Country Information for Rentals

Cyprus

Many seasoned travelers say a car in the Republic of Cyprus is an absolute must rather than a luxury, which makes sense because most locals drive and public transport won’t reach every spot you may want to visit. Renting a car in Cyprus is straightforward and you can select anything from a small economy car to a high-end convertible. Given the island’s compact size, you can see a great deal within a one- or two-week stay if you have your own wheels.

Because vehicles are in high demand during peak season, it’s wise to book in advance. The roads here are well maintained with clear bilingual signs in Greek and English. Traffic is usually orderly, though some motorcyclists speed or ignore rules. Overall, driving in Cyprus is pleasant and beneficial for exploring the island’s diverse scenery.

The most popular cities for car hire in Cyprus

  • Larnaca
  • Paphos
  • Protaras
  • Ayia Napa

Car hire prices in Cyprus

Below is the average daily rental cost, calculated from the past three years of bookings, across all vehicle classes:

22 € JAN
29 € FEB
29 € MAR
28 € APR
31 € MAY
29 € JUN
29 € JUL
31 € AUG
32 € SEP
31 € OCT
23 € NOV
25 € DEC

What documents do I need to hire a car in Cyprus?

  • Driver’s license
  • ID or passport
  • Bank card

Given the island’s hot climate, especially from July to August, picking a car with air conditioning is recommended.

The demand for car rental services in Cyprus

The data below shows the average monthly car rental fleet occupancy. If the percentage is high, it indicates fewer vehicles remain available, so consider booking early for better offers:

31.8 % JAN
29.7 % FEB
33.2 % MAR
43.1 % APR
67.3 % MAY
74 % JUN
83.1 % JUL
84.3 % AUG
72.2 % SEP
53.5 % OCT
34 % NOV
29.8 % DEC

Features of traffic rules

Cyprus follows left-hand traffic, so if that’s new to you, it may be easier to rent a car with automatic transmission. Another quirk: rental cars in Cyprus have red license plates, letting local drivers—and the police—spot visitors who might not be familiar with all the local nuances. In general, the rest of the traffic regulations align with European standards, and driving here is often enjoyable.

Parking costs around €0.50 per hour (cheaper than in many other European destinations), and from Saturday noon to Monday morning or on public holidays, most public car parks are free. Churches frequently offer free parking for visitors.

Filling stations operate with minimal pricing variation, so hunting for cheaper fuel is usually pointless. Many stations work automatically at night and on weekends. If you use a credit card, be aware of a temporary hold that can remain in your bank account for a while.

Mobile service is widely accessible through SIM cards sold at kiosks, gas stations, or mobile shops. Ultra-cheap SIMs sometimes come with hidden fees, so it might be worth spending a bit more for a balanced plan.

Driving in Cyprus

The steering wheel is on the right side, and you’ll shift with your left hand in manual cars. It can feel disorienting if you’re used to driving on the right, but you’ll adapt quickly. Stay mindful that traffic coming from the right has priority.

Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h outside towns, and on motorways it’s 100 km/h max (with 65 km/h minimum). Anyone in the car must wear a seat belt, and children under 150 cm need appropriate restraints. You cannot hold a phone, eat, or drink while driving. The standard alcohol limit is 22 µg/100 ml (lower for novice drivers).

If the police find you eating or drinking while the engine is running, they can technically fine you—even if the vehicle isn’t moving. However, officers may be lenient with tourist drivers who exhibit respect and courtesy on the road.

Fines in Cyprus

Cyprus uses a points system where 12 points can lead to a license suspension. Speed limits have a small tolerance, but exceeding them by a large margin can result in significant fines or a court appearance. Drink driving penalties increase as blood alcohol levels rise, and for extremely high values (or drug influence), offenders risk steep financial penalties, license suspension, or even jail time.

Payment can be made at local banks, police stations, town halls, or online at jccsmart.com. Unpaid fines will double after 30 days and may trigger additional court costs or issues at the border on future visits.

Parking in Cyprus

Although parking may look disordered in busy tourist areas, rules do exist, and fines can go up to €100 for serious violations. Stop only in the direction of traffic and avoid curbs with double yellow lines. Single yellow lines typically allow short stops for loading or unloading passengers.

