Currency Exchange at Zvartnots Airport: Where and How to Exchange Money After Arriving in Armenia

If you are traveling to Armenia, the question of exchanging foreign currency into Armenian drams often comes up within the first hour after arrival. Even if you have a bank card, some cash may still be needed – at least in a small amount.

In this guide, we explain:

1. where it is more выгодно to exchange money at Zvartnots Airport;
2. why it is usually not a good idea to use the first exchange point you see;
3. how much cash it makes sense to exchange immediately;
4. and when it is better to postpone the exchange until you reach the city to avoid overpaying.

Which Currency Is Best to Bring to Armenia?

Armenia has a well-developed currency exchange market. Exchange offices and banks accept a wide range of foreign currencies without difficulty, including US dollars, euros, Russian rubles, Georgian lari, and many others.

All of these currencies can be exchanged both at the airport and in the city. There are no restrictions on acceptance – the key difference lies in the exchange rate and the spread, meaning the gap between the buy and sell rates.

Exchange Rates for Reference

To navigate more confidently at the airport, it is useful to understand the approximate rate range.

Under normal market conditions 1 US dollar is typically exchanged for around 390-405 AMD, 1 euro for approximately 420-440 AMD, 1 Russian ruble for about 4-4.5 AMD.

Exact rates can change during the day and depend on where you exchange money – whether at a bank branch, an exchange office, or later in the city. However, the general principle is simple: the more convenient the exchange point, the less favorable the rate often is.

Spending a few extra minutes comparing options can help you avoid overpaying simply because of urgency or convenience.

The First Thing You See After Arrival: Exchange Offices Near Customs

Right after passing through the customs corridor at Zvartnots Airport, you will immediately notice two exchange offices. They are located right at the exit and look extremely convenient.

However, exchanging money there is not recommended, because:

1. the exchange rate is noticeably worse than in banks;
2. the spread is among the widest in the airport;
3. the overpayment can be felt even when exchanging a small amount.

Example: when exchanging US dollars, the difference may be several AMD per dollar. For an amount of 300–500 units, this turns into a tangible loss.

Conclusion: these exchange offices are designed for travelers who are in a hurry or unfamiliar with the airport layout.

Where It Is Actually More выгодно to Exchange Currency at Zvartnots

Once you enter the main arrivals hall, you have access to more reasonable options.

Banks at Zvartnots Airport

There are three banks operating inside the terminal. Their exchange rates are closer to market levels, spreads are noticeably narrower, and conditions are more transparent than at the exchange offices near customs.

Where to Find Them

At these bank branches, there is no “airport markup”. You will exchange currency at the same rate as in the city at these banks.

If You Arrive During the Day

This is the most convenient and calm option. You can exchange a small amount at one of the airport banks without rushing and immediately get a rate that is noticeably better than at the exchange offices near customs.

No unnecessary overpayment and no feeling that you were rushed into a decision.

If You Arrive at Night

Even at night, banks remain a better option than the exchange offices near the exit. However, there is one important rule: exchange only the minimum amount you actually need.

At night, spreads are usually wider and rates less favorable. It is better to exchange the main amount the next morning in the city, where the choice of banks and exchange points is much broader and conditions are more competitive.

How Much Money Should You Exchange at the Airport?

The optimal strategy is to exchange a small amount for the first day and keep the main part of your currency for exchange in the city.

The reason is simple: in the city, the choice is much wider. There are more banks and exchange offices, competition is higher, and rates are usually fairer. You can calmly compare options near your accommodation and choose the one with truly favorable conditions, instead of exchanging money simply because it was the closest option.

Using the AFM platform, you can easily compare current exchange rates and understand where it is more advantageous to exchange money today.

What If Your Money Is on a Card, Not in Cash?

This option should not be considered as the main scenario.

In Armenia, cash withdrawals from international Visa and Mastercard cards are available only in Armenian drams. The final cost is unpredictable and often less favorable than a standard cash exchange.

The reason is the number of variables involved:

1. fees charged by the issuing bank;
2. fees charged by the local bank that owns the ATM;
3. the currency conversion rate applied during the transaction.

With so many factors, the final amount can be difficult to predict in advance.

Cards of the MIR payment system do not work in Armenia: you cannot pay with them or withdraw cash. If you only have a MIR card, bringing cash is essential.

Do You Need Cash on the First Day?

Let’s look at common situations.

Taxi

Cash is not required. Yandex Go works reliably, and if a card is linked in the app, payments usually go through without issues – even with a MIR card.

Hotels, Restaurants, and Shops

1. international Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted;
2. cash is usually not required;
3. MIR cards are not accepted.

Conclusion: cash may be needed on the first day, but only in a minimal amount.

Quick Summary

If you arrive in Armenia via Zvartnots Airport:

1. do not exchange currency immediately after customs;
2. go to the main arrivals hall and choose one of the airport banks;
3. exchange a small amount, especially if you arrive at night;
4. exchange the main amount in the city, where rates are better;
5. do not rely on ATM withdrawals as your primary option;
6. exclude MIR cards and Russian-issued Visa and Mastercard from your plans in advance.

Compare Exchange Rates in Advance

Use AFM to compare exchange rates offered by banks and exchange offices in Armenia. This helps you avoid overpaying on your first day and prevents rushed decisions at the airport.