Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in Yerevan, Armenia
In the event you’re eager about being a digital nomad in Yerevan, this digital nomad information to Yerevan outlines all it’s essential to know from residing prices to one of the best areas to remain and far more. Armenia typically will get ignored in favor of its neighbor Georgia, however this vacation spot is ideal for distant working.
I’ve been a digital nomad in Armenia for the final 4 months and will probably be returning to reside there for the remainder of the summer time. The laid-back capital of Yerevan has a vibrant cafe tradition, a number of locations for distant working, a thriving nightlife, glorious meals, and lots to see and do in and across the metropolis.
In your downtime, you’ll be able to discover Armenia’s wealthy historical past, go to vineyards and historical temples, climb mountains, and lose your self in among the most spectacular nature you’ll discover anyplace on the earth. Armenians are extremely hospitable and also you’ll you should definitely make loads of pals whereas residing there, similar to I’ve.
About Yerevan
Yerevan has solely been the capital of Armenia since 1918 however it’s the cultural heart of the nation and its beating coronary heart. Town is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and sits within the shadow of the mighty Mount Ararat; an extinct volcano simply over the border in Turkey (in an space that was traditionally part of Armenia).
The downtown space is filled with cafes, outlets, and eating places. Within the heart, you’ll discover the Cascade; a sequence of marble steps climbing a steep hillside above town – the views throughout the rooftops from right here to Aratat are unbelievable. There are many co-working areas throughout town providing good WiFi speeds.
There are many attention-grabbing locations to go to close to Yerevan together with the monastery at Khor Virap with unbelievable views of Ararat, Garni Pagan Temple which rivals the Parthenon in Athens, and the majestic Lake Sevan; a highland lake dotted with temples and monasteries that’s the proper place for mountain climbing and swimming.
Dwelling in Yerevan As a Digital Nomad
I’ve been residing in Yerevan as a digital nomad and it’s one in all my prime locations to take action. I’ve spent most days sitting in nice cafes across the metropolis working with unbelievable views and sipping on nice espresso. If it will get a bit too noisy then there are many co-working spaces obtainable for working remotely in Yerevan.
There’s a big digital nomad scene in Yerevan which has grown massively in latest months because of the battle in Ukraine. Many Russians fleeing conscription have headed to Georgia and Armenia as they don’t require a visa. This has meant that costs have risen barely, however issues are starting to settle.
You’ll additionally discover a number of the Armenian diaspora from the States and different locations working and residing within the metropolis. With this in thoughts, English is broadly spoken by virtually all youthful generations and also you gained’t have an issue being understood. Most data indicators and menus and so on. are in Armenian, Russian, and English.
Is Yerevan Protected?
Yerevan is an extremely secure metropolis by world requirements. I’ve by no means felt unsafe strolling round day or evening, and violent crime is sort of extraordinary. Town is definitely ranked the 20th safest in the world out of 417 cities so that ought to provide you with a sign of how secure it’s (close by Tbilisi is available in at forty third).
The one issues I’ve encountered in Yerevan relate to rip-off taxi drivers which isn’t distinctive to Armenia, (Uzbekistan takes the lead on that entrance), and my downside was solved immediately the day I downloaded the GG app (Armenian Uber). Simply stick with ride-sharing apps if you wish to get round by taxi (Yandex is another choice).
One factor to pay attention to is that Armenia is locked in an ongoing conflict with its neighbor Azerbaijan. This issues the Artsakh/Nagorno Karabakh area and hostilities are ongoing. This doesn’t have an effect on the remainder of the nation, together with Yerevan, so merely keep away from touring anyplace close to delicate border areas.
Finest Areas to Reside in Yerevan
Throughout my 4 months residing in Armenia as a digital nomad in Yerevan, I lived in lots of locations throughout town however caught to the central areas as I needed to be near all of the facilities, cafes, bars, and sights. Under, I’ll talk about a few of these areas in additional element and inform you about one of the best locations to remain.
1. Metropolis Heart (Kentron)
Town heart, referred to as Kentron (seems like a Transformer), is certainly one of the best place to be a digital nomad in Yerevan because it gives every thing you want for work and play. You’ll discover one of the best cafes, co-working areas, loads of short-term lodging, glorious nightlife, and an incredible vibe right here.
