Local Customs & Etiquette in Yerevan, Armenia

All Topics about Yerevan All Cities in Armenia

1. Greetings and Handshakes

Armenians usually greet with a firm handshake and direct eye contact. However, women may wait for the man to initiate it.

Cultural Politeness: Understanding the gender dynamics in greeting is crucial to avoid misunderstandings.
Direct Eye Contact: Maintaining eye contact during a handshake shows respect and sincerity.
Firm Handshakes: A firm handshake signifies confidence and trustworthiness.

Using your right hand to eat is customary in Armenia. Also, meals are often family-oriented and social events.

Right Hand Usage: Being aware of the local preference for using the right hand can prevent awkward situations.
Family-Oriented Meals: Understanding the social importance of meals helps in building relationships with locals.
Casual Dining Etiquette: Dining etiquette can vary depending on the setting, but a general rule is to wait for everyone to be served before eating.

Tipping around 10% of the bill is expected in restaurants, while rounding up for taxi rides is common.

Expected Tipping: Knowing what amount to tip can show appreciation for service received.
Rounding Up for Taxi Rides: Rounding up the fare shows courtesy towards taxi drivers.
Service Charge Included?: Some restaurants may include a service charge, so always check before tipping.

Visitors should dress modestly when entering churches, with knees and shoulders covered. Women may also be required to wear a scarf on their head.

Modest Dressing: Respecting the religious sensibilities of locals is essential.
Covered Knees and Shoulders: Understanding the dress code helps in avoiding unnecessary distractions during worship.
Scarf Usage: Wearing a scarf can be considered a sign of reverence and respect when visiting churches.

Bargaining is common and expected in Yerevan's markets. However, be fair and considerate when negotiating prices.

Common Practice: Understanding that bargaining is a standard practice can help you get a good deal.
Fair Negotiation: Being fair and reasonable in your negotiations can ensure a mutually beneficial transaction.
Persistence: Persisting with negotiations doesn't always guarantee a better deal, so know when to walk away.

Being invited for tea is a sign of hospitality in Armenia. Accept the invitation as it's an opportunity to learn about local culture.

Sign of Hospitality: Understanding the cultural significance of being invited for tea helps build relationships with locals.
Opportunity to Learn: Accepting an invitation for tea provides insights into local customs and traditions.
Patience during Tea Time: Tea time can be lengthy, so be patient and enjoy the moment.

Armenians are generally friendly and welcoming. A smile can break the ice and help you connect with locals.

Friendliness: Smiling can make interactions more pleasant and open.
Ice Breaker: A smile can help initiate conversations with locals.
Respectful Smiling: Smiling respectfully, not excessively or intrusively, is important when interacting with strangers.

Be mindful of your surroundings and personal space in crowded public areas. Littering is strictly discouraged.

Mindfulness: Awareness of your surroundings can help prevent accidental intrusions into others' personal spaces.
Respect for Public Spaces: Respecting public spaces by not littering is an important aspect of local etiquette.
Crowded Places Etiquette: Navigating crowded areas with patience and courtesy can help maintain a harmonious atmosphere.

Armenians usually avoid direct criticism and confrontation in public. Instead, they prefer to use indirect or subtle language.

Indirect Communication: Understanding the local preference for indirect communication can help navigate difficult conversations.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respecting cultural sensitivities by avoiding direct criticism can prevent misunderstandings or offenses.
Subtle Language Use: Using subtle language can help maintain relationships and avoid confrontations in public.

Bringing small gifts from your home country is appreciated when visiting locals. Gifts should be wrapped and handed with both hands.

Appreciation for Small Gifts: Giving small gifts can show appreciation and friendliness towards your hosts.
Wrapping Gifts: Wrapping gifts shows thoughtfulness and attention to detail.
Handing Gifts Politely: Handing gifts with both hands demonstrates respect towards the recipient.

Armenians are proud of their wine and brandy. Sharing a toast is an important aspect of socializing.

Social Significance: Understanding the social significance of sharing alcohol can help build relationships with locals.
Traditional Drinks: Trying traditional Armenian drinks like wine and brandy is a must for any visitor.
Toasting Etiquette: Knowing the proper toasting etiquette can help you participate in this important cultural practice.

Removing your shoes before entering someone's home is a common practice in Armenia. Be prepared to take off your shoes when visiting local homes.

Respectful Removal: Removing your shoes demonstrates respect for the host's home.
Cleanliness: Ensuring your feet are clean before entering someone's home is essential.
Preparation: Being prepared to remove your shoes can help avoid any inconveniences or delays during visits.

Karabakh is a sensitive topic in Armenia. Avoid discussing it unless you are informed and knowledgeable about the issue.

Sensitive Topic: Understanding the sensitivity of the Karabakh issue can help prevent unnecessary conflicts.
Respect for Local Sensitivities: Respecting local sensitivities by avoiding discussions about Karabakh is essential.
Informed Discussions: If you choose to discuss Karabakh, ensure you are well-informed and respectful in your discourse.

Visitors should show respect when visiting monument sites by maintaining silence and not taking photographs without permission.

Silence and Respect: Maintaining silence and showing respect for the historical significance of monument sites is essential.
Permission for Photography: Asking for permission before taking photographs helps avoid conflicts or misunderstandings.
Preservation of Memorial Sites: Treating monument sites with care helps preserve them for future generations.

Street art in Yerevan is often politically or culturally significant. Avoid damaging or defacing these works of art.

Historical and Cultural Significance: Understanding the historical and cultural significance of street art can help visitors appreciate it.
Preservation: Respecting street art by not damaging or defacing it helps preserve it for future generations.
Photography Etiquette: Taking photographs of street art is acceptable, but always ask for permission when necessary.