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YEREVAN-GENERAL INFORMATION

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SHOPPING FOOD | NON-FOOD ITEMS | SOUVENIR SHOPS | RESTAURANTS | BOOK STORES | PERFORMING ARTS CENTERS | CONCERT HALLS | MUSEUMS ENTERTAINMENT | NEWSPAPERS | RADIO STATIONS | TV CHANNELS | ARMENIAN AIRLINES LUGGAGE REGULATIONS | LAUNDRY | TRANSPORTATION | US EMBASSY SERVICES | BEAUTY SALONS | FITNESS CENTERS | HEALTH CARE | EMERGENCY NUMBERS | PHARMACIES| SOS / INSURANCE |

SHOPPING FOOD

CENTRAL MARKET (Produce): 3 "A" Mashtots Avenue (@ 3 Km from AUA)

Produce sold includes fresh meat, eggs, fresh-water fish (fresh and smoked), cheese, butter, sausage, fruits, vegetables and bread. Depending upon the season, the market offers a variety of fruits and vegetables especially tomatoes, cucumbers, apples, pears, oranges, tangerines, and so forth. Food is sold in kilograms (about 2.2 lbs.). Approximate prices (Drams/kg) for some common items are (February, 03, 02 approximate prices): beef - 1200 Drams; lamb - 1100 Drams ; pork -1300 Drams; chicken - 1200 Drams; fish - 300; eggs (30 eggs) - 1400 Drams; butter - 1500 Drams; milk- 300 Drams; cheese- 2500 Drams; potatoes - 200 Drams; onions - 150 Drams; bread (1kg loaf) - 200 Drams; apples - 500 Drams; pears - 500 Drams; oranges -600 Drams; tangerines- 400 Drams; bananas - 1000 Drams. .
The market is open seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

The following list of food markets are more expensive then markets where many Armenians typically shop. Any imported item will be more costly than local goods, for example, Armenian boxed fruit juices are less expensive than some of the imports. In any of the stores, it is a good idea to check expiration dates.

"BRAVO" FOOD MARKET. Located on Teryan Street, near the intersection of Teryan and Sayat-Nova streets. This market has many of the same choices of food as the Central Market but also has juices, beer, mineral water and soft drinks. There is a large choice of western food here. This market is open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The food might not be as fresh as those of the Central Market and prices are slightly higher.

"ARAGAST "FOOD STORE. 1 Tamanyan Street, near the Cascade. This grocery sells many imported food items. It is opened 24-hours, 7 days a week. A few sales staff speak English. Service is fast. You can ask for a price-list in US dollars and exchange dollars for drams (the rate may be slightly lower than at other places). Tel. 580.401.

EUROPA. 18 "A" Isahakyan Street, near the Sakharov square.
Large selection of western and Russian foods, soft drinks, and liquors.

PARMA. 79 "A" Baghramyan Avenue, across the street from "Barekamutjun" metro station. Large selection of quality western and local fresh food and beverages. Tel.: 273.360.

HAYASTAN MARKET. 2 "A" Hrachia Kochar Street (across from Yum-Yum donuts shop on the circle), above the "Barekamutjun" Metro station. Supermarket with large selection of pastries, imported food, cheeses, souvenirs, and electrical appliances.

NON-FOOD ITEMS

(Electronics, household appliances, etc.)

The major household appliance stores include ZIGZAG (20 Sayat-Nova Street, 24 Mashtots Avenue, 22 Abovyan Street, 28 Moskovyan Street), ARAYI (29 Sayat-Nova Street, 24 Komitas Street, 9 Azatutyan Avenue), SAMSUNG (12 Amiryan Street), and PHILIPS (24/7 Sayat-Nova Street). They offer European and Asian TVs, tape recorders, CDs, vacuum cleaners, appliances, VCRs, films, batteries, and so forth.

Hayastan Market on 2 "A" Hrachia Kochar Street also stocks a fairly good supply of small appliances.

SOUVENIR SHOPS

OUTDOOR ART/FLEA MARKET "VERNISSAGE". Located near Republic Square (Republic Square subway). Handmade jewelry, antique silverware, dishes, silver belts, carpets, books (Armenian, Russian, English, French, German), and paintings of modern Armenian artists are examples of things sold there. It opens only on the weekends from about 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Bad weather and national holidays do not affect its work. Bargaining is expected.

PIROOZ. Located at the corner of Mashtots Avenue and Paronyan Street. Armenian stone jewelry (turquoise, obsidian, etc.). Unique and inexpensive items.

