Armenian Dram
by Narunj
The local currency is Armenian Dram (AMD). The exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 370 AMD. This exchange rate is not fixed and the dollar has decreased significantly since 2005 against the Dram. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, at banks and at most hotels as well as in many exchange points throughout the city. There are a number of ATMs in the center of Yerevan.
Armenia remains largely a cash-only economy. Credit cards are accepted at some businesses, at major hotels and restaurants in Yerevan, but rarely outside of the capital. Limited facilities exist for cashing traveler's checks and wiring money into the country.
Some cultural considerations
by Narunj
While Armenia is a Christian country, freedom of religion is protected. Armenians are very hospitable and eager to help. Shaking hands is common at first meeting and then departure especially among men. Between men and women, shaking hands is common in professional settings. There are no specific clothing restrictions. Casual dress is recommended for daytime wear (pants and shirt with comfortable walking shoes) and smart-casual for evening wear.
In general, though, it is best to dress modestly.
Armenian hospitality is legendary and stems from ancient tradition. Social gatherings focused around sumptuous presentations of course after course of elaborately prepared, well-seasoned (but not spicy-hot) food. The host or hostess will often put morsels on a guest’s plate whenever it is empty or fill his or her glass when it gets low. After a helping or two it is acceptable to refuse politely or, more simply, just leave a little uneaten food.
Erebuni town-fortress
by R-men
Visit the Erebuni town fortress in Yerevan. This is the ruins of Urartian fortress built 2785 years ago. You can walk in the narrow streets of Erebuni, see the king's palace with it's paintings in the walls, the paint of which is very well preserved. It's worth visiting there, though the site is pretty off the city center.
Unforutnately I don't remember it's exact address, but it's near the Erebuni block of Yerevan. Any taxi driver can take you for approx. 1500 drams (~$3)
Lunch in the park
by flynboxes about ????
Want an easy lunch. There are a couple of places to get a quick lunch here and it tends to get some of the local business crowd from Republic Square. They have everything from local to international dishes and you can also get beer out here Sorry I forgot to write the name of the places here but get your butt over there and check it out for yourself.....isn't that part of the fun of traveling??????
Watch the Daily Evening Music/Water Shows
by Greatwalk0
Yerevan has a great summer tradition of hosting free-of-charge water shows in Republic Square (near Marriott), set to a variety of different types of music (everything from Mozart to Vanilla Ice). The shows are daily during the summer and start around 7:00 PM, lasting approximately one hour. The water shows draw a big crowd of all ages and are a lot of fun!
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Zoravor Church
Kond
The New Boulevard downhill
Picture taking - FORBIDDEN!
