First Steps after Your Move

Do I need a visa?

Whether or not you need a visa is determined by the Republic of Armenia. You can find the most current information about whether you need a visa by visiting the website of Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.

How do I get a visa?

This will depend on where you’re coming from but many countries’ citizens are able to get an e-visa. Check here if you come from a country which is eligible.

How long can I stay?

The length of your stay on a visa will depend on the relationship your country of citizenship has with Armenia. You stay, depending on which country you come from, will typically (though not always!) be limited to anywhere between 4 to 6 months. 

Where can I get a SIM card?

You can get a SIM card at the airport at one of the telecom providers’ outlets - Vivacell, Ucom, or Beeline. If you don’t manage to get a SIM card at the airport, you can visit any one of these companies’ shops once you get into town. 

How do I get from the airport to my hotel/apartment/house?

The main way to get into town from the airport, which is a short drive, is by taxi. There are many taxis which will be waiting outside but, if you’re able to connect to WiFi at the airport, it would be best to download a taxi service app like ggTaxi and order from them. The fare will be cheaper and you’ll know exactly how much to pay. 

If you’re staying at a hotel, ask them if they offer pickup - they usually will. Otherwise, there are services which allow you to order a car to pick you up ahead of time. A quick search on Google will help you find one. 

Where is the nearest grocery store?

The best way to find out is to walk around your neighborhood and, if you can’t find one, ask someone where the nearest mterayin khanut is. 

Where should I eat?

You can eat just about anywhere in Armenia. A good rule of thumb for any new place that you visit is to eat where there is a lot of turnover. That helps ensure that the food isn’t sitting in one place for too long. Fresh fruits and vegetables are sold throughout the city, usually brought from villages in the Ararat Valley; there are booths in many places selling bread and fried or baked khachapuri (cheese, potato, or meat turnover); there are small shops and stands selling lahmajun (flatbread with minced meat) and shawarma (sandwiches from meat on a spit); and, there are restaurants and cafes serving every type of fare. If you don’t know where to go, follow the locals!

Are there any foods I should avoid?

The short answer is no. 

Food is generally of good quality in Armenia. Although not every store or restaurant adheres to what you may expect from similar places in the United States or Western Europe, you can generally expect cleanliness and good quality. 

Keep in mind that if you’re coming from a different country, particularly from outside the region, your body will have to get used to the foods you eat and the natural bacteria which occur within all foods. This is normal and may require an adjustment period of one or two weeks if you’re not a person who travels regularly to different parts of the globe. 

Meat

If you’re going to have meat, try to make sure it’s fresh and if you’re going to eat any beef or lamb which is cooked medium or rare, make sure you’re somewhere which has a strong reputation for serving only high-quality meats. 

Seafood

The same goes for fish: although landlocked, Armenia does have imported seafood and even sushi restaurants. Don’t be shy about trying seafood, including sushi, but just as you would any other place, make sure that you’re going somewhere which has a reputation for high quality and freshness. 
 

Are there any neighborhoods I should avoid?

Neighborhoods throughout Yerevan and Armenia vary in terms of the socioeconomic status of its residents. Nevertheless, even what people might refer to as “bad” neighborhoods won’t be what you’ll find in bad neighborhoods in places like Los Angeles, New York, or the outskirts of Paris. There is little to no street gang violence, drug dealing, or violence against passersby. 

So, you don’t have to avoid any neighborhoods, per se, but before choosing a place to live, it’s best to visit and see if it’s a place you might be comfortable living.

What are some safety tips?

Armenia is a very safe country and there are many stories of people leaving bags and phones in taxis or public transportation, only to have their belongings returned by a good samaritan. But, as with anywhere, it is always best to exercise caution and attentiveness, especially in unfamiliar places. Always keep an eye on your personal belongings, 

One thing which might be hard to get used to for some are how people drive. Always, always, always look both ways before crossing the street and, when available, use a crosswalk. Even though many people jaywalk, it is much safer to use the crosswalks throughout the city, called “zebras,” to get to the other side of a street.