Central Asia & Caucasus
Money, cards and tipping in Armenia
AMDDram
Money in Armenia
Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in Yerevan shops, cafés and many buses. Carry dram for markets, minibuses, village guesthouses and the regions. US$1 ≈ ֏362.96 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: Restaurants often add a 10% service charge; leave a little extra for good service. Round up taxi fares.
- ATMs: ATMs are common in towns; some banks charge foreign cards a fee. Decline dynamic currency conversion.
- Paying by phone: Contactless foreign cards with Apple Pay or Google Pay work in Yerevan; local wallets like Idram need an Armenian account.
- Price level: about 38% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yerevan | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards and contactless work in shops, cafés and many buses. Carry dram for markets, marshrutkas, guesthouses and taxis outside the center. |
| Dilijan | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards work in hotels and some restaurants; carry dram for guesthouses, markets, taxis and marshrutkas. |
| Gyumri | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards work in larger cafés and hotels; carry dram for markets, marshrutkas, small guesthouses and craft shops. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Armenia?
Restaurants often add a 10% service charge; leave a little extra for good service. Round up taxi fares.
Is Armenia cashless?
Mixed: cards and cash. Cards work in Yerevan shops, cafés and many buses. Carry dram for markets, minibuses, village guesthouses and the regions.
What currency does Armenia use?
The Dram (AMD). US$1 ≈ ֏362.96 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Armenia
- Armenia e-Visa portal
- Speedtest Global Index: Armenia
- World Bank open data
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