I spent most of my time working on the Green Bean Cafe and Keerk & Co, each a two-minute stroll from Cascade. Inexperienced Bean is greatest to go to early on earlier than it will get busy, (they’ve a wonderful menu of wholesome lunches and breakfasts), and Keerk & Co is a good place to work all day with each inside and out of doors workspace to set your self up.
After work, there are many cool bars close by, and one of the best of those are Darget Brewpub, The Beatles, Irish Pub, and my buddy’s bar Rock’n’Rolla. You’ll discover that, not like the cafes, most bars in Yerevan are underground, beneath road stage. Smoking has not too long ago been banned inside.
2. Barekamutyun
The suburb of Barekamutyun sits on a hill simply to the west of town heart and is inside strolling distance of Cascade. I stayed right here for a month and the views of Ararat have been superb (and one of the best shawarma within the metropolis might be discovered on the Olimp quick meals place on Marshal Baghramyan Avenue).
That is extra of a residential space for college students of the close by American College of Armenia, and there aren’t many cafes match for working, nevertheless it’s a thirty-minute stroll or five-minute subway/bus journey into city, and Keerk & Co is situated simply on the backside of Marshal Baghramyan.
I had a long-term room on the Villa Rosa Resort, which is run by some Iranians residing in Yerevan. The worth wasn’t dangerous, however there wasn’t a desk within the room and the kitchen wasn’t ideally suited, (although that didn’t matter with the superb shawarma store close by). Barekamutyun additionally has a subway cease.
3. Aygestan
Aygesturn is one other standard college space (the primary Yerevan State College) and someplace I lived for a short time. It’s a wonderful place for digital nomads in Armenia with a number of close by cafes and eating places (together with the Genatsvale Georgian Restaurant) and is simply a ten-minute stroll away from town heart.
This is among the most buzzing components of town and also you’ll discover a number of college students right here. There’s a big park that sweeps across the internal metropolis, a subway (Yeritasardakan), and most of Yerevan’s primary sights are inside strolling distance.
I stayed for per week on the Metro Hostel on Abovyan Road. The rooms are clear and cozy, the WiFi is quick, they usually have working areas inside and out of doors. In addition to the wonderful Georgian restaurant, there’s a KFC two minutes away, a number of bars, and loads of locations to get work completed close by. Click here to find out more.
4. Nor Kilikia
The small suburb of Nor Kilikia sits simply to the west of town heart throughout the big ravine of the Hrazdan Gorge. This neighborhood is a little bit cheaper than among the others however continues to be inside strolling distance of Central Yerevan.
A number of the close by locations of curiosity embrace the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, English Park, and two of town’s stadiums internet hosting sporting and different occasions. It takes round ten to fifteen minutes to stroll to Republic Sq., and there are additionally loads of buses that go into city.
There are a lot of cafes, eating places, and meals courts within the space plus a grocery store, cinema, and gorgeous views throughout the Gorge to town and mountains past. You’ll discover fairly a couple of funds resorts right here such because the V.MOD Yerevan the place I spent a couple of nights after I first arrived within the metropolis. Click here to learn more.
5. Nor Nork
If you wish to discover among the most cost-effective lodging within the metropolis then Yerevan’s sprawling suburb of Nor Nork is your most suitable option. You gained’t discover a lot other than dreary, post-soviet residence buildings right here and it’s an excellent six miles (11 km) from town heart, however, it’s low-cost.
There are some glorious eating places serving conventional Armenian delicacies to be discovered on this neighborhood together with Restaurant Kars and Royal Yerevan. The neighborhood can be inside strolling distance from the scenic Jrvezh Forest Park which gives some glorious hikes and spectacular mountain views.
Nor Nork doesn’t have its personal subway cease, however plentiful buses and marshrutkas make journey to town attainable. Until you’re actually seeking to funds onerous, I’d say that Nork might be greatest prevented in favor of one of many above suburbs – until you fancy a little bit of an journey after all.
Discover Lodging in Yerevan
One of many issues I struggled with essentially the most was discovering appropriate, long-term lodging in Yerevan with good WiFi, a desk, and a location near all of the facilities within the metropolis. Under are among the greatest methods to discover a place to remain.
1. Hostelworld.com/Booking.com – There are many hostels within the metropolis heart and lots of of them have personal rooms obtainable for lower than the worth of a resort room. A number of the greatest I stayed at embrace Bonvenon, Metro, and Envoy – all of that are tremendous central.
