Country guides
Europe
Electricity
Electricity in Albania is 220 to 240 volts, 50 Hz. Plugs are typically Type C or Type F (round pin, European-style). Voltage fluctuations can occur, so a surge protector is recommended for sensitive devices.
Language
The official language is Albanian. Greek is spoken in some southern areas, particularly near the border. English is increasingly understood, especially among younger people and in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas.
Money
The currency in Albania is the lek (ALL). Major credit and debit cards are accepted in banks, large supermarkets, and international hotels, but smaller businesses and taxis usually take cash only. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Street money changers operate openly but illegally; it's safer to exchange currency at banks or licensed exchange offices (kambim valutor) found in Tirana and main towns. Euros and US dollars are the most commonly accepted foreign currencies. Lek cannot generally be exchanged outside Albania, so travellers should convert leftovers before leaving. Apple Pay and Google Pay are available through some local banks but aren't widely accepted yet. Cash remains essential, especially in smaller towns and taxis. Banks usually operate weekdays, 8.30am to 2.30pm.
Tipping
In Albania, patrons often leave about 5 to 10 percent of the bill at restaurants, or simply round up the total. For taxis, rounding up the fare, typically to the nearest 100 lek, is customary when service is good. Hotel staff don't expect tips, but it's polite and appreciated to tip around 100 to 200 lek for luggage assistance. Some guests give up to 500 lek for housekeeping.
Health
Travellers spending time outdoors or in areas where animal bites could be a risk may wish to speak with a healthcare provider about the rabies vaccine. Tap water in Albania isn't generally considered safe to drink, so it's best to stick to bottled water or use water that has been boiled, filtered, or treated before drinking or brushing teeth.
Medical facilities in Albania can be limited, especially outside of Tirana. For peace of mind, it's a good idea to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for emergency evacuation. Visitors who take regular medication should bring enough for their trip, along with a letter from their doctor explaining what the medication is and why it's needed.
Safety
Public security is generally good, particularly in Tirana, and Albanians are known for being welcoming to visitors. While crime and violence do occur in some areas, incidents targeting foreigners are rare.
Driving in Albania can be hazardous, especially on poorly maintained rural roads. Aggressive and unpredictable driving is common, and Albania has one of the highest per‑capita road accident fatality rates in Europe. Street lighting in urban areas may be unreliable due to power cuts.
Although Albania declared itself landmine‑free in 2009, unexploded ordnance may still be present in some remote zones, particularly near the northeastern border with Kosovo. These areas are typically marked with warning signs or warning tape. Travellers heading that way should stick to paved roads, avoid open fields, shoulders, or unmarked trails, and follow local instructions carefully.
Local customs
Attitudes toward women in Albania can still be quite traditional, particularly in rural areas, where modest clothing and behaviour are more common. While homosexuality is legal, it may not be widely accepted in more conservative or rural parts of the country, and same-sex public displays of affection could attract unwanted attention. Penalties for drug-related offenses are strict, and travellers should take extra care to avoid any issues with local drug laws.
Doing business
Business attire is recommended for meetings with government officials, while smart business casual is suitable for most company visits. Titles are respected in professional settings, and using them, such as 'doctor', is appreciated. Appointments should be scheduled in advance. Business cards are commonly exchanged, although there's no set protocol.
While meetings may begin later than scheduled, arriving on time is still encouraged. English and Italian are widely spoken among professionals.
Albania has a relationship-oriented business culture that values trust, hospitality, and personal connection. Meetings often begin with informal conversation and may take place over coffee. This is considered an important part of building rapport. Exchanging small gifts is also common and seen as a friendly, respectful gesture.
Duty free
Travellers to Albania may bring in, duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco; 1 L of spirits, 2 L of wine, and 10 L of beer; plus 250 ml of eau de toilette and 50 ml of perfume. Importing or exporting over 1,000,000 ALL (about €10,000) must be declared at the border.
Communications
The international access code for Albania is +355. Most hotels have free WiFi access; restaurants may also offer free WiFi in the larger towns. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Passport & Visa
Travellers are advised to have at least three months' passport validity beyond their planned departure from Albania, and it's generally better to bring a passport valid for six months to avoid complications. Visitors should be prepared to show onward or return tickets, documentation for their next destination, and proof of sufficient funds. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if travellers are arriving from a country where there's a risk of transmission. While many visa-exempt travellers can stay for up to 90 days, longer stays generally necessitate applying for a residence permit before the initial period expires.
Entry requirements
United States citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of three months from the date of their arrival. Americans do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, though some sources state that stays of up to one year may be allowed with a residence permit.
British passport holders must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of three months from the date of their departure. They do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Canadian passport holders must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of three months from the date of their departure. They do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Australian passport holders must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of three months from the date of their departure. They do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
South African passport holders require a passport valid for three months beyond their date of departure as well as a visa, unless they hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, or a multiple-entry visa issued by the UK or USA, which exempts them from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Irish passport holders require a passport that is valid for three months beyond their date of departure, but do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
New Zealand passport holders require a passport that is valid for three months beyond their date of departure, but do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.