What money to bring, how much things cost, and how to pay — everything you need to budget a trip to Armenia in 2026.
Armenia uses the Armenian dram (֏ / AMD) — US dollars and euros are not accepted for payment. Cards work across Yerevan, but carry cash for taxis, marshrutkas, markets, and rural areas. Budget travelers spend about US$25–35 a day, mid-range travelers US$50–90. Rates and prices change, so confirm with a live converter before you go.
Armenia's currency is the Armenian dram, written with the symbol ֏ and the code AMD. Banknotes come in 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 dram, with coins for smaller amounts (10 to 500 dram). The newer polymer notes are colorful and easy to tell apart.
As a rough guide, US$1 is around 380–400 dram and €1 is around 410–430 dram — but exchange rates move daily, so check a live converter before and during your trip. A handy mental shortcut: divide a dram price by 400 to get a rough US dollar figure (so a 2,000 dram lunch is about $5).
In Yerevan and larger towns, cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted — at hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, malls, and many shops. Contactless and Apple/Google Pay work in plenty of places too. But cash is still king for taxis, marshrutkas (minibuses), local markets, small family shops, bakeries, and almost everything outside the cities. The golden rule: tap your card where you can, but always keep some dram on you.
No — shops and restaurants only take Armenian dram. You'll need to exchange your dollars, euros, or rubles for dram, or withdraw dram from an ATM. It's worth carrying a mix of small and large notes, since drivers and market stalls may not have change for a 20,000 dram bill.
ATMs are easy to find in Yerevan and regional centers, and most accept foreign Visa and Mastercard. Withdrawal limits are typically around 200,000–500,000 dram per transaction. Some machines add a fee, so it's cheaper to take out larger amounts less often. Banks like Ameriabank, ACBA, and Inecobank are reliable, and a low-fee travel card such as Wise or Revolut usually gives you a better rate than your home bank.
Exchange offices (look for "Փոխանակում" / "Exchange") are everywhere in central Yerevan and generally offer good rates with no commission — often better than ATMs. Avoid changing money at the airport, where rates are poor. Bring clean, undamaged US dollars, euros, or Russian rubles. Always count your dram before leaving the counter.
Armenia is one of the most affordable countries in the region — you can eat well, sleep comfortably, and see world-class sights for a fraction of Western European prices. Here's roughly what to plan per person, per day:
| Item | Armenian Dram (֏) | ≈ USD |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee at a café | 600–1,200 ֏ | $1.50–3 |
| Bottle of water | 150–300 ֏ | $0.40–0.75 |
| Local beer | 600–1,000 ֏ | $1.50–2.50 |
| Meal at a tavern | 2,500–4,000 ֏ | $6–10 |
| Mid-range restaurant dinner | 5,000–8,000 ֏ | $13–20 |
| Yerevan metro / city bus | 100 ֏ | ~$0.25 |
| Short city taxi (GG / Yandex) | 600–1,500 ֏ | $1.50–4 |
| Marshrutka (e.g. Yerevan–Dilijan) | ~1,500 ֏ | ~$4 |
| Hostel dorm bed | 5,000–8,000 ֏ | $12–20 |
| Mid-range hotel (double) | 20,000–40,000 ֏ | $50–100 |
| Museum entry | 1,000–2,500 ֏ | $3–7 |
Approximate 2026 prices for general guidance only — actual costs and exchange rates vary by season, location, and the day's rate. Always confirm before you pay.
Tipping is appreciated but stays modest. In restaurants, around 10% is normal — check your bill first, as some places already add a service charge. For taxis, simply round up the fare. Small tips for guides, hotel staff, and friendly service are always welcome, and outside the capital even an extra dollar or two goes a long way.
Restaurants, bakeries, shops, and cultural organizations — all in one place.
Browse the Directory →