2. Airbnb – After I arrived in January, virtually all the cheap Airbnb rooms have been absolutely booked. Fortunately, newcomers are discovering extra appropriate long-term lodging; that means that extra rooms have gotten obtainable once more.
4. Phrase of Mouth – I made many pals whereas residing in Armenia and one in all them helped me discover my room on the Villa Rosa as he had a buddy staying there too. In the event you ask round in bars and cafes employees would possibly know of a room going, so it’s positively price asking round.
Price of Dwelling as a Digital Nomad in Yerevan
The price of residing in Yerevan was a little bit costlier than I used to be anticipating, however that most likely had extra to do with coming straight from the Kurdish areas of Turkey which was exceptionally low-cost.
Lodging and consuming out within the metropolis heart can price roughly the identical as in Western Europe, however there are additionally loads of bargains available and I’ll inform you extra about these beneath.
Eating places and Groceries
A meal in a funds restaurant like the wonderful Fourchette Buffet the place I ate both lunch or dinner virtually each day prices round 3,000 dinars ($7.70) together with a gentle drink. Sharwama and gyros might be discovered throughout town for as little as 1,200 dinars ($3.10) and that is good for lunch. KFC and Pizza Hut are different choices for reasonable eats too.
If you wish to get pleasure from a pleasant meal someplace a little bit extra upmarket just like the Dargett Taproom, (the steak is among the greatest I’ve ever had), then anticipate to pay round 10,000 dinars ($25) together with a beer or glass of wine.
Espresso in a restaurant prices 1,000-2,000 dinars ($2.60-$5.10) which I feel is a little bit expensive, however that is for cafes within the metropolis heart, across the Cascade, and different vacationer hotspots. A pint of beer in a bar prices about 1500-2000 dinars ($3.90-$5.10) which isn’t too dissimilar to again house within the UK.
You’ll discover supermarkets on virtually each road and the foremost chain is SAS. These are nice locations to purchase necessities, snacks, iced espresso, beer, and wine to get pleasure from at your lodging.
Lodging Prices
Lodging is more likely to be your greatest expense when residing as a digital nomad in Yerevan. For brief to mid-term stays there are many low-cost hostels within the metropolis heart that price from as little as $10 per evening for a dorm mattress, or round $30 for a non-public room.
In the event you’re on the lookout for long-term lodging, issues can grow to be a little bit trickier. Phrase of mouth is among the greatest methods to discover a cut price, so ask round in bars and cafes. The most affordable locations on Airbnb begin from round $600 per thirty days.
Transportation Prices in Yerevan
Transport in and round Yerevan is exceptionally low-cost. The middle of town, which is house to lots of the prime points of interest, bars, and cafes, is straightforward to navigate on foot. There are many buses and marshrutkas that cowl town and surrounding areas for only a few cents per journey.
Keep away from hailing taxis on the street and as an alternative obtain the GG app (in English) with quick journeys across the metropolis costing round 1,000 dinars ($2.60). That is one space the place the price of residing in Armenia means it can save you your cash for extra vital issues like day journeys (and beer).
If you wish to go a little bit additional afield or go to one other metropolis, (I like to recommend charming Gyumri and majestic Sevan), then trains, buses, and marshrutkas are a simple approach to get journey. For such a wild and mountainous nation, transport hyperlinks are excellent and notably low-cost. It’s also possible to be part of inexpensive day trips to Lake Sevan, wineries, and Tatev Monastery.
SIM Playing cards and Information
A SIM card with an information bundle begins from 1,500 dinars ($3.90) for 3GB of knowledge and might be purchased from official telecom outlets throughout town. The three primary networks are MTS Vivacell, Group Telecom, and Ucom (I take advantage of MTS Vivacell).
Similar to after I was again in China, you’ll must take your passport with you to purchase a SIM in Armenia and they’ll take a duplicate. Upon getting your sim, you’ll be able to prime up on the orange machines you’ll see on each road (English language possibility obtainable).
Cash Saving Ideas for Yerevan
Listed here are a couple of money-saving suggestions I personally utilized in Yerevan:
- Use marshrutkas (mounted route minibus) to get round
- Use GG ride-sharing app as an alternative of taxis for brief distances
- Shawarma is an inexpensive, tasty, and filling meal that may be discovered throughout town
- Wine is affordable in supermarkets, so seize a bottle to share with pals at house or in nature
- Keep within the metropolis’s low-cost hostels as an alternative of resorts
Coworking Areas in Yerevan and WiFi Pace
WiFi speeds in Yerevan is usually a bit hit and miss in some hostels and cafes (which I discovered had quite a bit to do with individuals streaming movies relatively than working).
