Visas
Members of CIS countries (Commonwealth of Independent States) are not required to have entry visas. Citizens of Russia need only passports. Visitors from other countries need a passport and an entry visa, which can be obtained from Armenian embassies abroad or at the Armenian border. For additional information, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Republic of Armenia www.armeniaforeignministry.am. The cost of an entry visa depends on its type, how it is obtained, and a visitor's length of stay.

Customs
Items for personal usage can be imported and exported without a customs declaration. Personal items up to US$500 can be imported duty-free.
Armenia has no limits on imports or exports of foreign currency as long as visitors declare the amounts. They must keep their declarations until they leave. Amounts totaling US$10,000 or more (or equivalent in other currency) must be transmitted through a bank.

Transportation
Scheduled flights arrive and depart at Zvartnots International Airport, 12 km (xx mi.) outside Yerevan.
Public transportation in Yerevan is via buses, trolleybuses, minibuses, subway, and taxis. Visitors with drivers' licenses may also rent cars. The rental cost depends on the model and the term of the lease. If you are renting a car, we suggest you do it through a tourism agency. A liter of petrol runs about $1.

Shops/Supermarkets
Souvenir shops in Armenia offer a wide variety of souvenirs and gifts, including our excellent Armenian brandy. The most popular place for souvenir shopping is the Vernissage-an open-air bazaar just off Republic Square in Yerevan. On weekends vendors offer hand-crafted embroidery, carpets, wood carvings, stone, paintings, antiques, and more.
In Yerevan, food and living essentials are available in variety stores and supermarkets 24 hours a day.

Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory, but it is welcomed. Upscale establishments sometimes add a service charge to the bill; however, if they do not, you may tip five to 10 percent of the total. In other places, just leaving the change is usually enough, but guests give as much as they want or can afford. Salaries in Armenia are low; in fact, some tourists spend as much money in a day as most Armenians earn in a month.