LANGUAJE:
Armenian is the state language in Armenia. In Yerevan a lot of people (mainly the youth) can speak English, French, German and Spanish. Russian is spoken almost  freely by most of the population. There can be some difficulties with the language only in some very remote villages, and that is not often. There is no language barrier in Armenia.

TRAFFIC:
tourists usually notice one and only disadvantage in Yerevan - street traffic. The city has not been designed for such amount of cars so streets are often overcrowded. Though traffic jams are seldom here, the abundance of cars is not in harmony with the comfortable streets of Yerevan. That is why it is better to walk along the streets than take a public bus.

TRANSPORTATION:
marshrutkas move one after another, without a pause. Just raise your hand and stop the needed number, pay 100 Drams and you can go where you want to. Though, it's better to take a taxi that Yerevan is rich in. To get a taxi is very easy and very cheap.

FODD:
you can eat almost everywhere. Wherever you are inside the city at every 100 meters you can find a snack bar, a café or a restaurant. If you are in the city center you can find a place to eat at every 10 meters. Here one can find any national cuisine: Armenian, Arabic, Georgian, European, and Chinese. Prices can vary. In general, to have a good meal in Yerevan will cost you less compared with the prices in Europe.

WEATHER:
 you can buy water in every food store, all trademarks are of Armenian production. You can also open the tap either at a hotel or in a house and drink running water. It's absolutely safe for drinking and even tasty. In the streets and yards of Yerevan you can see certain water springs which in colloquial Armenian are called "pulpulak". The unique one-meter-high bubbling jet offers clean and tasty Armenian water. Come close and drink. It is completely free.

FORMALITIES:
 Armenia
You need a valid passport for at least six months after the return date. Visa is mandatory. It is issued at the Armenian Embassy or when you get there, upon arrival at the airport: visa 2 days, $ 20; 21 days, $ 30 (add an extra $ 3 for every additional day). The Tourist visa is valid for 21 days, while the Business visa is valid for 3 months. Allow at least a week for delivery. Come with a passport photo, passport and the form to fill in. Immigration checks are strict (see headings "taxes").
A visa extension is possible at the OVIR (Armenia's visa department) upon payment of a fee.

RELIGIONS:
 Armenia
94% of Armenians are Orthodox and Apostolic, 4% are Protestant, and 2% are Russian Orthodox.

CURRENCY:
 Armenia
The currency is the Armenian dram (AMD).Money can be a problem in Armenia as you won't find any cash machines and credit cards are only accepted in a few shops and tourist hotspots. Travellers cheques will also be useless, so you will need to bring dollars with you in cash, which you must declare on arrival. Bring large amounts, if possible, so that you are not short of cash once you get here. Banks are open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm from Monday to Friday.

GETTING AROUND:
 Armenia
Road signing is poor, and petrol supply random. Major roads are good, minor roads in a very mediocre state. It is therefore preferable to travel accompanied by a local guide.
In the case of an accident, establish a private statement in the presence of the police, whom you can contact by dialling 102. Insurance is not compulsory. International car hirers are not represented in the country. By way of example, the price of a trip around Erevan in an air-conditioned car is around £16. The more intrepid could try and negotiate the services of a taxi there. Agency costs will not be included and you must be capable of making yourself understood.
The borders with Georgia and Iran are open, and when passing over them, private vehicles are subject to the current regulations of these countries (note the heading "security"). Note that the bus network is very old. Internal flights are very rare.

HEALTH:
 Armenia
No specific vaccine required. (except for particular cases, see below). Be sure your vaccination booklet is up to date against DTP (diphtheria, poliomyelitis, tetanus). For children, check with the vaccine calendar recommended by the Department of Health (vaccines mentioned in the vaccination booklet). It is preferable not to drink tap water especially during the summer, since it begs an intense prudence in terms of sanitary precautions. Housing conditions are basic outside the capital city (weak sanitary installations and irregular water supply). Don't hesitate to be very careful with the food's origin, because there is no existent regulation on food preservation. Gastroenteritises are common. It is advisable to consult a doctor before leaving. You should take the opportunity to have your doctor prescribe you primary care medicines. Good repatriation insurance is recommended. When you get there, you will be able to make contact with the doctor at the embassy: Mr. Babloyan at Arabkir medical centre. Tel.: 223 68 83. You can also go to the emergency scientific medical Hospital, located at 10 Gurgian street, Erevan. Tel.: 263 34 21.

Malaria: There are no risks in tourist zones, WHO (World Health Organisation) specified. Armenia is ranked in group 1 for regions at risks on a scale of 0 to 3. This means that you will not need to take preventive treatments no matter how long you stay, but it is recommended to consult a doctor immediately in case of a fever in the months following your return.

Specific cases:
For long stays and if you are on an "adventure" circuit for several weeks, far from the big cities, or where sanitary measures (frequently wash hands with soap, drink filtered water or in bottle, etc) cannot be applied, vaccinations against viral hepatitis A and B, typhoid and even rabies are recommended.
Yellow fever does not exist in the countries of that region. No vaccination certificate required. Meningitis: The anti-meningococcus vaccine is mandatory for pilgrims going to the Mecca.

ELECTRICITY:
 Armenia
220 V. It is better to be equipped with an adaptor. Power cuts are frequent.

ABUNDANCE FIGURES:
 Armenia

TAXES AND TIPS:
 Armenia
Jewellery (including wedding rings), currency and merchandise imports are regulated or taxed. The form must be carefully filled in upon arrival to the territory, where it it is kept until your return. Export of any cultural object, even of little value, is subjected to a preliminary authorisation, at the risk of seeing it confiscated or heavily taxed.
Get more information at the Embassy.