Medical care is basically guaranteed, but does not always correspond to European standards. Emergency care is usually given. Cash payment is required for treatments. There are not always fixed tariffs for foreigners. A generous tip improves the supply situation in the hospital considerably, but receipts for such additional services are hard to come by. Some pharmacies are open 24 hours. Medicines from the countries of origin USA, GB, F, D, RUS, TUR and Eastern Europe are mostly available. Nevertheless, medicines prescribed by a doctor should be brought along for personal use, preferably with a medical certificate (in Armenian or Russian). Check indexdotcom for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] In 2011, Armenia was declared malaria-free by the WHO. [2] Nationwide there is an increased risk of infection for various infectious diseases (e.g. hepatitis A, typhus, bacterial dysentery, amoebic dysentery, lambliasis, worm diseases), which are transmitted through contaminated food or drinks. Tap water is usually chlorinated and relatively clean, but you may experience a mild stomach upset. For the first few weeks of your stay, it is therefore advisable to drink bottled water, which is available everywhere. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is pasteurized, dairy products are generally safe. However, since the livestock is not regularly vaccinated, it is advisable to boil the milk in case of doubt. Outside the cities, drinking water should be boiled or otherwise sterilized as a precaution. Fish and meat dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Fruit should be peeled and vegetables should be boiled. Warnings are given against eating and buying food from cheap street restaurants and markets. Fish and meat dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Fruit should be peeled and vegetables should be boiled. Warnings are given against eating and buying food from cheap street restaurants and markets. Fish and meat dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Fruit should be peeled and vegetables should be boiled. Warnings are given against eating and buying food from cheap street restaurants and markets.
Other risks
Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks, mainly in grass, shrubs and undergrowth, and occurs nationwide between April and October. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. Nationwide there is an increased risk of infection with hepatitis A. Hepatitis B is endemic. A vaccination against hepatitis A is generally recommended, a vaccination against hepatitis B for long-term stays of more than 4 weeks and in the case of special exposure. Rabies occurs. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Health certificate
For stays longer than 3 months, a negative HIV test in English is required. The test can also be taken within the 1st month of stay in the country.
Money
Currency
1 Armenian dram = 100 luma. Currency abbreviation: dr., AMD (ISO code). Banknotes are in denominations of 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000 and 1,000 drams. Coins come in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 dram.
Credit cards
Major credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, upscale restaurants and better shops in Yerevan and increasingly in provincial cities. Occasionally, however, there are technical difficulties, which is why only cash payment is possible. Some better shops also have their own bureaux de change.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol in Yerevan and increasingly in provincial cities. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are no longer available in Germany and Switzerland and are hardly available in Austria. Travelers checks can be cashed in a few banks and exchange offices in the big cities of Armenia. They should be issued in euros.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 09.00-12.00 and 13.00-18.00 (sometimes only 09.00-12.30). Exchange offices are open until midnight, including on Sundays and public holidays.
Foreign exchange regulations
Import and export to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) The import of local and foreign currency in cash or as traveler’s checks is unlimited. From an equivalent value of US$ 10,000, there is a declaration obligation. The export of local currency is prohibited. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared upon entry, minus the exchange amounts (declaration and exchange documents required). A proof of origin is also required for the export of foreign currencies from an amount equivalent to US$ 10,000.
Currency Exchange
Recent US$ bills and euros can be exchanged at airports, banks and most hotels and shops. When exchanging local currency back into euros, one should examine the euro notes carefully. Counterfeit euro notes are said to be in circulation. When paying in national currency, visitors are advised to carry plenty of loose change, as some shops, especially markets, do not allow larger bills to be exchanged. The acceptance of US dollars is officially forbidden. Prices are often quoted in US dollars and taken in drams at the daily exchange rate. Paying in foreign currency is officially forbidden.
