Vardavar: Armenia’s Most Unique Festival

The best currency to bring to Armenia is the American dollar or Euro, because it's easy to exchange everywhere such as banks and exchange offices in major cities. We highly recommend you wait until you reach Yerevan to change your money instead of exchanging it at the airport, since the rates are usually a bit low compared to the market, we can direct you to supermarkets like SAS, Parma, or CITY for a great rate. It would be a good idea to have cash on you, because, outside of Yerevan, many places are working with cash only and do not take cards. You'll find ATMs all over Yerevan and most other cities. You can take direct AMD (Armenian Dram) out; the rate is normally better if you exchange USD or Euro directly at local exchange places rather than withdrawing AMD (Armenian Dram) via an ATM. We recommend changing your money at a better rate in one of these supermarkets: SAS, Parma, or CITY.

There are a lot of currency exchange offices scattered around Yerevan,offering very good rates. Sometimes, even supermarkets like SAS, Parma, and CITY have better rates than the airport exchanges. You can also find ATMs in Yerevan and other cities, allowing you to withdraw directly in AMD. Note, however, that the rate of the ATM is somewhat less advantageous than cash exchanges. We also recommend having some cash in hand, since most places outside Yerevan will not be able to process a card payment.

Armenia has four distinct seasons. Winter December to February-is cold and snowy, great for skiing; Yerevan temperatures range from -5°C to 5°C. Spring March to May is mild and green; temperatures run from 10°C to 20°C. Summer June to August is hot, especially in Yerevan, where temperatures can reach 35°C to 40°C. The cooler mountain areas are perfect for hiking and such other open-air activities. In autumn, between September and November, the weather is cool, and the colors are brilliant; temperatures range between 15°C and 25°C. Each season has activities that make Armenia a year-round destination.

Armenians are very hospitable; every guest they meet is greeted with open warm hearts and hands. The family is the main core in Armenian culture, and respect for family relations is one of the most valued aspects. People are proud of their history and traditions, and for centuries, despite all the difficulties, the spirit of nation has been widely developed. Most Armenians are proud of their rich cultural background, arts, music, and foods. Besides, Armenians can be referred to as very resilient, who managed to stand against every misfortune that came their way while preserving their unique cultural and religious customs. There is a great sense of community, and Armenians really do form tight, supportive networks. They have a great sense of humor.

Cultural festivals are numerous in Armenia, allowing guests to witness its traditions. Between December 31 and January 6, the Armenian New Year and Christmas are celebrated with family reunions, traditional foods, and candlelight masses. In the summer, the energizing Vardavar Water Festival invites people across Armenia to splash water on each other. Independence Day on September 21 fills the streets with parades and music. In May, Yerevan's Wine Days begin with wine tasting and celebrations. Food events such as the Dolma and Gata festivals unite gastronomic traditions with tastings and cooking competitions. These festivals allow Arab travelers to experience Armenian culture in a very open and friendly way.

Yes, the procedure to make use of credit or debit cards in Armenia is pretty simple, at least in big cities like Yerevan. Major hotels, restaurants, shops, and big companies will easily accept international credit and debit cards like Visa and MasterCard, and occasionally even American Express. The ATMs are spread everywhere, and you may get the local currency Armenian Dram by using your card. It is, however, recommended that one carries some cash for small purchases or in case one happens to visit some remote areas where card acceptance is not guaranteed.

Armenia is famous for being the first country that adopted Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD, is known for its beautiful churches and monasteries, distinctive cuisine, and stunning landscapes. The city of Dilijan, also known as “Little Switzerland,” is famous for its forests and breathtaking scenery. Lake Sevan, the largest freshwater lake in the world, is located in Armenia. The ancient temple of Garni, the only Hellenistic temple in the Caucasus, shows pre-Christian architecture. The Geghard Monastery houses the famous spear that pierced Christ's side and offers insight into Armenian Christian history. The Tatev Aerial Tramway, the world's longest aerial tramway, offers breathtaking views and unique experiences around the Tatev Monastery. Armenia is also famous for its traditional music, dance, and carpet weaving. Hospitality and community have always been central to Armenian life, and the country offers some of the best hiking opportunities in the world.

Armenia is a transcontinental country because it lies between the two continents of Asia and Europe. Geographically, it falls within the so-called South Caucasus region, at the boundary separating Europe from Asia. Nevertheless, culturally and historically, Armenia is often referred to as part of Europe due to its close contact with European traditions, its reception of Christianity, and the historical links with different European nations. It is also a member of various European organizations, politically, which makes it definitely reinforce its European identity.

Armenia is a middle-income country with a growing economy that is driven by industries such as information technology, agriculture, tourism, and mining. Although Armenia faces economic challenges, especially those rooted in its largely landlocked location and lack of natural resources, it has been showing positive growth in recent years. According to the World Bank, Armenia has recorded strong economic growth in recent years, with GDP growth of 7.6% in 2021, and this growth is likely to speed up in the near future thanks to technology and infrastructure development.

Armenia is considered one of the safest countries to travel around the region. It has low crime and violence, making it very appealing for tourists who seek a quiet, safe holiday. Even at night, cities like Yerevanare busy on the streets, which adds to the safety factor. One of the distinctive features of Armenia is coherence in the safety of people. Locals are very friendly and will try to help in case a person gets lost showing him/her the right direction. This friendliness contributes much to the feeling of comfort while traveling in Armenia.