The median obtain pace is round 26.05 Mbps, add is 12.24 Mbps with a latency of 19ms. Click here to check the up-to-date speeds. To get one of the best speeds for working, use a chosen co-working area relatively than cafes within the metropolis heart. Under are a couple of of the locations I take advantage of:
- Yerevan Coworking: My favourite co-working area within the metropolis. Costs begin at 1,000 dinars ($2.60) per hour or 4,000 ($10.40) for the day. The worth consists of complimentary tea, espresso, and water. Click here for directions.
- Loft: One of many grooviest co-working areas in Yerevan with the addition of video games when you’ve completed. It’s centrally situated and prices 4,500 dinars ($11.65) per day. Click here for directions.
- The Area CoWorking: Skilled area with mounted desks from 1,500 ($3.90) per hour or 5,000 ($13)per day. Click here for directions.
Actions and Issues To Do in Yerevan
Dwelling in Yerevan as a digital nomad is superb as there may be a lot to see and do in your downtime. From the spectacular Cascade to tranquil metropolis parks, gorgeous structure, and plenty of unbelievable close by points of interest such because the Garni Temple, you gained’t be bored for a second.
1. Climb the Cascade
The marginally kitsch Cascade Monument is within the heart of Yerevan and overlooks town. There’s a nice sculpture backyard on the backside lined with cool cafes, bars, and eating places. You possibly can both climb the steps to the highest or take the escalators contained in the constructing (which additionally homes some attention-grabbing trendy artwork shows).
You’ll discover loads of individuals chilling out on the steps day and evening, because the views are among the greatest discovered within the metropolis. From the highest of Cascade, you’ll be able to proceed even increased to Vicotory Park and the Mother Armenia Statue, that are additionally effectively price a go to and have a number of rides and amusements.
This Yerevan attraction is totally free, together with the escalators, and is the place the place many Armenians meet for a espresso or a chew to eat. It’s completely located near among the different prime points of interest within the metropolis such because the Opera House, Northern Avenue purchasing road, and Republic Square.
2. Go to Garni Temple
Among the best issues about life in Yerevan is that there are such a lot of unbelievable locations to go to close by, and Garni Temple is one in all my absolute favorites. It’s the one surviving pre-Christian temple in Armenia and is perched above an enormous canyon up within the mountains above Yerevan.
I’ve been to Garni twice and was invited by a buddy to observe an actual pagan ceremony there in the course of the Spring Equinox which is an expertise I’ll always remember. I first visited in January when it was coated underneath a layer of snow and once more in April when spring was effectively on its approach.
Along with the temple, you’ll be able to descend the canyon to the Symphony Stones which is a sequence of basalt columns clinging to the rock face, not dissimilar to an upside-down model of the Big’s Causeway in Eire. There are hourly buses to Garni which take simply 35 minutes and loads of excursions to think about. Click here for more info.
3. See a Present on the Nationwide Opera and Ballet Theatre
I walked previous the grand National Opera and Ballet Theatre each day whereas residing in Yerevan and that is one other standard hub for individuals to get collectively within the metropolis. Outdoors, is a park with ice skating in winter and different actions in summer time, in addition to a number of bars and cafes close by.
It’s additionally the place to go if you wish to see an opera or ballet efficiency with every thing from Swan Lake to Spartacus being proven there. I’ve been to the Bolshoi in Moscow and though not as well-known, Yerevan’s personal providing positively makes for a particular evening out in beautiful environment.
Tickets begin from as little as 5,000 Dinars ($13), however if you’d like one of the best seats in the home you’ll must pay considerably extra. Check the website to see what’s at the moment taking part in and e-book tickets on-line (there’s an possibility for English). Click here for directions.
4. Go to the Ararat Brandy Manufacturing facility and Museum
Certainly one of my favourite tipples to maintain the chilly away whereas being a Yerevan digital nomad in winter was Ararat Brandy (the five-year-old to be particular). It’s one of many nicest cognacs I’ve ever tried and has been made within the metropolis for more than 130 years.
