Vagharshapat, Armenia 🇦🇲
#1000
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Vagharshapat, commonly known as Echmiadzin, is the spiritual center of Armenia, located just 20 kilometers west of Yerevan. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 56,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 AMD ≈ 0.0026 USD (USD = 385 AMD), with local banks such as Ameriabank and Araratbank available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Usually drinkable, but it is advisable to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz, with European Type C and Type F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | ArmenTel (Beeline), VivaCell, and UCOM provide reasonable prepaid SIM options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Lebanon Bank, Ameriabank, and online services like Revolut are widely used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Available on platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and local guesthouses. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Accepts cards in many places, though cash is still preferred in smaller shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses provide various options, starting at around $15 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like GOKT Hotel and Echmiadzin Hostel offer affordable stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Near the Cathedral of Echmiadzin, attached bistros, and cultural spots. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Downtown Echmiadzin is ideal for access to coworking spaces and cafes with Wi-Fi. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Vahagn Coworking Space is popular among local and visiting remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Gata Cafe offers good coffee and Wi-Fi suitable for work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups and small networking events occur regularly at local cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Armenia' host regular meetups and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi is the most popular ride-hailing service. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented through local shops, and scooters are available in Yerevan. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Sevan, a popular summer destination, is around 70 km away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Armenia Air provides regional services, while Armavia operates local flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Armenia International Airlines offers flights to major destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The M-1 highway connects Vagharshapat to Yerevan and Gyumri. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Echmiadzin railway station provides access to regional connections. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Yerevan offers token systems for buses and minivans; no formal public transport pass for Vagharshapat. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Regular buses and marshrutkas travel to major cities, including Yerevan. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Vagharshapat Medical Center provides general health services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio provides classes and wellness activities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | FitZone Gym offers modern facilities for workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, such as Lavanda. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo is a popular choice for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kufta – Armenian meatballs served with rice and vegetables. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian options available at Cafes like Shakespeare and Vegan Cafe. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Almendro Pastry Shop is famous for its baklava and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as the Vagharshapat market offer fresh produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local and international products can be found on websites like elumina.am. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery deliveries available through Veggie Delivery and similar services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Few bars are present, but local cafes are lively places after hours. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kotayk Brewery offers local beers and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine tastings are popular; try Erablur Winery nearby. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer delicious khorovats (Armenian BBQ) and lavash. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria Vesuvio offers a mix of Armenian and Italian foods. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the oldest state-built church in the world. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Echmiadzin Museum showcases the history and culture of Armenia. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ruins of the ancient city of Artashat are located nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Vardanyan Church and St. George Church are significant places of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Echmiadzin Church Festival takes place every September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Echmiadzin is known for its art galleries and cultural workshops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters host plays and cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The central market features vendors selling handmade crafts and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music performances are common during festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals and art installations can be found throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local workshops offer classes in traditional Armenian cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Armenia Art Gallery showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several ancient churches and monuments date back to Armenia's early Christian period. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Echmiadzin is a UNESCO World Heritage site and represents Armenia's cultural identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Armenias River and Mount Ararat provide scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Khosrov Forest State Reserve is less than 30km away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails around the city lead to picturesque rural areas. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view of Mount Ararat from various points in the city is breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lakes and wetlands near Vagharshapat attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near Lake Sevan suitable for picnics and bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Armenia Post and DHL provide reliable parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various local shops in the city center offer mobile and device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks have facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Institutes offer English and Armenian language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Vagharshapat’s library is quiet and conducive for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural and community activities held at venues near the cathedral. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some cafes offer gaming facilities for both locals and expats. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos are located in Vagharshapat; options available 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. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,150 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $69,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $68,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Armenian tax system is based on residence and source of income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Currently at 36% for high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% standard Value Added Tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, the CFC rules exist to govern foreign entities' tax regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax rates apply based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 3% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax incentives exist for select expats and digital nomads, particularly for incomes sourced outside of Armenia. |