Welcome to Albania 😊

Quick Facts About Albania

Money and Finances

Albania's currency is the Lek (ALL) and it is divided into 100 'qindarka'. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 qindarka, and notes can be found in denominations of 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 lek.

ATM Network

ATMs can be found in most urban areas in Albania, but are less common in rural areas. It is recommended to carry cash when traveling to remote areas.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops in major Albanian cities, but may not be accepted in smaller towns and villages. Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than AMEX.

Internet and Phones

In Albania, the average internet speed for uploads and downloads is around 10 Mbps. While there is no government interference in internet use, the infrastructure is still underdeveloped in some parts of the country.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The major telco companies in Albania are Vodafone, Telekom Albania, and Plus Communication. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is low, with plans starting at around 1000 Lek per month. There are no sim compatibility issues.

Dialling to Albania

To call Albania from another country, dial +355 followed by the desired area code and phone number. The area codes used when dialling within Albania are 4 for Tirana, 52 for Vlore, 32 for Durres, and so on.

Transport Around Albania

Air Travel

Albania has one international airport, Tirana International Airport. There are also several smaller airports in the country, such as Kukës Airport and Gjirokastër Airport.

Train Travel

Albania has a limited inter-city train network, with routes from Tirana to Durrës and Shkodër. Prices range from 200 to 500 Albanian Lek, and journey times vary depending on the route.

Metro / Local Trains

Albania does not have a metro system.

Buses

There is an extensive bus network in Albania, covering both inter-city and local routes. Prices are generally cheap, with a ticket from Tirana to Durrës costing around 200 Lek, and journey times are reasonable.

Rideshare

Rideshare companies like Uber and Bolt are available in Albania, with average prices ranging from 300 to 1000 Lek depending on the destination.

Driving by Car

Driving in Albania can be challenging, with narrow roads and aggressive drivers. The speed limit is 40 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h on highways. Albania uses right-hand drive.

Local Customs

In Albania, tipping is not considered mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. A 10% tip is standard. When greeting each other, Albanians shake hands, but close friends and family may also hug or kiss on the cheek. It is common for men to shake hands even if they have just met. When speaking with strangers, it is polite to address them with formal titles such as Mr. or Ms. Women are generally treated with respect and courtesy, and it is common for men to stand up when a woman enters the room.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Albania has a public healthcare system, with both state-owned and privately-owned facilities available. While the quality of care is generally good, there is still room for improvement in terms of resources and equipment. Visitors are generally required to pay for medical treatment, as there is no reciprocal healthcare agreement in place. The approximate cost for a visit to the doctor is around 3,000-5,000 Albanian lek (25-40 USD). It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies in case of unexpected illness or injury.

COVID Situation

Albania imposed an early lockdown and aggressive testing and tracing measures which helped to control the spread of the virus. However, in recent months there has been a surge in cases, particularly in the capital city of Tirana. As of October 2021, the vaccination rate in Albania is around 42%, with booster shots available for certain groups. Masks are mandatory in indoor public spaces and social distancing measures are in place.

Common Health Risks

There is a low risk of malaria and other vector-borne diseases in Albania. However, food poisoning and waterborne illnesses such as hepatitis A and typhoid fever can occur, particularly in rural areas where sanitation may be lacking. It is important to practice good hygiene and drink only bottled or treated water. Tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease are also a risk, particularly in the countryside or forested areas.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

Albania has a legal drinking age of 18. Alcohol consumption is legal and widely accepted, but public intoxication is not allowed and can result in fines or arrest. There are specific laws against driving under the influence of alcohol.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use is illegal in Albania and can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment. The country has a zero-tolerance policy towards drug use, possession, and trafficking. Soft drugs such as cannabis are also prohibited.

Pre-Marital Relationships

The legal age of consent in Albania is 14 years old. Pre-marital relationships are legal and widely accepted in the country, with no specific laws forbidding them.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Same-sex sexual activity in Albania is legal, and the country has recognized same-sex partnerships since 2009. However, discrimination against LGBTQ individuals still exists, and same-sex marriages are not legal.

Firearms / Guns

Firearms ownership in Albania is regulated by law, and strict licensing requirements apply. Only individuals with a valid reason, such as self-defense or hunting, can legally own firearms. The use of firearms is also prohibited in public places, and there are severe penalties for their illegal use.