Packing list for Armenia, travel insurance for Armenia, and taking your belongings

What to take to Armenia: brief

To pack and check

• Documents: a passport valid for the duration of your stay. 
• Money: Armenian dram (AMD). Withdrawing cash is easy in cities, but bring cash (possibly USD or EU to exchange) for smaller villages and mountainous areas.
• Clothing: a layering system works best, including a (lightweight) jacket for wind protection. During the same trip, you may experience summer temperatures in Yerevan and quite fresh mountain air around Lake Sevan or in the Caucasus.
• Personal care: sunscreen and lip balm, as the sun is quite strong at altitude.
• Shoes: sturdy hiking boots if you visit monasteries, mountainous areas, or national parks.
• Medicines and first-aid kit: a small first-aid kit with plasters, oral rehydration solution, painkillers, and personal medication.
• Outdoors and handy items: a reusable water bottle. Armenia has excellent drinking water in many places.
• Technology and equipment: an universal adapter type C/F and a powerbank.
• Transport: an international driving license can be useful if you want to rent a car.

To consider

• Swimwear for Lake Sevan.
• Binoculars for birdwatching.
• A daypack for hiking.
• Some extra space in your luggage for wine, dried fruit, and other local delicacies.

What knowledge is helpful when you go to Armenia?

• Knowledge of geography helps enormously. Armenia is a small country, but differences in altitude cause significant climatic variations.
• It is also useful to know something about Armenian history. Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion, and old monasteries form an important part of the landscape and culture.
• A few words of Armenian, such as "Barev" (hello) and "Shnorhakalutyun" (thank you), are always handy. Additionally, it is good to know that hospitality is an important part of the culture. Don't be surprised if you are invited for coffee, fruit, or homemade liquor.

Are there mosquitoes in Armenia?

• Yes, but they usually do not pose a major health risk.
• Around lakes, rivers, and during warm summer evenings, they can be annoying.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in Armenia?

• Sandflies occur in some warmer parts of the country, but for most travelers, they do not pose a major problem.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Can you buy DEET in Armenia, or other mosquito repellents?

• Yes. In Yerevan and other larger cities, mosquito repellents are readily available at pharmacies and supermarkets.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Armenia, or bring it to Armenia?

• Cannabis is illegal in Armenia. Use, possession, sale, and import can lead to heavy fines or prison sentences.