Basics
Sockets & plugs
Albania uses 230V, 50Hz with sockets and plugs Type C and Type F.
Read more
Money
Currency
Albania uses the Albanian lek (symbol: L), code ALL.
Banknotes come in denominations of 5000, 2000, 1000, 500 and 200 lekë. Lek is subdivided into 100 qindarkës. Coins come in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 lekë.
Tipping
Tipping is usually not expected in Albania. However, if you are satisfied with the service provided you can show your appreciation by leaving a small ‘extra’ tip.
ATMs
Automatic teller machines (local names: bankomat or ATM) are common in Albania. You can usually find them in both large & small cities.
You do not need a chip & PIN card to use an ATM — your standard magnetic card will work fine.
Communications
Internet
Internet speed in Albania is on average 5.8 Mbps.
WiFi coverage in Albania is low. It is not as easy to find one.
Mobile phone
You can buy a SIM card for about 278.94 ALL, which includes 1 GB of data plan. You can choose from 3 telecoms: ALBtelecom, Telekom or Vodafone.
Albania uses GSM mobile networks GSM 900 and GSM 1800.
If you don't want to buy SIM card in Albania upon arrival, make sure to check the roaming charges with your telecom provider before your departure so there are no surprises when you return home.
Dial code
To call Albania, dial +, then 355 (the country code for Albania), then the area code (without the initial 0) and the local number.
For local calls within Albania, start with the area code (with the initial 0). In the case above area code is 22 .
Health & safety
LGBTIQ+
Homosexuality is legal in Albania.
Same-sex marriage is not recognized.
Vaccinations
The following vaccinations listed for this country are recommended for your protection and to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
These apply only to select travelers or persons on work assignments.
Travel advisories
Alerts are issued for short-term events we think you should know about when planning travel to a country.
