SIM cards in Armenia are cheap and can be purchased upon arrival at Zvartnots Airport. Just ensure that your phone is unlocked (ready for use with international carriers) with your primary mobile carrier beforehand. Most smartphones nowadays are, although some carriers set restrictions on usage abroad to sell you expensive roaming plans.

​

Vivacell MTS is Armenia's leading network provider and offers the strongest 4G LTE coverage across the country. To purchase a SIM card, approach Vivacell's service desk near Zvartnots' baggage claim; you can't miss it. Ask for a prepaid card ('kankhavjarayin qart') and present your passport. The card itself costs just ֏100 ($0.21), but you'll need to pick a tariff plan as well.

​

Get the 'Y Tariff Plan.' It includes:

-400 minutes for calls to the US, Canada and Russia,

-Unlimited calls within Vivacell's network,

-Unlimited 4G LTE data when using Viber, Whatsapp, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook and Facebook Messenger, and

-5 GB of 4G LTE data for all other Internet usage,

all for just ֏2,800 ($5.85).

​

The service desk only accepts cash, so be sure to exchange currency prior to crossing passport control. Don't exchange too much here, though, because you'll get better rates in the city.

​

Once the card is paid for, ask the agent for your number (if they haven't noted it already) while they pop it into your phone. It'll be a nine-digit number, the first three of which is your area code (0XX).

​

To make calls to the US and Canada, dial 77001, followed by the ten-digit phone number of the person you're trying to reach. For calls to Russia, dial 77007.

​

Cascade, 7.2013