AGHAQSAQ. 3/1 Abovyan Streeet, at the corner of Abovyan and Pushkin Streets. Handmade carpets, clay jugs, and statues.
Tel.: 568-931.

If you purchased antiques or works of art that could be considered to belong to the Armenian National Heritage (such as rugs, paintings, etc.), Armenian law requires you to acquire an export license -- even if the seller did not provide one. Please check with the Faculty Services Coordinator (FSC) for a list of items that might be dutiable. Also allow extra time for inspection at the airport.

In addition, also ask the FSC or the Associate Director of Administrative Services to verify the documentation you may have acquired on your own for exporting dutiable items at least one week in advance of your departure from Yerevan, as AUA drivers are not authorized to transport items to the airport without proper documentation. If the need should arise for the driver to bring back your purchased items from the airport because of you failed to get the proper export license, AUA will charge you for the added handling and service costs.

RESTAURANTS

AREVELYAN KHOHANOTS (EASTERN CUISINE). One is at the beginning of Komitas St., and the other on Moskovyan St. Serves tasty dishes, such as barbecue, lahmadjoo. $$
(address: 16 Komitas Street, tel.: 271.620, 220.784; address: 35 Moskovyan Street, tel.: 535.999)

BELADJIO. Near Republic Square. Has a bar and a restaurant. Serves tasty food, very good service. Nice design, video-projector and reasonably quiet atmosphere. $$
(address: 3 Amiryan Street, tel.: 545.900, 545.200)

CACTUS. Not far from the Opera house. Serves tasty Mexican dishes, has a bar and a restaurant. Live Mexican music, nice design and atmosphere. $$$$
(address: 42 Mashtots Avenue, tel.: 536.399, 539.939)

LOTUS. Across the street from the ZIGZAG shop. Tasty Chinese cuisine. Fast service. $$
(address: 33 Sayat-Nova Street, tel.: 522.463)

CAUCASUS. Located at the beginning of Hanrapetutian St. Nice atmosphere, tasty Georgian and Armenian dishes, live music.
(address: 82 Hanrapetutian St., tel.: 56-11-77)

CEASAR PALACE. Close to the Parajanov home-museum. Nice atmosphere, loud music inside. Good food and service. The restaurant has a nice outdoor area with open and closed arbors. $$
(address: 40 Proshian Street, tel.: 539.241, 539.243)

CHICKEN COOP. Located near the "Bravo" food shop (Sayat-Nova - Teryan streets intersection). Good food and service in the evenings, with loud music and good atmosphere. $$$
(address: 65 Teryan Street, tel.: 581.742)

DOLMAMA. Not far from Republic Square, up on Abovyan Street. Large selection of Armenian and American food. Great atmosphere and food, but expensive. $$$$
(address: 10 Pushkin Street, tel.: 568.931)

DOKA PIZZA. Fast service. Delicious pizza made under license according to the recipe of the Doka Pizza Company (Russia). You can have a table indoors or outdoors. Arrange home delivery by calling at 555.555. Open 24 hours. $$
(address: 26 Sayat-Nova Street, 38 Abovyan Street)

GOLDEN FISH. Serves tasty food, including seafood. Expensive, loud music. $$$$
(address: 7 Agatangeghosi Street, tel.: 523.704)

HAMBURGER STANDS. One is on Tumanyan Street, at the corner of Teryan Street, across the Opera's Swan Lake Park, and the other is at the corner of Tamanyan Street and Abovyan Street. Armenian-style hamburgers sold from trailers. Tasty, quick, and cheap. Be careful during summer because vegetables are not refrigerated. Closed in winter.

MARCO POLO. Near Republic Square. Very good for business lunch. Has a bar and a restaurant. Serves tasty European and Georgian dishes, good service. Recently opened an annex with a big hall decorated with marine themes, and small cabins for private lunch. During warm weather, outdoor seating is popular.
(address: 1/3 Abovyan Street, tel.: 545.352; 561.926). $$

MOOSSA LERR. Located halfway to Etshmiadsin sits up on a hill overlooking the Ararat valley (near the Moossa Lerr monument). Good view, food and service. $$$

OLD TBILISY. Next to the AUA-Center. Serves tasty Georgian food. Nice atmosphere, Live music. $$
(address: 7 Alex Manukyan Street, tel.: 573.344)

OUR VILLAGE. Across the street from the Opera building. Serves tasty Armenian food. Traditional Armenian decorations.
(address: 5 Sayat-Nova Street; tel.: 548.700)

PIANO. Located on Terian and Mockovian Streets intersection. Good food, salad bar, live music (flute and piano). $$

