If you happen to’re desirous about being a digital nomad in Yerevan, this digital nomad information to Yerevan outlines all you could know from dwelling prices to the very best areas to remain and rather more. Armenia typically will get neglected 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 reside there for the remainder of the summer season. 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 a few of the most spectacular nature you’ll discover anyplace on this planet. Armenians are extremely hospitable and also you’ll remember to make loads of buddies whereas dwelling 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. The 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 full of 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 unimaginable. There are many co-working areas throughout town providing good WiFi speeds.
There are many fascinating locations to go to close to Yerevan together with the monastery at Khor Virap with unimaginable 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 mountain climbing and swimming.
Residing in Yerevan As a Digital Nomad
I’ve been dwelling in Yerevan as a digital nomad and it’s one in every of my prime locations to take action. I’ve spent most days sitting in nice cafes across the metropolis working with implausible 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 latest 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 plenty of 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 data indicators and menus and so on. are in Armenian, Russian, and English.
Is Yerevan Secure?
Yerevan is an extremely secure metropolis by world requirements. I’ve by no means felt unsafe strolling round day or night time, and violent crime is nearly exceptional. The town is definitely ranked the twentieth most secure on this planet 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 persist with ride-sharing apps if you wish to get round by taxi (Yandex is another choice).
One factor to concentrate on 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 anyplace close to delicate border areas.
Finest Areas to Reside in Yerevan
Throughout my 4 months dwelling 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. Beneath, I’ll focus on a few of these areas in additional element and let you know about the very best locations to remain.
1. Metropolis Heart (Kentron)
The town heart, often called Kentron (feels like a Transformer), is certainly the very best place to be a digital nomad in Yerevan because it affords the whole lot you want for work and play. You’ll discover the very best cafes, co-working areas, loads of short-term lodging, glorious nightlife, and an important 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 out of doors workspace to set your self up.
After work, there are many cool bars close by, and the very best of those are Darget Brewpub, The Beatles, Irish Pub, and my good friend’s bar Rock’n’Rolla. You’ll discover that, in contrast to the cafes, most bars in Yerevan are underground, beneath road degree. Smoking has just lately 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 wonderful (and the very best shawarma within the metropolis could 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, but it surely’s a thirty-minute stroll or five-minute subway/bus experience into city, and Keerk & Co is situated simply on the backside of Marshal Baghramyan.
I had a long-term room on the Villa Rosa Lodge, 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 ideally suited, (although that didn’t matter with the wonderful shawarma store close by). Barekamutyun additionally has a subway cease.
3. Aygestan
Aygesturn is one other widespread 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 just a ten-minute stroll away from town heart.
This is among the most buzzing elements of 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 essential sights are inside strolling distance.
I stayed for per week on the Metro Hostel on Abovyan Road. The rooms are clear and comfy, the WiFi is quick, they usually have working areas inside and out of doors. 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 accomplished close by. Click on right here to search out out extra.
4. Nor Kilikia
The small suburb of Nor Kilikia sits simply to the west of town heart throughout the massive ravine of the Hrazdan Gorge. This neighborhood is slightly cheaper than a few of the others however remains to be inside strolling distance of Central Yerevan.
Among the close by locations of curiosity embrace the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complicated, 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 various cafes, eating places, and meals courts within the space plus a grocery store, cinema, and beautiful views throughout the Gorge to town and mountains past. You’ll discover fairly just a few price range accommodations right here such because the V.MOD Yerevan the place I spent just a few nights after I first arrived within the metropolis. Click on right here to study extra.
5. Nor Nork
If you wish to discover a few of the least expensive 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 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 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 town attainable. Until you’re actually seeking to price range onerous, I’d say that Nork might be finest averted in favor of one of many above suburbs – except you fancy a little bit of an journey in fact.
The right way to Discover Lodging in Yerevan
One of many issues I struggled with probably 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 few of the finest methods to discover a place to remain.
1. Hostelworld.com/Reserving.com – There are many hostels within the metropolis heart and plenty of of them have personal rooms accessible for lower than the worth of a resort room. Among the finest I stayed at embrace Bonvenon, Metro, and Envoy – all of that are tremendous central.
2. Airbnb – After I arrived in January, nearly 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 accessible once more.
4. Phrase of Mouth – I made many buddies whereas dwelling in Armenia and one in every of them helped me discover my room on the Villa Rosa as he had a good friend staying there too. If you happen to ask round in bars and cafes employees would possibly know of a room going, so it’s positively price asking round.
Value of Residing as a Digital Nomad in Yerevan
The price of dwelling in Yerevan was slightly 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 heart can value roughly the identical as in Western Europe, however there are additionally loads of bargains available and I’ll let you know extra about these beneath.
Eating places and Groceries
A meal in a price range restaurant like the superb Fourchette Buffet the place I ate both lunch or dinner nearly day by day prices round 3,000 dinars ($7.70) together with a mushy drink. Sharwama and gyros could be discovered throughout town for as little as 1,200 dinars ($3.10) and that is excellent for lunch. KFC and Pizza Hut are different choices for affordable eats too.
If you wish to take pleasure in a pleasant meal someplace slightly extra upmarket just like the Dargett Taproom, (the steak is among the finest I’ve ever had), then count on 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 slightly dear, 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 dwelling within the UK.
