Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended for travelers to Armenia. Consider a typhoid vaccine if you plan to eat street food or visit rural areas. Routine vaccines like MMR, DTP, and varicella should be up-to-date. Rabies is optional unless you plan on lots of outdoor activities. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Armenia, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for ArmeniaCulture & Customs
Show respect by dressing modestly, especially when visiting churches. Make it a point to greet with a smile, as Armenians are friendly and appreciate politeness. Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.
Don’t discuss sensitive topics like politics or the Armenian Genocide unless you know your audience well. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon; LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion. Women travelers can feel relatively safe but should remain cautious in rural areas. Avoid pointing with your index finger, as it’s considered rude.
Learn a few basic phrases in Armenian to show respect and appreciation for the culture.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Armenia.
- Khorovats: This is Armenia’s take on barbecue, usually made with marinated pork or lamb. It’s a staple at celebrations and family gatherings, encapsulating the country’s love for communal dining.
- Dolma: Grape leaves stuffed with a mix of rice, meat, and spices. Dolma reflects Armenia’s rich history and is a dish often shared during festive occasions.
- Lavash: A thin, soft flatbread that’s a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. It’s a basic, yet essential part of any Armenian meal, often used to scoop up food or wrap around kebabs.
- Harissa: A hearty porridge made from wheat and chicken, slow-cooked to perfection. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a symbol of resilience, deeply tied to Armenian heritage and history.
- Ghapama: A festive dish made by stuffing a pumpkin with rice, dried fruits, and nuts. Ghapama is traditionally prepared for holidays and special occasions, embodying the warmth of Armenian hospitality.
Yes, the tap water in Armenia is generally safe to drink, and locals do drink it. However, if you’re a cautious traveler or have a sensitive stomach, you might want to stick to bottled or filtered water just to be safe. It’s always handy to carry a reusable bottle with a filter for peace of mind.
The main language in Armenia is
Armenian. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Armenian skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Armenia includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Armenia,
English proficiency varies widely depending on the location and demographic. In major cities like Yerevan, you’ll find a growing number of younger people, professionals, and those in the tourism sector who speak English reasonably well. Many restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions offer services in English, making it easier for travelers to navigate.
However, in rural areas and among older generations, English may be less commonly spoken. In these regions, Armenian or Russian is more prevalent, so having a translation app or phrasebook can be helpful. Overall, while English is not universally spoken, the increasing number of English speakers, especially among the youth, makes communication manageable for travelers. Learning a few basic Armenian phrases can also enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Armenia is AMD (֏).
Armenia is pretty chill when it comes to handling money as a backpacker. ATMs are widely available in cities like Yerevan and Gyumri, but if you’re heading to smaller towns or rural areas, make sure you have enough cash on you. The local currency is the Armenian dram (AMD), and that’s what you’ll be using most of the time.
While some places accept credit cards, especially in the capital, it’s not universal. Keep some cash handy for small eateries, markets, and in the countryside. When it comes to bringing foreign currency, USD and euros are both easily exchangeable at banks and exchange offices. Rates are usually fair, so no need to hunt down elusive ’best exchange rates’. Just avoid airport exchanges unless you like donating to their profit margins.
Cash is king here, so I wouldn’t rely solely on cards. Keep a mix of small and large bills, as smaller vendors and drivers might not have change for larger notes. Lastly, always keep a backup stash of cash in a safe spot—just in case an ATM decides to play hide and seek.
In Armenia, tipping isn’t obligatory but it’s appreciated, with a standard tip being around 10% of the bill. Many restaurants include a service charge, so check your bill before adding extra. For taxi drivers and other services, rounding up or leaving a small amount is common.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.