Is cash still widely used?
Yes, especially outside Yerevan. The capital has reasonable card acceptance at restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets, but smaller towns, village guesthouses, markets, and transport rely entirely on cash.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are widely available in Yerevan. ACBA Bank and Ameriabank ATMs reliably accept foreign cards.
- Fees are around 1,000 AMD per withdrawal for foreign cards
- ATMs are available in most regional cities but scarce in rural villages
- USD and EUR can also be exchanged easily at banks and exchange offices
Card acceptance
Moderate in Yerevan — most restaurants, hotels, and larger shops accept cards. Outside the capital, cash is the norm.
Tips for travelers
- Carry dram for day-to-day spending outside Yerevan
- USD is widely accepted as a backup currency
- Taxis and marshrutkas are always cash-only
- Armenia is very affordable — keep small denomination notes handy