Many hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers provide free spaces for customers. Municipal and private paid lots are also widely available, generally at €0.50–€1.00/hour. On-street meters often require you to place a receipt on the dashboard or track your time using a countdown system.

If you find a parking ticket under your windshield, you have two weeks to pay online, at a police station, or at the Town Hall. Failing that, penalties could escalate.

Filling stations in Cyprus

Fuel options usually include Unleaded 95, Unleaded 98, and Euro Diesel. Prices are set countrywide and tend to be around:

  • Unleaded 95 – ~€1.54
  • Super Unleaded 98 – ~€1.59
  • Euro Diesel – ~€1.59

During attendant working hours—usually weekdays until 6:00 PM and half-days on Saturday— you can request full-service help. Otherwise, stations run in self-serve mode. Paying by card typically places a temporary hold of up to €60 on your account until the final fuel total is confirmed, which could take anywhere from a day to several weeks. Keep your receipt in case of discrepancies.

If you prepay more than you use, your receipt will show a credit line. Contact the station manager by phone or in person for a refund or to continue using that amount on a future visit.

Georgia

Georgia is a beautiful country where everybody will find their favorite pastime. If you like ancient architecture, you'll see Neo-Gothic monasteries and castles, as well as old structures dating back to the 5-6th centuries. If you like nature, scenic areas such as Metekhi, Telavi, Kakheti, and Stepantsminda (formerly Kazbegi) are waiting for you.

From ski resorts to wine and mineral spring tours — you’ll find it all in this small but one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Do you need a hire car? Yes. Without it, you will not see anything, or you will spend a lot of money on taxi fares. Georgia is the country where you need freedom of travel. Rent a car on Rent Vehicle Online and go on an exciting journey.

It is not allowed to drive your rental car across the borders of Georgia.

Car hire prices in Georgia

The average cost of a one-day car rental. The number is calculated based on the bookings of the previous three years. It takes into account the rental of cars across all classes.

36.2 $ JAN
35.12 $ FEB
38.4 $ MAR
42.4 $ APR
47.96 $ MAY
45.67 $ JUN
44.1 $ JUL
46.2 $ AUG
39.67 $ SEP
36.48 $ OKT
34.56 $ NOV
34.79 $ DEC

Necessary documents

  • Driver’s license
  • ID or passport

Tourists in Georgia must have a physical driving licence with a valid expiry date. You can’t drive with copies of your documents or with an electronic driving licence.

Car rental is well developed in the country. You can quickly and safely book a car online on Rent Vehicle Online.

Car insurance in Georgia

Insurance is included in rental plans by default. There are three types of insurance:

  • Third-party liability insurance (TPL)
  • Collision damage waiver (CDW)
  • Super collision damage waiver (SCDW)

Car rental pricing

Price depends on vehicle class, rental period, insurance, and options, such as a child safety seat, navigation system, etc. On Rent Vehicle Online, you see the final and detailed calculation of car rental cost at once. No hidden extra charges and payments. No need to look for deposit amount and insurance cost in rental terms for a long time.

In Georgia, you can rent almost any vehicle type: compact, sedan, or SUV.

Car rental prices in Georgia

Car class Price from Model
Economy class $15.00 Toyota Yaris
Standard $16.00 Toyota Prius
Luxury $30.00 BMW 535i
SUV $19.00 Mitsubishi Outlander
Convertibles $38.00 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350
Van $19.00 Mitsubishi Outlander

The demand for car rental services in Georgia

The occupancy rate of the car rental fleets by month. For example, most cars are being rented in August, which means that this month has the smallest amount of available vehicles. The higher the percentage of the car fleet workload, the earlier it is worth booking a car to choosing the best option at the best price.

36.2 % JAN
32.5 % FEB
44.2 % MAR
51.6 % APR
75.9 % MAY
71.7 % JUN
76.4 % JUL
83.2 % AUG
62.1 % SEP
55.4 % OKT
47.9 % NOV
33.4 % DEC

Rental deposit in Georgia

When signing a rental agreement, you need to make a deposit. This is the maximum liability amount that you leave at the rental counter. When you book a vehicle on Rent Vehicle Online, your deposit will be from $100 to $200 (international rental companies will charge up to $1,000).

