The Ultimate Albania Travel Guide

The Basics

Currency: The official currency in Albania is the Albanian Lek (ALL), pegged to the Euro at a fixed exchange rate. Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it’s always safe to carry some cash, especially when traveling to smaller towns and rural areas. If you have a bank card with little or no ATM fees (like our favorite Charles Schwab checking account card), the cheapest way to get Lek’s is directly through an ATM.

Power adapters: Like most of Europe, Albania uses plug types C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, so if you’re visiting from somewhere in the US, you’ll need a voltage converter to keep your electronics safe. We love the Bestek power adapter, which can charge up to 7 devices at the same time and also works as a converter, and the Tripshell Elago adapter if you’re looking for something smaller.

Language: Albanian is the official language of the country and is spoken by the majority of the population. However, due to Albania’s history and linguistic diversity, minority languages such as Greek, Serbian, and Vlach are also spoken in specific regions of the country. English and Italian are also common, particularly in larger cities.

Not To Overlook

Healthcare: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance before embarking on your trip. No matter how careful you are, accidents are prone to happen, and the last thing you want is to have a medical emergency abroad with no financial protection.

There are several companies out there, but after relying on them more than once, we can say we are extremely satisfied with SafetyWing and highly recommend it to others looking for peace of mind while traveling.

SafetyWing offers two different types of insurance: 1) nomad insurance, perfect for travelers looking for affordable and flexible coverage, that can either be easily extended or canceled at any point; and 2) a remote health plan, ideal for long-term travelers or full-time nomads since it includes coverage in the home country and anywhere in the world, and covers not only accidental injuries but also cancer treatments and routine care.

Overall, their platform is incredibly easy to use and the entire process is straightforward, and their customer service is knowledgeable, kind, and eager to help. What’s also great is that you can purchase the insurance at any point from anywhere in the world, meaning you don’t have to do it before your trip, and there is no limit on the duration of your trip.

Safety: Though Albania has a quite troubling past, including decades under a communist dictatorship, the nation has completely transformed in recent years. We found Albania to be a safe and welcoming destination, and never felt nervous about crime during our stay. As in many places, pickpocketing can happen, especially on public transportation or crowded beaches, so just make sure to keep your belongings close. Also, driving in Albania (particularly on narrow roads in the mountains or along the coast) can be a bit scary, since roads are windy and narrow, so be careful.

How To Get Around: Larger cities like Tirana are very walkable, though the bus system is the most extensive and affordable mode of transport in Albania, connecting major cities and smaller towns. Buses are generally comfortable and reliable but can be crowded during peak hours. Taxis are also widely available in major cities, but we recommend negotiating fares in advance.

However, if you’re looking to travel throughout the country, we recommend renting a car as it’s the most convenient way to get around. For rental cars, we recommend using Discover Cars. The site is very user-friendly and aggregates all types of vehicles and prices to make sure you find the best deal. 

Where to Stay

Albania’s capital city is a diverse and vibrant destination that offers something for everyone, but deciding where to stay in Tirana is no easy task. In hopes to inspire others to visit, we’ve included in this Albania travel guide, a list of the best places to stay in Tirana, aiming to suit every type of travel budget.