PIZZA DI ROMA. One is near the Zoravar Andranik metro station, and the other is close to "Moscow" cinema. Serves pizza, spaghetti, sea food, and other dishes.
(address: 1/1 Tigran Metsi Street, tel.: 587175; 1/1 Abovyan Street, tel.: 587.054) $$

PIZZA TUN. Serves tasty pizzas and salads. $$
(address: 78 Hanrapetutyan Street, tel.: 540.099)

PLENER. Serves good seafood. Nice atmosphere and decorations.
(address: 12 Tigran Metsi Street, tel.: 524.232, 523453) $$

QUEENBURGER. Serves hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and French fries. Good service. $$
(address: 24 Khanjyan Street, tel.: 560.122)

RISTORANTE ITALIANO LEONI. Serves Italian aperitifs, Venetian hors-doeuvre, soppressa in balsamic vinegar and pudding of maize meal, tri-colored cappelletti linguine and rice with vegetables, turkey filled with nut sauce, Italian amaretto, Italian cheese assortment, etc. $$$$
(address: 40 Tumanyan Street, tel.: 538.331)

SHERLOCK HOLMES. Across the street from AUA. A British stile café, serves good food, has a salad bar. Live music in evenings.
(address: 25 Baghramyan Avenue, tel.: 260.100) $$

SMAK. One is close to the Abovyan St. intersection (address: 17 Abovyan Street, tel.: 566.782), and the other (SMAK Salad) is on Mashtots Avenue (41 Mashtots Avenue). Serves tasty hamburgers, cheeseburgers, sandwiches, salads, French fries, and cocktails. $

BOOK STORES

FIRST BOOKSTORE (REPUBLIC SQUARE). Sells books in Armenian, Russian, and English languages on arts, science, and fiction.

THE MATENADARAN (Manuscript Museum). Located at the top end of Mashtots Avenue. Sells a large variety of books and booklets on Armenian Art miniatures.

ARTBRIDGE. 22 Abovyan Street. A bookstore-café. Large variety of books on various topics.

PERFORMING ARTS CENTERS

Hrachia Ghaplanyan Drama Theater 28 Isahakyan Street Tel. 524.733 Opera and Ballet Theater 36 Tumanyan Street Tel. 586.311

"Stanislavsky" Russian Drama Theater 7 Abovyan Street Tel. 580.223; 569.199

Marionette Theater 43 Mashtots Avenue Tel. 562.450

Yerevan Chamber Theater 58 Mashtots Avenue Tel. 566.070, 563.834

"Metro" Theater G.Nzhdeh Square Tel. 229.378

Yerevan Youth Theater 22 Tumanyan Street Tel. 563.690, 525.407

Circus 1 Agathageghos Street Tel. 580.436

House of Cinematography, 18 Knunyants Street Tel. 525.396

Pantomime Theater 36 Isahakyan Street Tel. 561.855

Chamber Music Theater 25 Khorenatsi Street Tel. 521.968

Paronian Musical Comedy Theater 4 V. Sargsyan Street Tel. 580.101

Theater for Young Spectators 3 Moskovyan Street Tel. 565.153; 581.974

Toomanyan Puppet Theater 4 Sayat-Nova Street Tel. 520.254

CONCERT HALLS

"Tsitsernakaberd" Sports-Concert Center 46 Kievyan Street Tel. 399.913

Chamber Music Hall 15 Isahakyan Street Tel. 589.514, 526.718

A. Khatshatryan Philharmonic Hall 36 Tumanyan Street Tel. 560.645

MUSEUMS

Radio HAI FM 105.5 is the first non-political, entertainment radio station in Yerevan. Its daily line-up features selections of Armenian, English, and Russian language programming and news. Music, pop culture and educational programs are the main components of its broadcasts. Another important feature of the station is the high quality of broadcasting. Broadcasts 24 hours a day and includes a total of 8 hours of direct re-broadcasting of VOA Europe. HAI FM also provides regional news in English a few times a day.

The station is the brainchild of four graduates of AUA. Plans for the radio began as a business administration project. It was funded and supported by several international organizations such as the Soros Foundation, USIS, the Thomson Foundation, and the US Peace Corps.