If you return your hire car on time, in good and clean condition, and with the specified level of fuel, you will get your deposit back in full. If you paid in cash, your rental agent will return it in cash; if the deposit amount was blocked on your card, then it will be released by the bank within a few days. If your hire car is damaged, you pay the amount that does not exceed your deposit. For example, if a vehicle with a $100 deposit has damage of $1,000, then you will pay only $100, and the remaining amount of $900 will be covered by insurers.

You can buy a “no deposit” paid service for some rental vehicles.

Where you should not drive your rental car

There are places in Georgia where you should not drive, even if you rent an SUV:

  • You can’t drive your rental car to South Ossetia and Abkhazia because those territories are not controlled by the Georgian authorities and insurance is not valid there.
  • The “Mestia - Ushguli - Lentekhi” road runs through a mountainous area with many steep and dangerous slopes. It is strictly prohibited to drive a rental car there.
  • The “Akhaltsikhe - Batumi” road running through the Goderdzi Pass and the “Sairme - Abastumani” road are poor-quality roads that even locals try to avoid.
  • Driving is not allowed in the regions of Truso, Juta, Vashlovani, Tusheti, Omalo, and Shatili.

The most popular cities for car hire in Georgia

  • Tbilisi
  • Batumi
  • Kutaisi
  • Kobuleti

Features of traffic rules in Georgia

Georgia uses traffic rules that are much similar to the international traffic regulations, so it is rather easy to drive there. However, serpentine mountain roads and dashing daredevils ignoring traffic rules may be somewhat annoying. Be careful.

Please follow the regulations. There are many speed cameras and traffic officers in the country. Foreign traffic offenders are fined as readily as locals.

Parking

Parking facilities are paid in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi, while other options may be available in other cities. You pay for parking at a bank terminal and put the receipt under the windshield.

Parking attendants wearing vests do not work for a parking company and are not responsible for your car. They help to park vehicles and safeguard parking spaces on a voluntary basis. If a parking attendant was helpful, you can leave a tip, it’s up to you.

Filling stations

We recommend refuelling your hire car at large filling station networks. They offer a better quality of fuel and a higher level of services.

If you can’t find a familiar filling station network, this simple lifehack will help you find good and affordable fuel — choose a filling station used by taxi and truck drivers.

Petrol and other fuels in Georgia

Petrol is not low-priced, it’s a fact. However, you should not be too quick to feel down when you plan travelling by car in this small yet beautiful country. On the first hand, “not low-priced” does not necessarily mean “hugely expensive”; on the second hand, you will be able to save on other things, such as taxi and time spent.

Petrol prices in Georgia (as of August 2023):

  • 92 (Regular) — 2.65 lari (~1.02$)
  • 95 (Premium) — 2.90 lari (~1.11$)
  • 98 (Super) — 3.59 lari (~1.38$)
  • Diesel — 3.00 lari (~1.15$)
  • LPG — 1.80 lari (~0.69$) (is not available at some petrol stations)

Most fuel stations are open 24/7. Please note that you should exchange your currency in advance. You can pay only with lari in Georgia.

When calculating your fuel consumption, please remember that Georgia is a mountainous country, and petrol consumption is much higher on highland roads than on lowland roads.

The most popular cities for car hire in Georgia

  • Tbilisi
  • Batumi
  • Kutaisi
  • Kobuleti

Fuel gas and diesel

There are enough methane gas filling stations nearly everywhere across the country. They are few and far between on the Georgian Military Road, with the last gas filling station located right after the turn to Vladikavkaz when you drive from Tbilisi. There’s no methane in Tusheti, Svaneti, and Racha.

In places where gas is sold, its quality is the same at both large and small fuel stations. Propane is less frequent. So, you’d better not count on it. If propane is unavailable, fill up your vehicle with petrol.

Diesel is offered at every filling station.

Where to fill up

All drivers would like to know which petrol stations are the best. And nobody wants to be fooled into buying less or worse fuel than expected, that is why we prefer familiar network filling stations.

We advise buying petrol from Lukoil, Gulf, Socar, Wissol, and Rompetrol. Of course, there are other brands in Georgia, but their fuel is not always of high quality. Therefore, you'd better fill up your hire car at network petrol stations. We recommend that you opt for "premium" fuel.

Network filling stations are frequent in large cities like Tbilisi, Batumi, or Kutaisi. You don’t need to get out of your car to fill up the tank, a filling station attendant will do the job. You can pay by a bank card.

