When you’re desirous about being a digital nomad in Yerevan, this digital nomad information to Yerevan outlines all you must know from dwelling prices to the most effective areas to remain and far more. Armenia usually will get missed 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 shall be returning to dwell 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 historic temples, climb mountains, and lose your self in a number of the most spectacular nature you’ll discover wherever on the earth. Armenians are extremely hospitable and also you’ll make sure you make loads of mates whereas dwelling there, identical to I’ve.
About Yerevan
Yerevan has solely been the capital of Armenia since 1918 however it’s the cultural middle 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 a part of Armenia).
The downtown space is filled with cafes, retailers, and eating places. Within the middle, you’ll discover the Cascade; a collection of marble steps climbing a steep hillside above the town – the views throughout the rooftops from right here to Aratat are unbelievable. There are many co-working areas throughout the town providing good WiFi speeds.
There are many fascinating 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 right place for mountaineering and swimming.
Residing in Yerevan As a Digital Nomad
I’ve been dwelling in Yerevan as a digital nomad and it’s considered one of my prime locations to take action. I’ve spent most days sitting in nice cafes across the metropolis working with incredible views and sipping on nice espresso. If it will get a bit too noisy then there are many co-working areas accessible for working remotely in Yerevan.
There’s a big digital nomad scene in Yerevan which has grown massively in current months on account 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 numerous the Armenian diaspora from the States and different locations working and dwelling within the metropolis. With this in thoughts, English is extensively spoken by nearly all youthful generations and also you received’t have an issue being understood. Most info indicators and menus and so forth. are in Armenian, Russian, and English.
Is Yerevan Protected?
Yerevan is an extremely protected metropolis by world requirements. I’ve by no means felt unsafe strolling round day or night time, and violent crime is sort of exceptional. Town is definitely ranked the twentieth most secure on the earth out of 417 cities so that ought to provide you with a sign of how protected 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 keep on 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 battle with its neighbor Azerbaijan. This considerations 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 wherever close to delicate border areas.
Greatest Areas to Dwell in Yerevan
Throughout my 4 months dwelling in Armenia as a digital nomad in Yerevan, I lived in lots of locations throughout the town however caught to the central areas as I wished to be near all of the facilities, cafes, bars, and sights. Beneath, I’ll talk about a few of these areas in additional element and inform you about the most effective locations to remain.
1. Metropolis Heart (Kentron)
Town middle, often known as Kentron (seems like a Transformer), is certainly the most effective place to be a digital nomad in Yerevan because it affords the whole lot you want for work and play. You’ll discover the most effective cafes, co-working areas, loads of short-term lodging, glorious nightlife, and an awesome vibe right here.
I spent most of my time working on the Inexperienced Bean Cafe and Keerk & Co, each a two-minute stroll from Cascade. Inexperienced Bean is finest to go to early on earlier than it will get busy, (they’ve a superb menu of wholesome lunches and breakfasts), and Keerk & Co is a good place to work all day with each inside and outdoors workspace to set your self up.
After work, there are many cool bars close by, and the most effective of those are Darget Brewpub, The Beatles, Irish Pub, and my good friend’s bar Rock’n’Rolla. You’ll discover that, not like the cafes, most bars in Yerevan are underground, under avenue 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 the town middle and is inside strolling distance of Cascade. I stayed right here for a month and the views of Ararat had been superb (and the most effective shawarma within the metropolis will 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 trip into city, and Keerk & Co is positioned simply on the backside of Marshal Baghramyan.
I had a long-term room on the Villa Rosa Resort, which is run by some Iranians dwelling in Yerevan. The worth wasn’t dangerous, however there wasn’t a desk within the room and the kitchen wasn’t superb, (although that didn’t matter with the superb shawarma store close by). Barekamutyun additionally has a subway cease.
3. Aygestan
Aygesturn is one other fashionable college space (the primary Yerevan State College) and someplace I lived for a short time. It’s a superb 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 the town middle.
This is among the most buzzing elements of the town and also you’ll discover a number of college students right here. There’s a big park that sweeps across the inside metropolis, a subway (Yeritasardakan), and most of Yerevan’s major sights are inside strolling distance.
I stayed for every week on the Metro Hostel on Abovyan Avenue. The rooms are clear and comfy, the WiFi is quick, they usually have working areas inside and outdoors. In addition to the superb Georgian restaurant, there’s a KFC two minutes away, a number of bars, and loads of locations to get work completed close by. Click on right here to seek out out extra.
4. Nor Kilikia
The small suburb of Nor Kilikia sits simply to the west of the town middle throughout the massive ravine of the Hrazdan Gorge. This neighborhood is a bit of cheaper than a number of the others however remains to be inside strolling distance of Central Yerevan.
A number of the close by locations of curiosity embody the Armenian Genocide Memorial Advanced, English Park, and two of the 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 various cafes, eating places, and meals courts within the space plus a grocery store, cinema, and beautiful views throughout the Gorge to the town and mountains past. You’ll discover fairly a number of finances resorts right here such because the V.MOD Yerevan the place I spent a number of nights once I first arrived within the metropolis. Click on right here to study extra.
