Armenia’s official currency is the Armenian dram, abbreviated AMD, and the symbol ֏. The dram has been the national currency since 1993, replacing the Soviet rouble, and is issued and managed by the Central Bank of Armenia. In everyday use, prices are typically quoted in drams, and cash remains widely used, with smaller shops and services sometimes preferring cash payments. Key points about Armenia’s currency:
- Code and symbol: AMD, ֏
- Subunit: 1 dram equals 100 lum (luma)
- Common denominations: Banknotes commonly include 1,000; 5,000; 10,000; 20,000; 50,000; and 100,000 drams. Coins exist in smaller values (e.g., 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 drams), with cash usage varying by location.
- Exchange and international use: The dram is generally not freely convertible on all markets, and exchange rates fluctuate with market conditions. For travel, many visitors exchange money at banks, licensed exchange offices, or hotels, and major cards are increasingly accepted in cities and tourist areas, though cash remains important for smaller vendors and rural areas.
- Practical tips: When traveling, bring a small amount of AMD for immediate needs on arrival, expect cash for taxis, markets, and some cafés, and check current exchange rates before large purchases or transfers.
If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific use case (travel planning, budget in AMD, or understanding exchange rates with a particular currency).
