Gyumri, Armenia 🇦🇲
#998
40.797285, 43.849665
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Gyumri is the second largest city in Armenia, located in the north-western part of the country. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 120,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 30-50 Mbps, with some cafes and coworking spaces offering faster options. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 410 AMD; ATM access is available, and Visa/Mastercard are widely accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but bottled water is recommended due to varying quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | ArmenTel (Beeline) and VivaCell-MTS are popular providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as Ardshinbank and ACBA provide services; international accounts may require documentation. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from local guesthouses and hostels to Airbnb listings; budget options start around $10/night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless; cards accepted at larger establishments but cash is still commonly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental platforms offer several listings; typical prices range from $15 to $40 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Gyumri and other guesthouses provide affordable staying, starting from $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | StartUp Gyumri is a popular coworking space fostering a community of remote workers and entrepreneurs. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee House, known for its good internet and relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups are occasionally hosted at StartUp Gyumri; expats can network via Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Various cultural events and festivals occur throughout the year; many can be found via MeetUp or Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex Taxi is widely used and reliable for local transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Currently no established bike or scooter rental services in Gyumri. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches, but Lake Sevan, approximately 1.5 hours away, offers water activities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Armenia Air operates regional flights; however, most trips to larger cities are via bus or taxi. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Armenia Air and Turkish Airlines provide international flights primarily from Yerevan. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | M1 Highway connects Gyumri to Yerevan and other regional cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Gyumri Railway Station connects to some destinations, though buses are more common. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is inexpensive; a single ride ticket costs approx. $0.20. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to Yerevan and other cities, such as Vanadzor and Dilijan, operate regularly. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Gyumri Medical Center, offering various health services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga centers available but limited; classes often provided in local community spaces. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club 24 is a popular local gym with affordable membership plans. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries are available; many guesthouses offer laundry services as well. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo is a popular delivery service for food in Gyumri. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Khorovats (grilled meat) is a must-try local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Mtel Stak are known for vegan and vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Mankunk serves great pastries and traditional Armenian sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Gyumri Central Market offer fresh produce at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shopping is limited; platforms like Amazon may deliver with additional shipping fees. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options for grocery delivery; local markets are preferred. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local bars around the city center, with Main Avenue being the most popular nightlife area. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Gyumri Brewery produces local beer; tours might be available upon request. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | While limited, some restaurants offer a small selection of Armenian wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try local street food stalls for delicious lahmajoun (Armenian pizza). |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzerias and kebab shops are common for international food options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Black Fortress, Harichavank Monastery, and the historic Gyumri city center. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Gyumri Museum of Science and Technology showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the Cathedral of the Seven Wounds for historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Nshan Church is a key religious site worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Gyumri hosts the Annual Gyumri Festival, celebrating local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city's historic districts provide insight into Armenian architecture and life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Gyumri Drama Theatre offers performances highlighting local talent. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Gyumri Central Market is vibrant and lively, ideal for local experiences. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local cafes occasionally host music nights featuring traditional Armenian music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals in the city can be found near the cultural district. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Some local restaurants offer cooking classes focused on Armenian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Visit local art galleries showcasing both contemporary and traditional Armenian artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Notable historic buildings include the former Armenian Genocide memorials. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city's heritage includes beautifully preserved architecture, reflective of its rich past. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nearby mountains and lakes such as Lake Arpi National Park offer stunning landscapes and adventures. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Dilijan National Park, about 1.5 hours away, is great for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the fields and rural areas are suitable for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Black Fortress provides great vistas of the surrounding areas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nature happens near the Akhurian River, suitable for birdwatching activities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | There are designated picnic areas in national parks and surrounding countryside. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Allied and DHL provide international parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer repairs but check for specific electronics services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools provide Armenian language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Gyumri City Library is ideal for reading and quiet study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various cultural centers host activities and workshops for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some cafes offer gaming equipment and spaces for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Gyumri; the nearest are in Yerevan. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $52,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Rate is 18% for small businesses and 20% for large enterprises. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% withholding tax on dividend payments. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Armenian tax system includes various taxes including income tax based on residency. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 20% for income exceeding $16,000 annually. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules; taxation is primarily based on residency. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxes apply based on the property's value and location. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax is approximately 1%. |