5. Nor Nork
If you wish to discover a number of the most cost-effective lodging within the metropolis then Yerevan’s sprawling suburb of Nor Nork is your most suitable option. You received’t discover a lot aside from dreary, post-soviet condo buildings right here and it’s a superb six miles (11 km) from the town middle, 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 also be inside strolling distance from the scenic Jrvezh Forest Park which affords some glorious hikes and spectacular mountain views.
Nor Nork doesn’t have its personal subway cease, however plentiful buses and marshrutkas make journey to the town attainable. Until you’re actually trying to finances exhausting, I’d say that Nork might be finest prevented in favor of one of many above suburbs – except you fancy a little bit of an journey in fact.
Find out how to 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. Beneath are a number of the finest methods to discover a place to remain.
1. Hostelworld.com/Reserving.com – There are many hostels within the metropolis middle and lots of of them have non-public rooms accessible for lower than the worth of a lodge room. A number of the finest I stayed at embody Bonvenon, Metro, and Envoy – all of that are tremendous central.
2. Airbnb – Once I arrived in January, nearly the entire cheap Airbnb rooms had been totally booked. Fortunately, newcomers are discovering extra appropriate long-term lodging; which means that extra rooms have gotten accessible once more.
4. Phrase of Mouth – I made many mates whereas dwelling in Armenia and considered one of them helped me discover my room on the Villa Rosa as he had a good friend staying there too. When you ask round in bars and cafes employees may know of a room going, so it’s undoubtedly value asking round.
Price of Residing as a Digital Nomad in Yerevan
The price of dwelling in Yerevan was a bit of dearer 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 middle can value roughly the identical as in Western Europe, however there are additionally loads of bargains available and I’ll inform you extra about these under.
Eating places and Groceries
A meal in a finances restaurant like the superb Fourchette Buffet the place I ate both lunch or dinner nearly each day prices round 3,000 dinars ($7.70) together with a mushy drink. Sharwama and gyros will be discovered throughout the town for as little as 1,200 dinars ($3.10) and that is good for lunch. KFC and Pizza Hut are different choices for affordable eats too.
If you wish to get pleasure from a pleasant meal someplace a bit of extra upmarket just like the Dargett Taproom, (the steak is among the finest 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 bit of dear, however that is for cafes within the metropolis middle, 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 dwelling within the UK.
You’ll discover supermarkets on nearly each avenue and the main 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 dwelling as a digital nomad in Yerevan. For brief to mid-term stays there are many low-cost hostels within the metropolis middle that value from as little as $10 per night time for a dorm mattress, or round $30 for a non-public room.
When you’re in search of long-term lodging, issues can develop into a bit of trickier. Phrase of mouth is among the finest methods to discover a discount, so ask round in bars and cafes. The most affordable locations on Airbnb begin from round $600 monthly.
Transportation Prices in Yerevan
Transport in and round Yerevan is exceptionally low-cost. The middle of the town, which is dwelling to lots of the prime points of interest, bars, and cafes, is simple to navigate on foot. There are many buses and marshrutkas that cowl the town and surrounding areas for only a few cents per journey.
Keep away from hailing taxis on the street and as a substitute 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 dwelling in Armenia means it can save you your cash for extra necessary issues like day journeys (and beer).
If you wish to go a bit of additional afield or go to one other metropolis, (I like to recommend charming Gyumri and majestic Sevan), then trains, buses, and marshrutkas are a straightforward strategy to get journey. For such a wild and mountainous nation, transport hyperlinks are superb and notably low-cost. It’s also possible to be part of inexpensive day journeys to Lake Sevan, wineries, and Tatev Monastery.
SIM Playing cards and Information
A SIM card with a knowledge bundle begins from 1,500 dinars ($3.90) for 3GB of knowledge and will be purchased from official telecom retailers throughout the town. The three major networks are MTS Vivacell, Workforce Telecom, and Ucom (I exploit MTS Vivacell).
Similar to once I was again in China, you’ll have to take your passport with you to purchase a SIM in Armenia and they’re going to take a duplicate. After getting your sim, you’ll be able to prime up on the orange machines you’ll see on each avenue (English language possibility accessible).
Cash Saving Ideas for Yerevan
Listed below are a number of money-saving suggestions I personally utilized in Yerevan:
- Use marshrutkas (fastened route minibus) to get round
- Use GG ride-sharing app as a substitute of taxis for brief distances
- Shawarma is an affordable, tasty, and filling meal that may be discovered throughout the town
- Wine is reasonable in supermarkets, so seize a bottle to share with mates at dwelling or in nature
- Keep within the metropolis’s low-cost hostels as a substitute of resorts
Coworking Areas in Yerevan and WiFi Velocity
WiFi speeds in Yerevan could be a bit hit and miss in some hostels and cafes (which I discovered had so much to do with folks streaming movies quite than working).