TV CHANNELS

Twelve Armenian-language channels (H1, Armenia, AR, Prometheus, Cinemax, ALM TV, Kentron, Hayreniq, Armenakob, TV5, Shant, Yerevan).
Local entertainment, foreign movies, dubbed in Armenian & Russian.
HAYLOUR Evening News, at 9:00 PM and 12:00 AM, Channel H1
LRABER Evening News, at 8:00 PM, Prometheus Channel
ZHAM Evening News, at 8:30 PM, Armenia TV
ORETSOR Evening News, at 8:00 PM, ALM TV
EPIKENTRON Evening News, at 8:00 PM, Kentron Channel
5-i LURER Evening News, at 8:30 PM, TV 5 Channel

Five Russian-language channels (ORT, RTR, NTV, MTV, MuzTV). Entertainment, movies, music
Vesti Evening News at 8:00 PM RTR Channel.
Novosti Evening News at 10:00 PM ORT Channel.

CNN 24 hours news (also available in the AUA Cafeteria).

A&ATV
A&ATV is an Armenian-American joint venture that broadcasts 24 channels in Armenian, English, and Russian (such English channels as CNN, BBC, Movie Channel, Magic Movie, ESPN, Cartoon/TNT, MTV, VH1, etc.). The company installs a special antenna to receive its programs, and charges a US$60 installation fee and a US$40 security deposit (refundable at the end of the contract), plus a two months’ US$20 monthly fee in case of less than 6 months subscription. The company does not charge the installation fee in case of 6 or 12 months’ subscription. It also apples 10% or 20% discounts to the amounts payable for 6 or 12 months subscription period correspondingly. Tel.: 545.454, 562.992, 581.857.
E-mail: aatv@arninco.com

ARMENIAN AIRLINES LUGGAGE REGULATIONS

• When traveling to Europe, the "WEIGHT CONCEPT" - APT (Airline Passenger Tariff) rule #3.2 is applicable (see your ticket). It means that the following allowances for the transportation of free luggage are applied:
1st class passengers (F/P-CL): 40 kg
business class passengers(C/J-CL): 30 kg
economy class passengers (Y-CL): 20 kg
1 kg of overweigh costs 1% of the one-way Passenger Tariff

• When traveling between North America and Europe, or if Europe is just a stopover on the way to North America, then for the whole travel, the “PIECE CONCEPT”-APT (Airline Passenger Tariff) rule #3.2 is applied when applying the luggage allowance.

In summary, you are allowed two pieces of luggage (no piece should weigh more than 32 kg) not to exceed 64 kg. This excludes your carry on case which also must meet specifications. For transportation of a third piece of checked luggage (not to weigh more than 32 kg), the passenger pays $110 and $8 for each exceeding kg.

Example:

Luggage that consists of 2 pieces but exceeds 64 kg and weighs 70 kg: the passenger pays $48 for the extra 6 kg.
If the weight of the third piece exceeds 32 kg and weighs 40 kg, the passenger pays for the extra 8 kg.
$110 + $64 = $174
If North America is a stopover or a transfer point, the "WEIGHT CONCEPT" is applied.

LAUNDRY

You may wish to have someone do your laundry for a reasonable price. You may also need someone to clean and cook for you. Please contact the Faculty Services Coordinator (512.510) for details. The US Embassy has a shop for dry cleaning. The LAVANDA chain offers high-quality dry cleaning services (addresses: 51 Tigran Metsi Street; Vagharshyan and Gaidar Streets intersection).

TRANSPORTATION

For personal use, faculty members have the following options:

a) Hiring a Car (with Driver) The Faculty Services Coordinator may suggest drivers.
b) Taxis
You may hail a taxi on the street. Current rates are 120-200 D/Km and you are advised to check the fare beforehand. Taxi drivers usually may pick up other passengers along the way. If you do not like this, you may ask the driver not to do so.

Taxi services:

EREVANIAN TAXI: charge per km: 80 Drams plus fixed fee of 400 Drams. One-hour waiting fee: 1200 Drams. Tel. 568.393, 581.010.
RADIO TAXI: charge per km: 120 Dram plus 200 Dram fixed fee. One-hour waiting fee: 1500 Drums. Tel. 221.061, 222.222.
ALLO TAXI: charge per km: 100 Drams plus 300 Drams fixed fee. One-hour waiting fee: 1200 Drams. Tel. 594.555, 594.666, 540.404.
FRANS PARK: charge per km: 100 Drams plus 300 Drams fixed fee. One-hour waiting fee: 1500 Drams. Tel. 287.733, 283.553, 529.374, 580.888, 545.251.
BLITZ TAXI: charge per km: 100 Drams plus 300 Dram fixed fee. One-hour waiting fee: 1000 Dram. Tel. 539.988.
TAXI SERVICE ANAHIT: charge per km: 120 Dram plus 300 Drams fixed fee. One-hour waiting fee: 2,000 Dram (no fee for the first 15 minutes of waiting). Tel. 1-85.
RALLI TAXI: charge per km: 100 Dram, minimum charge: 600 Drams. Each 5 minutes waiting fee: 100 Dram (no fee for the first 10 minutes of waiting). Tel. 539.439, 539.639.

