Going to Armenia 2026: money, security, children and key phrases, a practical guide from Soul of Armenia

The Armenian dram (AMD) is the local currency. In most countries, it is difficult or impossible to buy it in advance, so money is usually exchanged after arrival.

What is better: exchange offices, banks or the airport?

• Exchange offices in central Yerevan usually offer a better rate than the airport. The difference may reach 3-5%.
• Banks are reliable, but the rate may be slightly less favorable and the procedure takes more time.
• At the airport, exchange only a small amount for a taxi and your first expenses.

Cards and cash

• Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere in Yerevan: cafés, supermarkets and large stores.
• In the regions and small villages, it is better to have cash in Armenian drams, as terminals are not available everywhere.
• Apple Pay and Google Pay work in most modern places in the capital.

Approximate daily budget per person

• Budget: 15,000–20,000 AMD (~35-45$) — hostel, local food, public transport
• Comfort: 30,000–45,000 AMD (~70-100$) — 3-4* hotel, restaurants, taxi
• Premium: from 60,000 AMD (~140$+) — boutique hotels, private tours, tastings

This is probably one of the most common questions we hear. Both countries are beautiful, but travelers choose them for different reasons.

Conclusion: if you want a calmer, more authentic and less “polished” journey with deep culture, history and atmosphere, choose Armenia. If the sea and more developed tourist infrastructure are more important to you, Georgia may be the better choice.

And if you do not want to choose, many of our guests combine both countries in one trip. Ask us about combined Armenia and Georgia routes.

Armenia is regularly considered one of the safest countries for travel in the region.

What you should know

• Street crime is very low, even in the evening in central Yerevan.
• Female solo travelers often say they feel comfortable walking alone in the central areas.
• Local people are friendly and usually happy to help tourists, even when there is a language barrier.
• In the regions and mountain routes, we recommend not walking alone without connection or without telling someone your route in advance.

General recommendations for solo travelers

• It is better to order taxis through apps such as Yandex Go or GG, instead of catching one on the street.
• In rural areas, mobile connection may be unstable, so download offline maps in advance.
• If you are not sure about the route or want to visit remote locations alone, join small group tours by Soul of Armenia. It is safer and more interesting.

Armenia is a great destination for family travel: short distances, mild weather in spring and autumn, and many locations that are interesting for both children and adults.

Best family-friendly locations

• Lake Sevan — lake views, beaches and an easy walk to the monastery
• Tsaghkadzor — cable car, fresh air, great in both summer and winter
• Yerevan Zoo and amusement parks — a classic choice for children of all ages
• Garni and Geghard — ancient monuments with short and easy routes
• Dilijan — forests, lakes and a calm atmosphere for families with small children

Useful tips for traveling with kids

• Book apartments with a kitchen instead of a hotel if you want to cook familiar food.
• Bring a basic first-aid kit: fever medicine, motion sickness tablets and personal medication.
• Check in advance whether the hotel provides baby beds and high chairs.
• For longer drives, choose a car with air conditioning. Distances are not huge, but many roads are mountainous.

At Soul of Armenia, we often create family routes with a comfortable pace, without exhausting transfers and with places that children and parents both enjoy.

Armenians react very warmly when travelers try to say at least a few words in Armenian.