Places to exchange currency in Armenia

After touching down, I skipped the currency window to save money. Instead, I withdrew AMD 70,000 from a HSBC ATM inside the terminal. Later, I used a Banco Ararat branch machine in downtown Yerevan to top up. Using airport ATMs in Armenia beats on-site exchange bureaus, and banking-lobby machines are even more efficient. This way, I avoided stressful late-night exchanges and sustained fair ATM rates during my trip.

I avoided the foreign-exchange booth at Zvartnots - it offered poor value. Instead, I took the airport shuttle, then used an Acba ATM on Baghramyan Avenue. City ATMs in Yerevan offer far better value than airport exchange counters, with only small fixed fees. In total, I saved around AMD 10,000 on my first withdrawal. Always pick “Decline conversion” and withdraw the local currency for best deal.

I exchanged only USD 50 at the airport counter - rates were 5-7% worse than ATMs. Then I headed straight to AraratBank on Tigran Mets prospect and withdrew the rest comfortably. Bigger ATM withdrawals in Armenia are smarter in the city, not at airport counters. Plus bank ATMs are less likely to run empty. Always check street ATM before depending on airport.

Upon landing at Zvartnots Airport, I used the HSBC ATM inside the terminal to withdraw AMD 50,000 - cash for taxi to Yerevan city center. Rates were solid. Airport HSBC ATM in Armenia gives better rates than exchange windows, especially if you decline conversion prompts. Once in town, I switched to bank branch machines for larger amounts. Best plan: use airport ATM for immediate needs and then do full withdrawals from AraratBank or Acba ATMs downtown.