Currency
The Albanian Lek is the only currency used in the country and can be obtained through ATMs which are available in big cities. Hotels, taxis and restaurans sometimes also accept payment in Euros. The Albanian Lek is 0.0087 EUR.
Currency Import regulations
When bringing local currency and all other foreign currencies amounts equal to or higher than 10,000 EUR must be declared on arrival. This includes jewelry, precious metals or stones valued at 10,000 EUR or higher.
Disabled access
Accessibility continues to be a problem in Albania in both public and private areas. Traffic, inaccessible streets and sidewalks, lack of information in multi-sensory formats all contribute to the reduction of mobility and limits the freedom of movement for people with disabilities. Public transportation is not easily accessible for persons with disabilities.
Drinking water
Drinking tap water is generally safe, however best to check with the locals. Bottled water is widely consumed in Albania with plenty of local and imported brands widely available.
Electric supply
The standard voltage is 230 V and the voltage frequency is 50 Hz. If the voltage in your country is between 220V - 250V (as is in the Europe, Australia and most of Asia) you can use your equipment. If your devices are only made for 100V - 127V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries) you cannot use them and you will need a voltage converter or a voltage converter with a type C or F adapter. If the voltage frequency in your country is different from Albania (230 V), some devices may not work properly.
Emergency telephone numbers
- Police: 129
- Fire: 128
- Ambulance: 127
- Emergency: 112
- Emergjenca detare: 125
Healthcare facilities
In case of emergency, visitors can go to a nearby hospital or healthcare centers for care. More information here.
Internet Connectivity
Albania’s internet penetration rate stood at 72.2 percent of the total population at the start of 2022. Free WIFI facilities are available at the Tirana International Airport and many public places including shopping malls, restaurants etc.
Language
The official language is Albanian. You can often find people speaking English, Italian and Greek.
Religion
Offcial religions are Islam and Christianity. Albania is a secular state and religion is not taught in its educational system. Islam, Christianity and other religios co-exist peacefully.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all public spaces including museums, sports clubs, shopping malls and restaurants.
Tipping
While you are not obliged to leave a tip, it is always welcome.
Time zone
GMT + 1
Traffic
Albanians drives on the right hand side of the road.
Weather
In Albania the climate is Mediterranean on the coast (with mild, rainy winters and hot, sunny summers), while it's slightly more continental in the interior, though it's really cold only in mountainous areas.
Average annual temperatures vary from 17.6ºC (in Saranda to the South) to 7ºC (in Vermosh in the North). Lowland areas are characterized by a stable mean temperature of 14ºC–16ºC. Maximum temperatures can reach up to 11.3ºC in mountain areas and 21.8ºC in lowland and coastal zones. Rainfall amounts to about 1,000 millimeters (40 inches) per year on the coast, and is even more abundant in hilly and mountainous areas facing west and south.
