Stepanavan, Armenia π¦π²
#1717
41.0112, 44.384511
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Stepanavan is a city in the Lori Province of Armenia, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage. |
π₯ Population | Approximate population of 18,000. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 AMD β 0.0026 USD, Bank facilities are limited, with a few local options available. |
π° Tap Water | Generally considered drinkable, but it's safer to use bottled water. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type C/F sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Available providers include VivaCell-MTS, Beeline, and Ucom. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Cash is preferred; Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, along with local banks. |
π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hostels. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | No, cash is predominantly used. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com have various options in Stepanavan. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouse options like Guesthouse Tufenkian. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | No dedicated coworking spaces are available; recommend using cafes with decent wifi. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Khinots is known for its good coffee and wifi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Limited networking opportunities; local community events may occur periodically. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Local community gatherings are less frequent; socializing may revolve around cafes or local activities. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi is commonly used for ride-hailing. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented locally but options are limited. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Sevan is approximately 1.5 hours away. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Armenia Air offers domestic flights, though the nearest airport is in Gyumri. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | International flights primarily operate from Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | The M4 highway provides access to major cities. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Stepanavan does not have a train station; local buses connect to major cities. |
π Public Transport Passes | Pay-per-ride system for local buses and minivans. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Mini-buses (marshrutkas) frequently connect Stepanavan to nearby towns and cities. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Stepanavan Medical Center is the primary healthcare facility. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited local options; yoga classes can be found occasionally offered by community centers. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness opportunities are available in local community centers, no big gyms. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Local laundromats offer basic washing services. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | No dedicated delivery apps; restaurants may offer phone orders. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Lahmajun (Armenian flatbread with minced meat). |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian options are available at local eateries, with options like salads and vegetable stews. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer traditional Armenian pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local food markets are available for fresh produce. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Limited online shopping; local vendors utilize Facebook groups for sales. |
π Grocery Delivery | No widespread grocery delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; local bars can be found in nearby towns. |
π» Local Brewery | No local breweries identified; beer is available in shops. |
π· Wine Bars | Local wines are enjoyed in traditional restaurants. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street food options are minimal. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Limited international cuisine available; Armenian dishes dominate. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Stepanavan Dendropark and the Tukh Manuk Church. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Local cultural centers occasionally host events. |
π° Historical Sites | Nearby monasteries such as Haghpat and Sanahin are UNESCO World Heritage sites. |
π Religious Sites | St. Mary Church in the city is a notable site. |
π Annual Events | Local festivals reflect Armenian cultural traditions, dates vary. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Stepanavan maintains a rustic charm, representative of rural Armenia. |
π Theater Venues | Limited performance venues; local cultural events can occur. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Weekly outdoor markets offer local produce and goods. |
πΌ Music Scene | Traditional Armenian music features during local events. |
π¨ Street Art | Street art is minimal; the focus is on traditional arts. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Rare; found primarily within hospitality establishments. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Limited local galleries showcase traditional Armenian art. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Traditional Armenian architecture is prevalent. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Stepanavan reflects rich Armenian culture through its buildings and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Margarit River gorge offers hiking trails and scenic views. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Dilijan National Park is a 1-hour drive away. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Localized paths through the natural surroundings of Stepanavan. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints along the gorge provide fantastic photography spots. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Stepanavanβs forests are suitable for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Specific areas in nature are available for bonfires, check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office and limited courier services available. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer basic tech repair services. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally have table tennis facilities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Local schools might offer Armenian language courses. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Local community centers provide quiet spaces. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Stepanavan has community centers that foster local culture. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Very few gaming venues; local cafes may offer basic gaming. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Stepanavan. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬600 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬24,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬20,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬650 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬39,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬550 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬33,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬700 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬56,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬600 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬48,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 20%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 5%. |
π¦ Tax System | Armenia operates a territorial tax system. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 36%. |
π§Ύ VAT | 20%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Armenia has strict CFC rules. |
π Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1%. |