Monetary Unit of Armenia: A Comprehensive Guide

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From above collection of various colorful banknotes from different countries arranged in row on table
Credit: pexels.com, From above collection of various colorful banknotes from different countries arranged in row on table

The Armenian dram is the official currency of Armenia, and it's been the country's monetary unit since 1993. It's subdivided into 100 lumas, which is a nice-to-know fact, but not as widely used as the dram.

The dram is issued by the Central Bank of Armenia and comes in various denominations, including coins and banknotes. You can find dram coins in denominations of 10, 50, 100, 200, and 500.

Currency 101: Getting Started

The Armenian Dram is the official currency of Armenia, introduced in 1993 after the country gained independence from the Soviet Union. It replaced the Soviet Ruble and has been the country's monetary unit ever since.

The Armenian Dram is divided into 100 Lumma, which is the smallest unit of currency in Armenia. This is a useful fact to know when dealing with prices or exchanging money.

The symbol for the Armenian Dram is ֏, which is also represented by the ISO code AMD. This is the standard way to represent the currency in financial transactions.

Expand your knowledge: Currency Used in United Kingdom

Credit: youtube.com, Learn your money | Armenian Money

Armenia shares its currency with the neighboring region of Artsakh, also known as the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. This region is an internationally unrecognized breakaway state that is governed by a self-proclaimed republic.

Here's a list of past and present currencies used in Armenia:

  • Dram coins
  • Takvorin coins
  • First Transcaucasian ruble
  • Armenian ruble
  • Second Transcaucasian ruble
  • Soviet ruble
  • Russian ruble (CIS monetary union)
  • Armenian dram
  • Artsakh dram

Armenian Currency History

The Armenian Dram has a rich history that spans back to ancient times, when the region was part of the Kingdom of Urartu. The modern currency was first introduced in 1993, after Armenia gained independence from the Soviet Union.

The Armenian Dram was initially plagued by hyperinflation, with the exchange rate reaching as high as 500 AMD to 1 US dollar. This was largely due to economic and political instability.

The Armenian Dram has remained a symbol of the country's sovereignty and a key element of its economic development, despite the challenges it has faced over the years.

A Brief History

The Armenian Dram has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, when the region was part of the Kingdom of Urartu. This ancient kingdom played a significant role in the development of the Armenian currency.

Credit: youtube.com, The history of the Armenian currency (Dramapatum)

The modern currency as we know it today was first introduced in 1993, when Armenia gained independence from the Soviet Union. This marked a new era for the Armenian Dram.

Hyperinflation was a major issue in the early years of the Armenian Dram, with the exchange rate reaching as high as 500 AMD to 1 US dollar. This was a challenging time for the country's economy.

The Nagorno-Karabakh War and the 2008 global financial crisis significantly impacted the value of the Armenian Dram, reflecting the country's ongoing economic and political battles. These events had a lasting impact on the country's economy.

Despite these challenges, the Armenian Dram has remained a symbol of the country's sovereignty and a key element of the country's economic development.

Memories Put into Circulation

The Armenian dram was introduced on November 22, 1993, replacing the Soviet Ruble as the country gained independence. This marked the beginning of Armenia's monetary unit.

From above collection of various colorful banknotes from different countries arranged in row on table
Credit: pexels.com, From above collection of various colorful banknotes from different countries arranged in row on table

The former Prime Minister of Armenia, Khosrov Harutyunyan, recalled holding an AMD 200 banknote in his hand on that day, symbolizing the country's newfound independence. This feeling of having a national currency was a source of hope and internal satisfaction for many Armenians.

The Central Bank of Armenia was established on March 27, 1993, and was given the exclusive right to issue the national currency. This move was a crucial step in Armenia's transition to a sovereign nation.

Armenia initially tried to maintain a common currency with other CIS states, but it soon became clear that this would be difficult due to the unstable political and economic circumstances. The rublezone effectively collapsed in July 1993.

The Armenian dram is also used in the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, where a separate currency, the Nagorno-Karabakh dram, was introduced in 2005. This currency circulates together with the Armenian dram and has nominal values ranging from 50 luma to 10 dram.

The Nagorno-Karabakh dram is officially legal tender in both Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, but in practice, it's mostly sold as souvenirs due to its low nominal values.

Additional reading: Uk Currency Coins

Armenian Currency Today

Credit: youtube.com, Armenian dram

The Armenian Dram is the official currency of Armenia, and it's been in use since 1993. The currency symbol is ֏, and it's divided into 100 Lumma.

You can exchange your foreign currency at banks, currency exchange offices, or hotels, but be aware that the exchange rates may vary and be much higher in Armenia. It's a good idea to shop around for the best rate and equip yourself with some Armenian drams before visiting.

The current exchange rate of the Armenian Dram is relatively stable, with 1 US dollar equating to approximately 400 AMD, and 1 AMD equals around 0.002526 USD.

Banknote and Coin Denominations

The Armenian Dram has a unique set of banknotes and coins. The banknotes come in denominations of 500, 1000, 5000, 10000, 20000, and 50000 drams.

Each banknote tells a story of Armenia's rich history and heritage, featuring historical figures like Sarduri II and cultural landmarks like the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral.

Credit: youtube.com, Armenia Dram coins

The coins, on the other hand, are available in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 drams.