c) Public Transportation

The most reliable means of public transportation is the Yerevan Metro (subway-map attached). It operates from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Private sector and public transportation (particularly that is based on mini-buses) is quite reliable. These minibuses are cheaper (100 dram) but you will need to know the numbers and the directions of their preset routes. Ask an experienced faculty person for advice if you take this conveyance. The Minibus Numbers' Search Engine.exe file, which contains streets, destinations, and minibuses' numbers is installed in your computer's desktop.

US EMBASSY SERVICES

The US Embassy has a variety of services including a bar, cafeteria, dry cleaning, movies, and a beauty parlor. You may read about current events sponsored by the Embassy in its weekly newsletter, "Bari News". See your mailbox for your complimentary copy.

BEAUTY SALONS

• Manon. Address: 31 Abovyan St., located on the second floor of "Mary" Beauty Shop, on the way down from the Medical University to the "Yeritasardakan" Metro Station. Tel: 564.004.
• Marsileya. Address: 7 Aghatangeghos St., in front of "Russia" Movie Theater. Tel: 544.243.

FITNESS CENTERS

• FITNESS CENTER. 10 Vagharsh Vagharshian Street, uphill from the AUA. Tel.: 224.577.
• BELLA. 6 Yervand Kochar Street. Tel.: 548.883.
• “YEREVAN” HOTEL. 14 Abovyan Street. Tel.: 589.400.
• DDD. 54 “B“ Komitas Street. Tel.: 237.040

HEALTH CARE
(suggestions)

• AUA Health Clinic.
Tel.: 512.595 (Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
Sick call appointments 9:30 AM - 11.30 PM.
• "Medita" Clinic:
Address: 10/5 Heratci, Yerevan, 375025 (Malatia Hospital).
Armen Piruzyan, MD. Tel.: 773.079 (part-time Embassy Physician); Dr Kristina Khachatryan. Tel.:773.045.
Call before noon for appointment.
• European Medical Center
3/1 Vazgen Sargsyan Street
Tel.: 540.003, 540.540; 540.940
Western style medical care.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

AUA Security Guards: 512.727 (will call ambulance and contact appropriate personnel)
European Medical Center (English-speaking, 24-hour ambulance service): 540.003, 540.540, 540.940
US Embassy: 524.661 or 521.611
1-01 Fire
1-02 Police
1-03 Ambulance (non-English-speaking, first aide and transportation to hospital)
MEDICAL EMERGENCY CARD: Faculty services provide a card with emergency information, which should be kept in your wallet. Also, keep a copy of your local home address in your wallet. Have someone also write it in Armenian; so, it can be shown to a taxi or ambulance driver.

PHARMACIES (24 hours)

Although there are many, the following tend to be well stocked:
• Drugstore "777". Tel.: 271.777
Address: 17 Hrachia Kochar Street, in front of "Partez" store
(24 hours)
• Drugstore "Lavanda". Tel.: 528 389; 568 676
Address: 17 Tigran Metsi Avenue, near Armenian Pedagogical Institute after Kh. Abovyan
(24-hours)

SOS / INSURANCE

Expatriate Faculty not otherwise having emergency medical evacuation coverage are covered by AUA's group "SOS Plan A" international medical assistance policy. In the event of an emergency while in Yerevan, faculty should contact AUA as per emergency contact card instructions. AUA will coordinate your evacuation with authorized SOS providers. In the event you need assistance while in transit, please contact SOS directly at the number provided in the SOS flier provided to you and provide your name and the AUA group policy number. SOS will inform AUA of your situation and confirm your eligibility for coverage.

Expatriate faculty are expected to arrive in country with health insurance coverage. Long term faculty may be eligible to participate in AUA's group insurance policy and/or receive an allowance toward the cost of purchasing health insurance. Faculty are encouraged to be familiar with their benefits prior to their arrival. Information is found in the employment contracts, in the General Terms and Conditions of AUA Employment, in the Faculty Handbook, and administrative statements of benefits policy. Faculty with questions regarding their coverage should inquire of the AUAC office in Oakland.

In case of emergency the Associate Director of the Administrative Services will immediately contact the Oakland office for notifying the relatives outside of the country as well as for obtaining pertinent emergency information.