cards everywhere.

ATMs are plentiful in Yerevan, run by banks such as Ameriabank, Ardshinbank and Converse Bank, and usually dispense dram. In rural areas they are limited, so withdraw enough before leaving the city. Watch out for foreign-card fees, and decline home-currency conversion (DCC) to get the better rate.

Local mobile wallets such as Idram and Telcell Wallet are popular in Armenia but generally require a local account, so visitors usually cannot use them. Instead, rely on contactless cards plus Apple Pay and Google Pay, which work at many card terminals in Yerevan. Keep cash for places that do not take cards.

Tipping in Armenia is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, leaving around 5-10% for good service is common, though some places already add a service charge to the bill, so check first. Rounding up for taxis and small tips for helpful service are welcome but optional.

Armenia is generally cheaper than Western Europe, so meals, transport and local markets can be very affordable. Yerevan is the most expensive place and prices in popular tourist areas are rising. You can keep costs low with local eateries, shared taxis (marshrutkas) and fresh produce from markets.

Armenia has a VAT refund (Tax Free) scheme for non-residents on eligible goods bought at participating shops above a minimum amount. Ask the shop for the tax-free form at purchase, then get customs validation when you finally leave the country, usually at the airport. Conditions and a minimum purchase apply, and the refund is paid via the tax-free operator.