Wondering if I need cash for taxis in Armenia or if I can just pay with card or app like in other countries?
GG App saved me in Yerevan! I added my Visa, set “card payment” as default, and didn’t need to deal with awkward cash moments. But in places like Garni or Lake Sevan, the drivers only accepted AMD. Card payments for taxis in Armenia are hit-or-miss, so I recommend using the app whenever possible in cities, and cash for rural rides. Worked out fine as long as I planned ahead.
Street taxis in Armenia? Always cash. No POS, no receipts. I once tried to argue but gave in. Use Yandex Go or GG app - they charge fair rates and you can pay by card inside the app. Cash is still king for taxis in Armenia, unless you’re app-savvy. Even then, I kept AMD 2,000-3,000 in bills for when coverage dropped or drivers cancelled. Don’t expect Uber - these two apps are the only game in town.
GG and Yandex Go are the top rideshare apps in Armenia, and both support in-app card payments. I linked my Wise Mastercard and had no issues paying digitally in Yerevan and even Vanadzor. Taxis in Armenia accept card mostly via app, not physical readers. Hailed taxis may pretend their POS is “down” or just not have one. For rural transfers, always carry cash. For urban trips, use GG - it’s reliable, with price shown upfront.
Taxis flagged on the street almost always want cash - only a few have POS machines. I used the GG and Yandex Go apps in Yerevan, which let you link a Visa or Mastercard for digital payments. Paying for taxis with card in Armenia works best via apps, not in person. In smaller towns like Goris, it was cash-only, no apps. Keep AMD 5,000-10,000 ready for short local rides if you go analog.