Money, Internet & Language
Money & Currency
The Albanian currency is the Lek (ALL). The exchange rate is relatively stable: 1€ ≈ 100 Lek (easy to calculate!). ATMs (bankomat) are available in all cities and tourist areas — they dispense Lek. Common banknotes: 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 Lek. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in upscale restaurants and hotels, but cash is king — in small restaurants, guesthouses, and markets you need Lek in cash.
Euros are often accepted on the coast and in tourist areas, but at a worse exchange rate. The cheapest option: withdraw Lek from an ATM. Note: In Theth, Valbona, and other remote areas there are NO ATMs — bring enough cash!
Internet & Mobile
Albania is not included in EU roaming — your German mobile contract does NOT apply here without additional costs! Options:
- Local SIM card: The easiest and cheapest option. Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport or in any mobile store (Vodafone AL, ONE Albania). €5–10 for 10–30 GB of data (1 month). Passport or ID required.
- eSIM: Providers like Airalo or Holafly offer eSIMs for Albania (from €5 for 1 GB).
- Wi-Fi: Almost everywhere free in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. The quality is good in cities, fluctuating in remote areas.
Language
Albanian (Shqip) does not belong to any other language family — it is a unique branch of the Indo-European languages. The language is difficult for travelers to learn, but a few words open hearts:
- Përshëndetje — Hello (formal)
- Ç'kemi — Hello (informal, like "Hey")
- Faleminderit — Thank you
- Ju lutem — Please
- Po / Jo — Yes / No (NOTE: Nodding = No, Shaking head = Yes!)
- Sa kushton? — How much does it cost?
- Gëzuar! — Cheers!
- Mirupafshim — Goodbye
The younger generation often speaks good English, especially in Tirana and on the coast. Older Albanians frequently speak Italian (learned through Italian television during isolation — the only connection to the outside world!). German is rarely spoken.