Albanian currency is the lek (plural lekë), while the Euro is in common use throughout Albania and can be used to pay for many services. However, not all places will take euros, so it’s a good idea to carry an adequate amount of local money on hand. Due to the cash-based nature of Albania’s economy, currency exchange bureaus are located not only in tourist destinations.
You can find exchange offices in all cities, but less so in the countryside. A well-established exchange network is Iliria’98 in Tirana, which has a branch right at the airport. Money can be changed also at most banks, though usually with some extra fee added or at a not-so-favourable rate. Given the high ATM withdrawal fees, it’s better to change at exchange offices. The exception is Tirana airport, where money exchange is less favourable compared to the city centre.
ATMs are common in Albanian cities, towns and some beach resorts.
Spend your leks or change them back into Euros before departure. Albanian currency is not freely convertible and will not be exchanged anywhere except in Albania or some neighbouring countries.
In Albania, scams targeting visitors during money conversion are uncommon.
Cashless payments can be made with an international Visa or Master Card. Payment cards can be used in larger shops, higher-end restaurants or at some petrol stations, but this is not the rule. Even in hotels cards are often not accepted. So always carry plenty of cash. Better ask in advance if you can pay with a card.
Albania is a cheap country. Accommodation prices usually start at 10 euros, and equally cheap are restaurants. Even some food, typically vegetables and fruit, is cheaper than in most of Europe. Most services, such as car repair, are also much cheaper.
Tipping is not compulsory though usually about 10 per cent of the amount is paid.
It is possible to spend just around 40 euros per day if you save money, eat in fast food or bakeries (#byrek), take public transport and stay in 10 to 15-euro hostels or small guesthouses. You’ll spend up to 100 euros per day if you sleep in better hotels (approx. 50 euros/night), eat at least once a day in restaurants (up to 10 euros for lunch or dinner), pay entrance fees to sights and take the occasional taxi ride. It is possible to spend over 100 euros a day on fine dining, lodging in luxurious hotels, and guided tours of tourist attractions.
CAUTION: It is very likely that you will encounter a situation in Albania where the seller asks for a seemingly unreasonable amount of money. For example, that bread costs 1000 leks instead of the usual 100 leks. This is not an attempt to stretch you, but a deep-rooted habit of Albanians to give prices in leks before the 1965 (!) currency reform. Back then all prices were reduced at a ratio of 10:1. It is difficult for outsiders to comprehend how such a habit can endure for so long, but that is just the way it is. If in doubt, simply ask whether the price is in new or old leks.
Useful Links
Accommodation
Explore diverse, reliable accommodations in Albania with Booking.com, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Flights
Find the cheapest flights to Albania on Kiwi.com. It combines various airlines into a single itinerary.
Car Rental
Discover Albania with cheap & reliable car rentals through Rent from Locals.
Mobile data
Airalo provides affordable and convenient mobile data to keep you connected wherever you travel. Forget local SIM or roaming charges.
Experiences
Viator.com offers a way to book diverse tours and activities in Albania, providing access to trusted local partners.