Traveling to Yerevan, Armenia: Cultural Etiquette and Tips

General Tips

1. Respect the Culture: Armenia has a rich history and culture. Showing an interest and willingness to learn about it will be appreciated.

2. Dress Appropriately: While casual wear is acceptable, it’s important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered.

3. Greetings: Armenians are very friendly people. A firm handshake is the common greeting among men. Women usually greet each other with a light touch on the forearm and a smile.

4. Language: While many locals understand some English, especially in tourist areas, it’s always appreciated when you try to speak Armenian. Here are some basic phrases:

   • “Merh (pronounced: mairh)” Hello
   • “Ee-neh deh-luh lusaberool” Excuse me, do you speak English?
   • “Tov-mayr” Thank you

Dining Etiquette

5. Dining Habits: Meals are usually leisurely affairs in Armenia. It’s common to linger over food and drink for hours.

6. Table Manners: Use your right hand to eat, as the left hand is considered unclean. Avoid eating with your fingers unless you’re eating bread or sweets.

7. Tipping: Tipping is expected in restaurants, especially in tourist areas. A service charge may be added to the bill in some establishments, but it’s still customary to leave a small extra tip for good service.

Visiting Monasteries and Churches

8. Proper Attire: When visiting monasteries or churches, wear long pants or a long skirt and have your shoulders covered. Women may also need to wear a scarf on their heads.

9. Behavior: Speak quietly and walk slowly when inside these holy places. Photography may be prohibited in some areas.

10. Gifts: If you’re visiting a monastery, it’s customary to bring small gifts such as candles, fruit, or flowers. These should be left at the entrance of the church.