What to Bring to Armenia: Preparations Before Travel
1. Travel adapter for your laptops and mobile devices.
- You do NOT need a laptop for this class. You can do all coursework using the Canvas app on your phone.
2. Before we leave, download: GroupMe (for calls and texting), Google Maps (to use in Yerevan), and gg (for taxi service).
Join our class in GroupMe: GCC Armenia25 Announcements, and GCC Armenia25 (group chat)
3. Phone - Contact your phone carrier to ask about international plans. If you don't go with your carrier's international plan, you will need to purchase a SIM card for your phone once we get to Armenia. This is important so we can always have a way to contact you!
- AT+T offers an international day pass for $12/day (only if you send a text or make/answer a call). Receiving a text doesn't start the charge.
- T-mobile offers a 30-day pass for $50
- Verizon offers international day passes for $5/day, $35 for 10 days, or $50 for 30 days.
International plans will allow you to receive calls and texts on your U.S. line, but Internet connection is very, very poor. You will have to rely on Wi-Fi at the hotel and spots you visit to use any app requiring internet. FOR THAT REASON, I recommend getting a SIM card with a local number when we get there.
4. What to pack (check your airline for luggage size/weight limits!)
- Clothing for warm to hot weather (Laundry services available at the hotel).
You will spend 13 nights and 14 days abroad, so pack accordingly. - One set of cold weather clothing - sweater/jacket and long pants for Dilijan.
- Swimsuits - the hotels have indoor swimming pools, and we'll spend a day at Lake Sevan, which also has a heated pool (besides the actual lake, of course).
- Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen.
- Toiletries - note the airline limit for liquids in carry ons; pack liquid toiletries in your checked in luggage if above limit. The hotels provide a daily refill of shampoo/conditioner, etc. Also, the local corner store has most toiletry items for cheaper than in the U.S. in case you run out or forget to pack something.
- Comfortable walking shoes - we will walk quite a bit during our excursions. Please make sure you have shoes/sandals you feel comfortable walking in.
- Small backpack to use for overnight excursions
3. Cash (approx. $500) - U.S. Dollars can be converted very easily at Exchange shops scattered throughout the city.
- Cash for food (package includes all breakfast, 5 lunches, 3 dinners). Plan on spending $10-$15 per meal.
- Cash for taxi service is a little more than $2 (1200 dram) within the city of Yerevan. Use only taxi companies (Yandex, gg)
- Optional cash for souvenirs, excursions you may choose to do with your free time, etc.
4. Pharmaceutical Drugs, particularly motion sickness medication if you are prone to motion sickness on busses driving down winding roads.
- Pharmacies ("Deghatun" or "Apteka") are available throughout the city and there is one at the corner of the hotel we are staying at.
5. Travel Insurance - go to squaremouth.com. Select filters: Medical Evacuation $100,000 or more and Emergency Medical $200,000 or more.