One factor I discovered is that Stalin gifted a bottle of Ararat to Winston Churchill at the Yalta Conference throughout WWII, and Churchill liked it a lot he continued to order a crate yearly and have it shipped to London (a practice I’ll need to proceed myself).
It’s attainable to take a tour of the spectacular Ararat Manufacturing facility in Yerevan and this features a tasting. One of the simplest ways is to e-book instantly by way of their web site. Excursions final for an hour and you’ll select from a wide range of completely different packages (I like to recommend the Ararat Flavors Tour). Click here to find out more.
5. Go to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complicated
If you wish to get a deeper understanding of Armenia then a go to to the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex is an absolute should. Right here, you’ll discover a big monument excessive above town with a peaceable backyard, an everlasting flame, and a museum beneath the advanced.
The museum incorporates images and shows of the genocide of Armenians within the Ottoman Empire (referred to as Western Armenia to Armenians, and now modern-day Turkey). The museum and grounds are free to enter and supply gorgeous views of town and Ararat.
Taking a taxi is the best approach to get to the memorial (use GG or Yandex), because it’s not really easy to get there with public transport. There’s free WiFi contained in the museum, which helps in relation to reserving your return journey. You would additionally stroll from town heart which takes round an hour or so. Click here for directions.
Climate in Yerevan
I arrived in Armenia on 1st January 2023 and it was an actual winter wonderland. Armenia varieties a part of the Caucasus Mountains so winters might be harsh and chilly, however completely stunning. I stayed till spring when temperatures in Yerevan reached double figures and I might lastly put on a T-shirt once more.
Summers are lengthy and sizzling, however you’ll be able to escape into the close by mountains and to the majestic Lake Sevan to chill down. I can’t wait to get again and luxuriate in one of the best climate there sipping cool beers within the many streetside cafes, mountain climbing within the mountains, and swimming within the many lakes and rivers.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Yerevan
As with anyplace on the earth, there are each professionals and cons of residing in Yerevan and being a digital nomad in Armenia. The professionals far outweigh the cons and I can’t wait to get again there quickly.
Professionals of Dwelling in Yerevan
- Glorious cafe tradition: In the event you wish to sip a latte within the sunshine surrounded by stunning structure and smiling faces, then you definitely’ll find it irresistible right here.
- Vibrant nightlife: Yerevan is packed full of fantastic bars, pubs, and golf equipment to sip cocktails or dance till dawn.
- Scrumptious meals: Yerevan has some glorious eating places serving regional delicacies from Armenian lavash to Georgian and Iranian. One factor’s for certain, you gained’t go hungry right here.
- Day journeys to the mountains: It’s really easy to get out into Armenia’s breathtaking mountains from town and most journeys take underneath an hour by bus to succeed in the wilderness. Go to Garni Temple, Lake Sevan, and Mount Aragats amongst different locations.
Cons of Dwelling in Yerevan
- Larger costs: Yerevan is usually a little on the pricey facet so that you’ll must funds accordingly.
- Chilly winters: If like me you don’t just like the chilly, then keep away from winter in Yerevan (I tousled there and arrived in January).
- It’s a little bit removed from anyplace else: Though Georgia is simply six hours away by bus, Armenia is a little bit out of the way in which making touring to neighboring international locations troublesome (and inconceivable for Turkey and Azerbaijan).
Digital Nomad Visa for Yerevan
One of many causes that Yerevan is a good vacation spot for digital nomads is that many nationalities can keep visa-free for as much as six months (some nationalities can keep as much as a yr). This may be reset by merely taking the bus or practice to Georgia after which coming again in, so there isn’t a want for a nomad visa.
American, EU and British residents can keep in Armenia visa-free for 180 days. Sadly, it’s not really easy for Canadians who require a visa to enter (21 or 120 days). Residents of all international locations also can register as personal entrepreneurs to acquire a one-year “digital nomad visa“.
In Conclusion
Now you already know all there may be to learn about being a digital nomad in Yerevan, the charming capital of Armenia. I completely liked the 4 months I spent residing and dealing within the metropolis and might’t wait to return in two weeks.
With a vibrant cafe tradition, lengthy, sizzling summers, loads of coworking areas, and a few unbelievable day journeys available, Armenia is a spot that deserves at the very least a month to discover. So, don’t delay, e-book that journey to stunning Armenia right now (and are available say hello in case you see me round city).
