Armenia

Armenian culture is centered around the table, and the hospitality here is legendary. You cannot visit without trying Lavash, the traditional thin bread that is so central to the culture it’s inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. For a true local experience, head to a 'pandok' (tavern) in Yerevan to sample Khorovats (succulent grilled meats) or Ghapama, a stuffed pumpkin dish often served with honey and dried fruits.

Dining out is remarkably affordable; a generous dinner for two with local wine typically costs between 8,000 and 12,000 AMD ($20–$30). Because meals are often shared family-style, they are the perfect opportunity to use the Hello expense splitting feature. Instead of fumbling with cash at the table, you can easily track who covered the wine or the appetizers and settle up later. If you are watching your spending, the Hello budget tracker helps you log these costs in Armenian Dram while providing a clear view of your daily totals, ensuring you stay within your travel limits while enjoying the best of the Caucasus.

Getting around Armenia is an adventure in itself. In the capital, Yerevan, the Soviet-era metro is efficient and costs only 100 AMD ($0.25) per ride. For longer distances to places like the stunning Lake Sevan or the forest-clad hills of Dilijan, you will likely use 'marshrutkas' (minibuses). These are incredibly cheap—usually between 500 and 2,000 AMD ($1.25–$5.00) depending on the distance—but they can be tricky to navigate if you don't speak the language.

To make your travels smoother, we recommend installing the local ride-hailing apps like GG or Yandex Go, which offer fixed-price fares and avoid the need for haggling. To use these apps the moment you step off the plane at Zvartnots International Airport, ensure you have a Hello eSIM activated. Having immediate data connectivity means you won't have to hunt for public Wi-Fi or local SIM booths. With a Hello eSIM, you can pin your destination on the map and track your route in real-time, giving you peace of mind as you traverse the rugged mountain passes or navigate the bustling streets of the 'Pink City'.

Armenia is one of the world's oldest civilizations, and its landscape is dotted with ancient monasteries that seem to grow directly out of the cliffs. A must-see is Geghard, a medieval monastery partially carved out of the adjacent mountain, and the nearby Garni Temple, a classical Hellenistic structure that feels like a piece of Greece in the Caucasus.

Because many of these sites are spread across the country, organization is key. Use the Hello trip planning tool to structure your days; you might spend one day exploring the Cascade Complex and the Matenadaran in Yerevan, and another taking a day trip to Khor Virap, where you’ll get the most iconic view of Mount Ararat. Most monastery sites are free to enter, though some may charge a small fee of around 1,500 AMD ($3.80). By organizing your must-see spots in the app, you can ensure you don't miss the sunset at the Symphony of Stones or the cable car ride on the Wings of Tatev, currently the world's longest reversible aerial tramway. Having your itinerary and maps synced via your Hello eSIM ensures you spend less time looking at your phone for directions and more time soaking in the history.