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Armenia is located in the southern Caucasus, bordered by Georgia from the north, Azerbaijan from the east, Iran from the south and Turkey from the west. Contemporary Armenia has a territory of 29 800 square km, lying between 1000 and 2500 meters above sea level. The highest peak is mount Aragats (4090m), while the lowest point is Debed River Canyon (400m). Yerevan is the capital and the largest city of Armenia. According to the general census of 2003 the population of Armenia is 3,2 million, 1,1 million of which lives in the capital.
Climate and Temperature Armenia is usually referred to as a sunny country. Its climate ranges from dry subtropical to cold. The summers are hot, the temperature fluctuates between +22C to +36C. The winters are short but cold, the temperature is between -15C to -1C. http://www.meteo.am The mountain peaks are covered with eternal snow, while their slopes are lined by alpine meadows. The best time to visit Armenia is spring or autumn. Banking The Armenian banking system consists of 21 commercial banks, which are supervised by the Central Bank of Republic of Armenia. The banks in Yerevan are open from 10 am to 4 pm on week-days and from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. No lunch breaks! The ATMs can be found on all the major streets. Currency Armenian national currency, the Dram, was introduced in November 1993. There are banknotes of 500, 1000, 5000, 20000, 50000 Dram denomination. There are also coins of 10, 50, 100, 200, 500 Dram denomination. Foreign currency (USD, Euro, Canadian Dollar, Japanese Yen, Dutch Guilder, Russian Ruble, etc.) can be exchanged in banks and currency exchange offices throughout the country. Holidays Armenians celebrate both public and religious holidays. The celebrations here are usually accompanied with joyful songs and traditional circle dances. Usually all stores are open on holidays and Saturdays. Most of the shops and supermarkets are open on Sundays, too. Language The official language is Armenian, a separate branch of Indo-European family. The written characters are very unique and are not similar to any other alphabets. However most of the shops and official buildings are also marked with Latin-letter signboards. Besides Armenian, nearly everyone speaks Russian here, and many can communicate in English, too. Meals The traditional Armenian cuisine has a large variety of richly flavored dishes. Fresh vegetable and meat is considered to be the most favorite food in Armenia. No Armenian celebratory table can be imagined without the most favorite barbecue, kyufta, dolma or ghapama. There is also a traditional dish called khash, which foresees a great ritual, starting from its preparatory process till the last moment at the table. The numerous restaurants in Yerevan offer authentic local food. There are also many restaurants serving the dishes of different world-known cuisines. Post Office The post offices in Armenia have regular working timetable from 9 am to 7 pm. Sunday is a day-off. One of the central post offices is located at the Republic Square opposite the Government building. Public Transportation The following means of public transportation are available in Armenia: Metro: Yerevan subway system has one line stretching from the north to the Railroad Station in the southern edge of the city. There are 10 stations. The fare is 50 AMD ($0.11). Buses: There are buses running in major directions. The fare is 70 AMD. Minibuses: These small vans seating 12-15 people are available everywhere in the city. They run until late at night. The fare is 100 AMD ($0,22). Taxi Services: There are many taxi services, which accept orders by phone. They offer very clean, comfortable cars with polite and skillful drivers. The fare varies from 70 AMD ($0.22) to 100 AMD ($0.18) per km. Regular taxi: There are taxi stands at major and busy intersections. Fares are subject to negotiation. Religion Armenians accepted Christianity as a state religion in 301 AD. The religion is deeply rooted in Armenia. Most ethnic Armenians belong to the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox church. The head of the church is the Catholicos of All Armenians, who resides in Holy Echmiadzin. Telephone Calls The country code is 374, Yerevan city code is 10. Outgoing international calls can be made by dialing: - 00 followed by the country, city code and the number - 107 and ordering an operator-assisted call. Cellular phones for rent can be obtained at the office of Hyur Service. For more details click here. Time Differences Time difference between Armenia and Europe is +3 hours; with GB +4 hours: with East Coast of the US +9 hours and with the West Coast +12 hours. Armenia observes the clock changes for daylight savings. Visa You can get a visa upon arrival in Yerevan, at the airport for 15000 dram, approx. 50 USD/35 EUR. In general the procedure lasts 20-25 minutes. The visa is provided for 120 days. By the expiration of the visa dates it should be prolonged (500 dram approx. 1.6 USD/1 EUR per extra day). Visa can also be obtained on the Internet at http://www.armeniaforeignministry.com/eVisa/. The combined application processing and e-Visa fee is $60. Only credit card payments are accepted. HOTEL ANI PLAZA**** CATEGORY RACK RATE Standard rooms High season Economy SNG 38.000 Economy Twin 46.000 Business SNG 58.000 Business Twin/DBL 70.000 Premium rooms Premium Ec. SNG 41.000 Premium Ec. Twin 51.000 Business SNG 63.000 Business Twin DBL 70.000 Executive Suite 92.000 HOTEL МARRIOTT ARMENIA***** CATEGORY RACK RATE Off season Middle Season Deluxe Single 66.000 72.000 Deluxe 72.000 79.200 Superior Deluxe 84.000 91.200 Executive Level Deluxe 92.400 99.600 Junior Suites 210.000 210.000 Vice Presidential Suites 318.000 318.000 Presidential Suite 582.000 582.000 HOTEL AVIATRANS**** CATEGORY RACK RATE High season SNG 36.000 Deluxe SNG 40.000 DBL /TWIN 45.000 Deluxe DBL 50.000 TRIPLE 60.000 Deluxe TRIPLE 70.000 LUXE 70.000 HOTEL CONGRESS*** CATEGORY RACK RATE High season Standard SNG 38.400 Standard DBL/Twin 52.440 Congress Executive 63.240 HOTEL METROPOL***** CATEGORY RACK RATE High season DELUXE SNG 45.000 DELUXE DBL 55.000 JUNIOR SUITE 60.000 SENIOR SUITE 65.000 Presidential suite 120.000 HOTEL SHIRAK*** CATEGORY RACK RATE 6,7,8,9,13 floors SNG 35.000 DBL 50.000 Deluxe SNG 45.000/43.000 Deluxe DBL 68.000/57.000 VIP 130.000 SNG/165.000 DBL HOTEL "GOLDEN TULIP ", YEREVAN***** CATEGORY RACK RATE Standard SNG 64.800 Standard DBL 76.800 DBL Executive 86.400 Junior Suite 99.600 Senior Suite 118.800 Junior Presidential Suite 282.000 Senior Presidential Suite 394.800 |
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