The median obtain pace is round 26.05 Mbps, add is 12.24 Mbps with a latency of 19ms. Click on right here to verify the up-to-date speeds. To get the most effective speeds for working, use a delegated co-working house quite than cafes within the metropolis middle. Beneath are a number of of the locations I exploit:
- Yerevan Coworking: My favourite co-working house 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 on right here for instructions.
- Loft: One of many grooviest co-working areas in Yerevan with the addition of video games when you’ve completed. It’s centrally positioned and prices 4,500 dinars ($11.65) per day. Click on right here for instructions.
- The Space CoWorking: Skilled house with fastened desks from 1,500 ($3.90) per hour or 5,000 ($13)per day. Click on right here for instructions.
Actions and Issues To Do in Yerevan
Residing 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, beautiful structure, and many unbelievable close by points of interest such because the Garni Temple, you received’t be bored for a second.
1. Climb the Cascade
The marginally kitsch Cascade Monument is within the middle of Yerevan and overlooks the town. There’s a nice sculpture backyard on the backside lined with cool cafes, bars, and eating places. You’ll be able to both climb the steps to the highest or take the escalators contained in the constructing (which additionally homes some fascinating trendy artwork shows).
You’ll discover loads of folks chilling out on the steps day and night time, because the views are a number of the finest discovered within the metropolis. From the highest of Cascade, you’ll be able to proceed even greater to Vicotory Park and the Mom Armenia Statue, that are additionally effectively value 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 a number of the different prime points of interest within the metropolis such because the Opera Home, Northern Avenue buying avenue, and Republic Sq..
2. Go to Garni Temple
Among the finest issues about life in Yerevan is that there are such a lot of unbelievable locations to go to close by, and Garni Temple is considered one of 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 good friend 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 lined underneath a layer of snow and once more in April when spring was effectively on its means.
Along with the temple, you’ll be able to descend the canyon to the Symphony Stones which is a collection 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 on right here for more information.
3. See a Present on the Nationwide Opera and Ballet Theatre
I walked previous the grand Nationwide Opera and Ballet Theatre each day whereas dwelling in Yerevan and that is one other fashionable hub for folks 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 the whole lot 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 undoubtedly makes for a particular night time out in beautiful environment.
Tickets begin from as little as 5,000 Dinars ($13), however if you need the most effective seats in the home you’ll have to pay considerably extra. Test the web site to see what’s at present taking part in and e-book tickets on-line (there’s an possibility for English). Click on right here for instructions.
4. Go to the Ararat Brandy Manufacturing facility and Museum
Considered 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 greater than 130 years.
One factor I discovered is that Stalin gifted a bottle of Ararat to Winston Churchill on the Yalta Convention throughout WWII, and Churchill beloved it a lot he continued to order a crate yearly and have it shipped to London (a practice I could must proceed myself).
It’s attainable to take a tour of the spectacular Ararat Manufacturing facility in Yerevan and this features a tasting. The easiest way is to e-book instantly through 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 on right here to seek out out extra.
5. Go to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Advanced
If you wish to get a deeper understanding of Armenia then a go to to the Armenian Genocide Memorial Advanced is an absolute should. Right here, you’ll discover a big monument excessive above the town with a peaceable backyard, an everlasting flame, and a museum beneath the complicated.
The museum comprises pictures and shows of the genocide of Armenians within the Ottoman Empire (often known as Western Armenia to Armenians, and now modern-day Turkey). The museum and grounds are free to enter and provide beautiful views of the town and Ararat.
Taking a taxi is the simplest strategy 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 on the subject of reserving your return journey. You possibly can additionally stroll from the town middle which takes round an hour or so. Click on right here for instructions.
Climate in Yerevan
I arrived in Armenia on 1st January 2023 and it was an actual winter wonderland. Armenia types a part of the Caucasus Mountains so winters will be harsh and chilly, however totally stunning. I stayed till spring when temperatures in Yerevan reached double figures and I may 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 the most effective climate there sipping cool beers within the many streetside cafes, mountaineering within the mountains, and swimming within the many lakes and rivers.
Execs and Cons of Residing in Yerevan
As with wherever on the earth, there are each execs and cons of dwelling 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.
Execs of Residing in Yerevan
- Wonderful cafe tradition: When you wish to sip a latte within the sunshine surrounded by stunning structure and smiling faces, you then’ll like it right here.
- Vibrant nightlife: Yerevan is packed full of wonderful 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 received’t go hungry right here.
- Day journeys to the mountains: It’s really easy to get out into Armenia’s breathtaking mountains from the 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 Residing in Yerevan
- Larger costs: Yerevan could be a little on the expensive facet so that you’ll have to finances 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 bit of removed from wherever else: Though Georgia is simply six hours away by bus, Armenia is a bit of out of the way in which making touring to neighboring nations tough (and unattainable 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 prepare to Georgia after which coming again in, so there is no such thing as 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 nations also can register as non-public 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 beloved the 4 months I spent dwelling 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 a minimum of a month to discover. So, don’t delay, e-book that journey to stunning Armenia at the moment (and are available say hello if you happen to see me round city).