What if there are no familiar petrol stations nearby? It’s simple. Look where taxi and truck drivers fill up. They know which stations sell the best petrol.

How to act on roads in Georgia

Tourists travelling by car find it challenging to drive on the road section with the "speaking" name — Cross Pass (between Kobi and Gudauri). Indeed, the road is of poor quality here, and low-clearance vehicles can damage the undercarriage. Please take that into account if your route leads through Cross Pass.

Serpentines are rather steep in Georgia, so drive slowly. You can often encounter animals on the road; while you can scare away sheep, cows don’t react to honking, and you may have to wait for them to move away.

Air density decreases at an altitude of over 2,500 metres above sea level, which can cause the engine to lose power. So, drivers must control gears and use engine braking on long descents.

Telephone hotlines

  • Rescue Service – 112
  • Patrol Force – +995 322 418 502
  • Roads Department of Georgia – +995 322 313 07

On the whole, the atmosphere in the country is calm, and the people are well-disposed. You can travel by car with your kids. If something goes wrong (e.g., you run out of fuel, get a flat tyre, or lose your way), feel free to turn to the police for help, it's a common practice here, and police officers consider such requests an essential part of their job.

Parking in Georgia

Parking is simple in Georgia — you can park your vehicle wherever you find a vacant spot as long as it doesn’t obstruct traffic. Local drivers may ignore rules, but you shouldn't, or you risk a fine.

Free parking
You can park free of charge anywhere that does not have paid parking signage. Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi do have paid parking, but you can still find free spots:

  • Tbilisi: near the Bridge of Peace (opposite Rike Park) and near the Gabriadze Theater
  • Batumi: you can leave your car in any yard outside the city centre
  • Kutaisi: park in the yards outside the city centre

Some hotels claim to offer free parking but require you to buy a municipal season ticket for the car park near them. Confirm with your hotel in advance.

Paid parking
Paid parking areas can be found in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi. They are designated by a “P” sign with the parking company logo. Each city has only one parking company and sets a city-wide standard rate.

Parking rates in Georgia

  • Day — 4 lari ($1.6)
  • Week — 10 lari ($4)
  • 6 months — 25 lari ($10.5)
  • Year — 50 lari ($21)

The minimum chargeable period is one day. You pay at a bank, terminal, or online (using English letters). Different cities have different parking companies, so a Tbilisi parking ticket does not work in Batumi or Kutaisi.

Do not pay people in reflective vests — they are just volunteers, not official attendants.

Car parks with boom barriers
Even if you have paid for day parking, some private parking facilities (e.g., near markets or airports) will charge you separately, often about $0.5/hour.

Airport parking
Tbilisi Airport has three lots, none are free, but you can stop for 5 minutes at the airport or 10 minutes near the train station. Kutaisi Airport charges around $0.41/hour.

Fines
Illegal parking typically costs 10 lari ($4); towing is about $50 in total fees.

If your car is towed, call the local parking company or the police (112). Pay your penalty at a bank, then retrieve your car from the impound lot. Storage beyond 24 hours costs an additional 10 lari/day.

Features of traffic rules in Georgia

You must observe the rules of the road if you are going to drive. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. The main limits are 60 km/h in towns, 90 km/h outside towns, and 110 km/h on expressways — though only part of Tbilisi-Batumi is a real expressway.

Low beams: required at night or in poor weather. Seat belts: front seat only (rear is not mandatory). Phones: hands-free only. Alcohol: limit of 0.3 permille. Kids: under 12 cannot sit in the front seat; under 3 need a child seat or may ride on an adult’s lap.

The most common fines:

  • Non-use of seat belts – €13
  • Speeding – €18
  • Illegal parking – €9
  • Using mobile phone in hand – €4
  • Crossing double lines – €40
  • Drink driving – over €350

Police may be lenient for smaller infractions, but you should not rely on that. You can pay fines at any bank. If you fail to pay, it may get multiplied if you return to Georgia later.

If you are stopped by police, remain in the car and be respectful. Show your driving license, passport, and vehicle registration certificate.