You’ll discover supermarkets on nearly each road and the most important chain is SAS. These are nice locations to purchase necessities, snacks, iced espresso, beer, and wine to take pleasure in 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 heart that value from as little as $10 per night time for a dorm mattress, or round $30 for a personal room.
If you happen to’re searching for long-term lodging, issues can change into slightly trickier. Phrase of mouth is among the finest methods to discover a cut price, so ask round in bars and cafes. The most cost effective locations on Airbnb begin from round $600 per 30 days.
Transportation Prices in Yerevan
Transport in and round Yerevan is exceptionally low cost. The middle of town, which is dwelling to most of the prime sights, bars, and cafes, is simple 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 brief 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 slightly 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 solution to get journey. For such a wild and mountainous nation, transport hyperlinks are superb and significantly low cost. You may also be a 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 could be purchased from official telecom outlets throughout town. The three essential networks are MTS Vivacell, Staff Telecom, and Ucom (I exploit MTS Vivacell).
Identical to after I was again in China, you’ll have to take your passport with you to purchase a SIM in Armenia and they’ll take a duplicate. After you have your sim, you’ll be able to prime up on the orange machines you’ll see on each road (English language choice accessible).
Cash Saving Suggestions for Yerevan
Listed here are just a few 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 affordable, tasty, and filling meal that may be discovered throughout town
- Wine is reasonable in supermarkets, so seize a bottle to share with buddies at dwelling or in nature
- Keep within the metropolis’s low cost hostels as an alternative of accommodations
Coworking Areas in Yerevan and WiFi Pace
WiFi speeds in Yerevan could be a bit hit and miss in some hostels and cafes (which I discovered had quite a bit to do with folks streaming movies somewhat 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 very best speeds for working, use a chosen co-working house somewhat than cafes within the metropolis heart. Beneath are just a few 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 situated and prices 4,500 dinars ($11.65) per day. Click on right here for instructions.
- The Space CoWorking: Skilled house with mounted 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 great as there’s a lot to see and do in your downtime. From the spectacular Cascade to tranquil metropolis parks, beautiful structure, and many unimaginable close by sights 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 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 fascinating trendy artwork shows).
You’ll discover loads of folks chilling out on the steps day and night time, because the views are a few of the finest discovered within the metropolis. From the highest of Cascade, you’ll be able to proceed even larger to Vicotory Park and the Mom 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 chunk to eat. It’s completely located near a few of the different prime sights within the metropolis such because the Opera Home, Northern Avenue procuring road, and Republic Sq..
2. Go to Garni Temple
Among the finest issues about life in Yerevan is that there are such a lot of unimaginable locations to go to close by, and Garni Temple is one in every 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 look at an actual pagan ceremony there through the Spring Equinox which is an expertise I’ll always remember. I first visited in January when it was lined below 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 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 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 day by day whereas dwelling in Yerevan and that is one other widespread hub for folks to get collectively within the metropolis. Outdoors, is a park with ice skating in winter and different actions in summer season, 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 positively makes for a particular night time out in beautiful environment.
Tickets begin from as little as 5,000 Dinars ($13), however if you’d like the very best seats in the home you’ll have to pay considerably extra. Verify the web site to see what’s at present enjoying and e book tickets on-line (there’s an choice 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 realized is that Stalin gifted a bottle of Ararat to Winston Churchill on the Yalta Convention throughout WWII, and Churchill cherished it a lot he continued to order a crate yearly and have it shipped to London (a convention I’ll must 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 best ways is to e book immediately by way of their web site. Excursions final for an hour and you’ll select from quite a lot of totally different packages (I like to recommend the Ararat Flavors Tour). Click on right here to search out out extra.
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 Complicated 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 accommodates pictures and shows of the genocide of Armenians within the Ottoman Empire (often called Western Armenia to Armenians, and now modern-day Turkey). The museum and grounds are free to enter and provide beautiful views of town and Ararat.
Taking a taxi is the best solution 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 would additionally stroll from town heart 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 kinds a part of the Caucasus Mountains so winters could be harsh and chilly, however completely lovely. 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 revel in the very best climate there sipping cool beers within the many streetside cafes, mountain climbing within the mountains, and swimming within the many lakes and rivers.
Execs and Cons of Residing in Yerevan
As with anyplace on this planet, 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: If you happen to wish to sip a latte within the sunshine surrounded by lovely structure and smiling faces, you then’ll adore it 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 positive, 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 town and most journeys take below 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
- Greater costs: Yerevan could be a little on the expensive aspect so that you’ll have to price range 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 slightly removed from anyplace else: Though Georgia is just six hours away by bus, Armenia is slightly out of the best way making touring to neighboring international locations tough (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 12 months). This may be reset by merely taking the bus or practice to Georgia after which coming again in, so there isn’t any 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 may register as personal entrepreneurs to acquire a one-year “digital nomad visa“.
In Conclusion
Now you recognize all there’s to find out about being a digital nomad in Yerevan, the charming capital of Armenia. I completely cherished the 4 months I spent dwelling and dealing within the metropolis and may’t wait to return in two weeks.
With a vibrant cafe tradition, lengthy, sizzling summers, loads of coworking areas, and a few unimaginable 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 lovely Armenia immediately (and are available say hello in case you see me round city).
