Organize your stay Albania
Money Albania
The lek (international code ALL) is the national currency of Albania, but the euro is often accepted for large expenses. There are 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 coins and 100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 5,000 lek banknotes, but it is important to keep small denominations for everyday payments. It is also important to keep a few "big" bills to pay restaurants or hotels, which still often do not take the card. The exchange rate is stable: 1 € = 140 lek.
Budget & Tips Albania
The cost of living remains low throughout the country, compared with Western Europe. Although some hotels, particularly in the major coastal cities and Tirana, are beginning to bring their prices into line with those of their western neighbors, you should expect to pay between €20 and €80 for accommodation. A good meal usually costs less than €10. As for transport, the longest bus journeys, such as Tirana-Saranda, cost no more than 1,500 lek (around €10). Car rentals are cheap. However, petrol and car rentals are the same as in France.
Whether you're on foot or by car, there will come a time when you'll be a little lost and no Wifi will be available. Rather than reactivating the mobile data on your phone (and paying a high price), download the Maps.me application before you set off. This offline GPS is free and includes maps of almost every country in the world. To use it, simply download the map of the country you're interested in before you leave. Unlike Google Maps, which offers extremely heavy maps, Maps.me keeps things light, with around 50 MB per map.
On arrival atTirana airport, you can also pick up a local chip for €15, or even a 21-day "tourist pack". All you need is a telephone to avoid losing your own SIM card and number.
Passport and visas Albania
Citizens of the European Union, most other European countries and the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan can enter Albania without a visa. Other travelers must obtain a visa from an Albanian embassy or consulate abroad before leaving. Further information is available on the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at www.mfa.gov.al.
All you need is a passport valid for three months beyond the date of your expected return from Albania. While it is theoretically possible to re-enter Albania with a simple identity card, we recommend that you always take your passport with you, as airlines or certain officials may, out of ignorance, be overzealous and hold you up for a few hours or more.
Driver's license Albania
The national driving licence is accepted.
Health Albania
Although no serious illnesses are reported in Albania, we just recommend that you avoid drinking tap water. In general, in case of illness or other serious health problems, we advise you to contact the French consulate. They will be able to help you, accompany you and provide you with a list of French-speaking doctors. In the event of a serious problem, it is also the consulate that notifies the family and decides on repatriation. To find out about emergencies and facilities that meet international standards, visit www.diplomatie.gouv.fr and www.pasteur.fr.
Mandatory vaccination Albania
No special vaccinations are required to enter Albania. However, we recommend that you keep up to date with your vaccinations.
Security Albania
For the latest information on on-site security, consult the "Travel Report" section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs). However, be aware that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers and that this sometimes gives a somewhat alarming picture of the actual situation in the country.
Time difference Albania
There is no time difference between France and Albania. Both countries switch to summer and winter time at the same time, on the last Sundays of March and October respectively. However, as Albania is 2,000 km east of France, day and night fall much earlier than in France.
Spoken languages Albania
In addition to Albanian, English (among the youngest) and Italian are very common, as are Greek and Aromanian in the south. French is still familiar to some students and people who lived under the communist dictatorship (Enver Hoxha studied at the former French high school in Korça and in Montpellier).
Communication Albania
Good news: since 2021, encouraged by the European Union, international mobile roaming charges in six Balkan countries - including Albania - were due to be phased out. However, we advise you to check roaming charges. For the rest, network coverage is good, and inland or in villages, a few words of Albanian - and the help of a good translation app on your phone - can come in handy.
Electricity and measurements Albania
Electrical voltage (220 V, 50 Hz) and plugs are the same as in France/Belgium/Switzerland. The metric system is also the same in Albania.
Luggage Albania
In summer, July and August are very hot months: bring swimsuits and beachwear, but also some woolens, because the nights are cool. If you plan to hike in the mountains, bring the right equipment and good shoes. From autumn and even in spring, take thick woollens.