Montenegro

To explore Montenegro’s diverse scenery in the most convenient way, it’s wise to rent a car. That freedom saves you from dealing with buses, helping you visit all the major attractions and experience the Montenegrin lifestyle firsthand, in towns both big and small. In summer, the daily rate for an economy-class hire (with insurance) usually ranges from €30 to €50, while in winter, it can drop to about €10 to €40 for the same vehicle type.

Mountain roads require extra care: occasionally small pieces of rock may lie on the asphalt. Also, livestock sometimes wander onto rural roads, so be alert to prevent collisions.

The most popular cities for car hire in Montenegro

  • Tivat
  • Budva
  • Becici
  • Kotor

Car hire prices in Montenegro

Below is the average daily rental cost, calculated from data over the past three years, for vehicles of all classes.

15 € JAN
14.43 € FEB
14.14 € MAR
19.04 € APR
24 € MAY
38.5 € JUN
44.83 € JUL
44 € AUG
36.67 € SEP
18 € OCT
16 € NOV
15.45 € DEC

Insurance and documents

To rent a car in Montenegro, you need a passport and a valid driver’s license. A refundable deposit of €50 to €300 may be requested. The country has no extensive toll roads except the Sozina Tunnel (connecting the coastal region with Podgorica) and a toll section on the route from Herceg Novi to Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The rental cost in Montenegro typically includes third-party liability insurance (TPL), necessary equipment (such as warning triangles and high-visibility vests), and VAT.

The demand for car rental services in Montenegro

Below you can see the average monthly fleet occupancy. Higher percentages mean fewer available cars and a stronger reason to book in advance for better deals.

31.17 % JAN
31.86 % FEB
34.37 % MAR
38.22 % APR
47.02 % MAY
67.49 % JUN
82.21 % JUL
87.6 % AUG
88.71 % SEP
57.7 % OCT
36.4 % NOV
34.47 % DEC

Filling stations and fuel

Montenegrin petrol stations generally sell diesel and unleaded petrol (95 and 98). Fuel quality is consistent overall, but many local drivers advise avoiding EKO stations because some vehicles react poorly to their additives.

You do not really need to carry extra fuel in a canister, since there are stations every 20 to 70 kilometers. Generally, you should bring back your rental car with the same fuel level it had at pickup.

Every filling station has staff who can pump the fuel for you. Just specify the type (95, 98, or diesel) and quantity or price limit; you can also request a full tank. Check the meter reading before you pay. Payment by card (Visa, MasterCard) or cash is accepted virtually everywhere.

Traffic rules features

In Montenegro, low-beam headlights are required at all times, day or night, year-round. Children under 5 must be in the back seat with a child seat, and no one under 12 can ride in front if there isn’t a proper seat restraint. Everyone must wear a seat belt in any position where the manufacturer has installed one. Phones may only be used hands-free. Studded tyres and radar detectors are banned.

The built-up area speed limit is generally 50 km/h, and on highways outside towns, it can be higher—though certain roads remain 50 km/h unless otherwise posted. If a school bus stops in front of you to let children on or off, overtaking is not permitted. Yield to vehicles already on a roundabout, and note that drivers in Montenegro pride themselves on patience—be prepared to wait calmly if someone stops for a chat or to pick up passengers.

Fines

Police officers are not allowed to accept payment directly on the roadside. Instead, if you receive a citation, your ID or license may be temporarily confiscated, and the officer will give you payment details so you can resolve the fine through a bank or post office. In minor cases, an officer might be lenient if you politely acknowledge the mistake, but this is never guaranteed.

Official fines range from €40 to €2,000 depending on the severity and the driver’s attitude. Remember that renting a car does not protect you from standard penalties, and repeated offenses can complicate matters for both you and the rental company.

Parking

Montenegro has both free and paid parking lots. Where a barrier gate is installed, you typically pay upon entry (or exit) at a rate of around €1/hour or €4 for an overnight stay. On the street, look for signage and meters; you can usually park for up to two hours if you pay in advance, placing the receipt under your windshield. If time is running out, either renew your payment or move the vehicle.

Even though you pay to park, the facility does not take responsibility for your car’s safety—though crime rates are low in Montenegro. Tow trucks clear illegally parked vehicles fairly quickly in tourist areas, especially during summer, so observe the parking rules carefully.