The coins feature a variety of designs, including the Armenian coat of arms and the national symbol of the country, Mount Ararat.

The coins are made of different metals, sizes, and shapes, making them not only useful but also fascinating collectibles.

Who Is On 20,000 Dram?

The 20,000 Armenian Dram bill is a beautiful note that features the legendary Armenian painter Martiros Saryan.

Saryan lived from 1880 to 1972 and was an accomplished artist who established a distinctive national style of modern painting in Armenia.

The background of the note showcases some of Saryan's own floral sketches, which add a charming touch to the design.

A delightful illustration of brushes and a color palette is also featured on the note, giving a glimpse into Saryan's artistic world.

Martiros Saryan's artwork is a great representation of Armenian culture and artistry, making the 20,000 Dram bill a unique and interesting note to hold.

Current State & Exchange Rates

Banknote Lot
Credit: pexels.com, Banknote Lot

The current exchange rate of the Armenian Dram is relatively stable, but how much is a dram worth?

The USD to Armenian dram exchange rate is approximately 1 US dollar to 400 AMD.

You can use our currency converter to check out the current exchange rate for the Armenian dram and keep up.

1 AMD equals around 0.002526 USD.

The Armenian economy has been growing in recent years, which has positively impacted the stability of the Armenian Dram. However, the country's dependence on Russia and the ongoing conflicts with neighboring Azerbaijan continue to pose economic challenges.

Here's a quick reference guide to help you understand the current exchange rates:

Armenian Currency Usage

The Armenian Dram is the official currency of Armenia, and it's widely accepted throughout the country. You can use it to pay for everything from transportation to lodging and dining.

You can't use USD or EUR in Armenia, so it's essential to have some Armenian Drams before visiting. Many smaller businesses and street vendors may not accept credit cards, so it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand.

Credit: youtube.com, Armenian Currency Money (Dram)

To exchange your foreign currency, you can go to banks, currency exchange offices, or hotels. Be aware that the exchange rates may vary and be much higher in Armenia, so it's a good idea to shop around for the best rate.

Here's a quick reference guide to help you understand the exchange rates:

  • 1 USD equals approximately 400 AMD.
  • 1 AMD equals around 0.002526 USD.

Remember to be mindful of the taxes and fees when making purchases, as these can add up quickly. Sales tax in Armenia is 20%, and some services, such as hotel accommodation and car rental, have additional fees.

What Will Your Money Get You?

In Armenia, it's a good idea to carry a lot of 1,000-dram banknotes as they are super handy.

You can buy a regular Americano at a café with a single 1,000-dram banknote and even get some change back.

A 5,000-dram banknote can get you tons of items at the grocery store, including bread, milk, eggs, half a kilo of local cheese, and bits of various vegetables.

A Variety of Indonesian Currency
Credit: pexels.com, A Variety of Indonesian Currency

A 5,000-dram banknote can also get you a bunk bed in a cheap hostel in Yerevan.

For a nice, inexpensive meal at a restaurant, you'll need around 3,000 AMD per person.

You can't do much with only 100 AMD except buy a one-way ticket on public transportation, a small bread pie, cookies, or a bottle of water at a grocery shop.

Maximize Your Currency

As you plan your trip to Armenia, it's essential to understand the local currency and how to make the most of it. The Armenian dram is the official currency, and it's widely accepted throughout the country.

To give you a better idea of the dram's value, the current exchange rate is around 1 USD to 400 AMD, or 1 AMD to approximately 0.002526 USD. This means that a $1 bill is equivalent to about 400 drams.

You can exchange your foreign currency at banks, currency exchange offices, or hotels, but be aware that the exchange rates may vary and be much higher in Armenia. It's a good idea to shop around for the best rate and equip yourself with some Armenian drams before visiting.

Credit: youtube.com, Unbelievable Armenian Dram Currency Notes | Armenian dram all notes | armenia currency | dram news

As a tourist, it's also essential to be mindful of the taxes and fees when making purchases. Sales tax in Armenia is 20%, and some services, such as hotel accommodation and car rental, have additional fees.

Here's a rough guide to help you estimate how much your money can get you in Armenia:

  • 100 AMD: Buy a one-way ticket on public transportation, a small bread pie, cookies, or a bottle of water at a grocery shop
  • 1,000 AMD: Get a regular Americano at a café and some change back
  • 3,000 AMD: Buy a nice, inexpensive meal at a restaurant per person
  • 5,000 AMD: Get tons of items, including bread, milk, eggs, local cheese, and vegetables at the grocery store, or a bunk bed in a cheap hostel in Yerevan

Remember to check the prices in tourist areas, as they may differ from local areas. Additionally, some dining venues may include a service fee in the final bill, so be sure to tip accordingly – around 5-7% is standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the basic monetary unit of Armenia?

The basic monetary unit of Armenia is the dram, abbreviated as AMD. It's subdivided into 100 smaller units called luma.

What is the best currency to take to Armenia?

The best currency to take to Armenia is the Armenian Dram. You can also exchange money at the airport or banks, but it's a good idea to have some cash on hand.

Johnnie Parisian

Writer

Here is a 100-word author bio for Johnnie Parisian: Johnnie Parisian is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for simplifying complex topics, Johnnie has established herself as a trusted voice in the world of personal finance. Her expertise spans a range of topics, including home equity loans and mortgage debt consolidation strategies.

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