Filling stations in Montenegro

Most Montenegrin stations operate 24/7, often with a mini-market or café. Fuel prices are fixed nationwide, so you won’t save by driving further. As of July 2024, the prices are roughly:

  • Eurosuper 95 – €1.53
  • Eurosuper 98 – €1.57
  • Eurodizel – €1.41

If you plan to drive to neighboring Albania, it might be cheaper and safer to fuel up in Montenegro, given the quality standards here. Stay attentive at the pump to avoid any chance of being overcharged and always ask for a receipt.

Traffic rules and fines in Montenegro

Driving rules align with European norms. Speeding penalties begin around €30 and can rise sharply for serious violations. You must keep low beams on at all times, buckle your seat belt, avoid handheld phone calls, and refrain from driving after alcohol consumption beyond a blood alcohol level of 0.2 permille. Offenses could lead to court hearings, license confiscation, or significant fines.

If the police confiscate your license for a major violation, you’ll receive a date to appear before local authorities. Minor offenses might allow immediate payment of a portion of the fine, but there’s no guarantee. Be courteous and calm if stopped.

Parking in Montenegro

Streetside spaces may be free or metered depending on city zones. Look for posted signs and always check if you’re parking legally. Paid on-street parking rarely exceeds a couple of hours. Large parking lots or garages with a gate typically cost more but allow unlimited duration. You’ll collect a ticket at the entrance and pay at a machine or booth when leaving.

Budva, Bar, Tivat, Kotor, and Podgorica all have varied approaches to pay zones—some use meters, some use SMS systems, and nightly rates can differ. Illegal parking fines may range from €15 to over €100, plus towing and storage fees if your car is impounded.

Overall, driving in Montenegro is enjoyable if you follow posted signs and remain patient. Towns can be busy during the tourist season, so it pays to reserve your rental car in advance and map out your parking options before you arrive.

Armenia

Travelling by car is very interesting and exciting in Armenia. The mountain roads are not too busy and are extremely scenic. The surrounding landscapes just make you stop and take selfies and panoramas of the amazing flat-top mountains.

In Armenia, you can conquer a mountain peak by climbing the highest point of the country — the true ancient Aragats volcano. You can enjoy the views of ancient castles and monasteries, such as the Fortress of Amberd, Khor Virap Monastery in the Ararat Mountains, and the Monastery of Geghard that is partially carved out of the adjacent mountain. There are also pagan shrines like the pagan Temple of Garni dating back to the 1st century AD that was painstakingly reconstructed after the earthquake using the same bricks.

In short, there's a lot to see in Armenia. Your journey will be very unusual and memorable, and you will definitely want to come back here again.

Required documents to rent a car in Armenia

  • Category “B” driver’s license
  • The passport you used to enter Armenia.

Car rental pricing policy
The rental price depends on the class of car, rental period, optional insurances and services that you can either select or unselect if you don’t need them.
On Rent Vehicle Online, you can see the price breakdown before you start booking. The final rental price is fixed in the voucher at the time of booking.

Car rental at Yerevan airport
Zvartnots International Airport is located 12 km from the city centre and can be most conveniently reached by car. You can request car delivery directly to the airport by the time of your arrival.

Quality of roads in Armenia
All major cities are connected by roads of national significance with good pavement. Armenians are not reckless drivers, they drive calmly and politely, but they don’t like to let others overtake them.

The best multilane roads connect Yerevan and the major cities of Ararat, Ashtarak, Echmiadzin, and Sevan. Good roads lead to the cities of Gyumri, Meghri, Armavir, Dilijan, and Vanadzor.

In Armenia, serpentine roads are not too difficult and are very ‘driver-friendly’ but the ascents and descents can be tiring. The Sisian-Kajaran road section is rather difficult. Not dangerous but difficult because of steep climbs and descents.

Travelling abroad by the car rented in Armenia
You can travel to Georgia by rental car but you need to contact the customer support first to do the necessary paperwork. Prices and conditions for travelling abroad may vary depending on the car you selected and the duration of the visit to Georgia.

Traffic regulations in Armenia
The speed limits are up to 60 km/h within cities and up to 90 km/h outside cities. There are many cameras on the roads in cities, so you had better respect the speed limits.
Those sitting in the front seats must always buckle up. The police don’t check rear passengers’ seatbelts very rigorously.
Children under 12 years of age must ride in a child safety seat.
You can use your mobile phone while driving only with a hands-free system.
Traffic police are strict on drunk drivers.

Parking
In Yerevan, most car parks are paid. You can easily recognise a paid car park by the red lines on the pavement. Try to avoid parking your rental car in the wrong places. Otherwise, you will get a fine that is ten times the parking cost.

In Yerevan, you can park for free near some shopping centres and attractions. In other cities, most car parks are free of charge.

Fraudsters. In free car parks near popular attractions, you may encounter people who will tell you that this is a paid parking area and that you need to pay in cash to them. Ask for their IDs. Fraudsters will most probably have no IDs.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Petrol stations
We recommend that you fill up only at large petrol stations, such as CPS, Grand Petrolium, Max Group, etc. You can’t trust the quality of petrol offered in fuel containers at small petrol stations in smaller towns. It’s just a matter of luck, literally.

Most petrol stations accept cash. And they rarely accept card payments. Some petrol stations don’t even have a regular cash register, and all payments are made “from hand to hand”.

Mobile service
In Armenia, the mobile service is provided by Viva-MTS, Team Telecom Armenia, and UCOM. All providers offer good quality service but you can experience service disruptions in the mountains.
You can buy a SIM card at a provider’s store or at the airport. You’ll need your ID or passport to buy a SIM card.


Everything you need to know about parking in Armenia is mostly related to Yerevan. In other cities, you won’t encounter any difficulties and just need to follow the signs. Outside the capital, parking is generally free.

In tourist areas, you may encounter scammers who pose as “valets” and try to get money for free parking in this way. Always ask for their credentials!

Parking in Yerevan
In the city centre, parking areas are payable. You can identify them by the sign and red markings on the pavement. Parking outside the red lines is prohibited.

It is free to stop for 15 minutes within the red markings.

Parking rates in Yerevan:

Parking duration: Rates for A zone Rates for B zone
1 hour ֏300 (~ $0.75) ֏200 (~ $0.50)
day ֏2,000 (~ $5) ֏1,000 (~ $2.50)
week ֏5,000 (~ $12.50) ֏2,000 (~ $5)
month ֏18,000 (~ $45) ֏4,000 (~ $10)
year ֏160,000 (~ $400) ֏24,000 (~ $60)

After paying, you can leave your car in any red marked parking area throughout the period you have paid for.

How to pay for parking
Via terminal: Telcell, MegaPay, IDRAM, Mobidram or EasyPay. You can find it on the pavement next to the parking area. Both cash and cards are accepted. Some terminals charge a commission of around ֏200 (~$0.50).
Always enter your car license plate number in Latin letters without spaces in the format “00xx000”.

Online: on the iDRAM website. (We can’t recommend the Mobidram website because you may wait for the registration SMS for a long time or won’t receive it at all.)
Payment procedure:

  1. Go to the iDRAM website.
  2. Sign up. To confirm your registration, you will need to enter your phone number that can receive the SMS with a confirmation code. When creating your password, you will be asked to enter a special character, however, the website does not accept most punctuation characters. Try the slash sign “/”.
  3. Next, select “Payment and transfer”, go to the bottom of the page and select “Parking” under “Car Payments”.
  4. Enter your car license plate number.
  5. A fee is charged for payment.

Via SMS from a local SIM card
For 1 hour in A zone - Text “00xx000” (your license plate number) to 1045.
For 1 hour in B zone - Text “00xx000” (your license plate number) to 5045.
When you pay via mobile phone, the time counts down from the moment the confirmation SMS is received. You will receive a reminder 5 minutes before the time is up.

By bank transfer. Account number: 900015211593. Enter your car license plate number in the “Aim” field.

Underground car parks
They are located under Freedom Square, in the centre of Yerevan. They have a capacity of 600 cars and charge from ֏200 (~$0.50) per hour. You pay at the exit.

Free parking in Yerevan
It’s free to park your car:

  • Within the red lines from 0:00 to 9:00.
  • Near many cafes and restaurants if you are a visitor.
  • Near attractions.

Fines
Parking in an inappropriate place or late payment — ֏5,000 (~$12.50).
Violation of stopping and parking rules, which caused other drivers to stop or change direction — ֏10,000 (~$25).
Towing and impoundment due to improper parking — ֏20,000 (~$50).

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