Albania is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most talked-about destinations, but traveling here can feel different from visiting more familiar countries like Italy and Greece. From how you pay for things to how you get around, there are a few things to know before visiting Albania that can make your trip smoother, less stressful and more fun! Understanding the basics ahead of time helps you avoid surprises and lets you focus on what really matters – exploring cities, beaches, mountains and local culture and food without unnecessary friction.

We put together this guide focusing on practical Albania travel tips you will actually use on your trip. These are 11 essential questions travelers have been asking Albanian Night, Tirana’s first ever nightly show with live music and dance, this past year when planning their trips: whether it’s questions about safety, transportation, money, internet access or local practices, we’ve got you covered. 

Below, you will find 11 essential things to know before you go to Albania, designed to help you navigate your trip with confidence from the moment you arrive.

 

1. Is Albania Safe?

The unfortunate reality is that Albania – and Albanians – have been portrayed in a particular way in films and pop culture over the past few decades, leading many to believe that Albania is a dangerous country that should be avoided at all costs.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth – Albania has consistently ranked as one of Europe’s safest countries to visit as of 2023 (according to Eurostat), especially for tourists! The capital is generally well-lit and violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare. Solo female travelers rave about how comfortable they feel when visiting Albania, and most tourists report feeling at ease with friendly locals. 

It’s always best to follow general safety guidelines when visiting Albania – as you would when visiting any foreign country. Don’t leave valuables around in public spaces, make sure you’re aware of your surroundings and write down and memorize emergency services numbers. 

For more information about safety in Tirana and the country in general, check out our full blog post about safety in Albania.

 

2. Renting a Car in Albania 

Car rentals abound in Albania, and whether you want a luxury vehicle or something more affordable, local agencies have got you covered. We don’t recommend renting a car in Tirana itself, as the city is quite compact and walkable and parking is scarce. It’s easier to either walk or hop in a cab if you want to go somewhere a bit farther.

We recommend using the Patoko app for taxi rides – you’ll see the fares ahead of time, like Uber – and RentFromLocals (use this link or the code ALBANIANNIGHT for a discount of 10% when you book 5 days or more) when you decide to rent a car and explore the rest of the country. 

Our driving in Albania tips are pretty straightforward: drive right, go slowly and obey all traffic signs. It can be hard to tell the speed limit on some roads, so try to match others’ speed. Especially if you choose to drive in Tirana or even in other major cities like Vlora or Saranda, watch out for pedestrians, scooters and animals crossing the roads at irregular intervals – adherence to traffic rules can be a bit erratic here!

Albanian traffic laws are similar to Europe’s laws; the biggest difference you’ll feel driving here is that local drivers can be slightly aggressive, especially in Tirana! Take your time, and especially once you’re outside the city, enjoy the incredible countryside views.

 

3. Language in Albania 

“What language do they speak in Albania?” Most people don’t know that Albanian is a distinct Indo-European language that has no comparable counterpart. It may help if you learn some basics such as Si je (how are you)?, mirë (good/fine) and faleminderit (thank you), though, as you can see, even this last basic word can be a bit complicated!

The language itself isn’t called “Albanian” but rather shqip (pronounced almost like “sheep”) in the native tongue, and Albania is called shqipëria. Most people in Tirana speak good English; younger people all over the country speak English, and many older Albanians even speak fluent Italian. 

If you’re curious to learn more about this ancient, unique language, check out our full blog post: What Language is Spoken in Albania? And don’t be afraid to interact with locals and ask them to explain words in Albanian to you – Albanians are very welcoming and friendly, and love sharing their language with visitors. 

 

4. What’s the Best Time to Visit Albania?

Check out our newest blog post about the best time to visit Albania, but, in a nutshell, Albania is a Mediterranean country with excellent weather almost year-round, making it an attractive destination throughout most of the year. The peak tourist season is June through the end of August, and that’s when it’s hottest and sunniest – temperatures are typically in the high 20s to mid 30s °C (80s to mid 90s °F), especially along the coast and in major cities.

But the truly best time to visit Albania is shoulder season – April and May are already warm months, with many people hitting the beach in springtime to avoid the crowds. In our opinion, the best time to visit Albania is actually September – the water is still warm from a full summer of fierce sun, and the tourist crowds have dispersed, making the beaches a bit emptier and the climate perfect for lounging in the Mediterranean sun. Tirana is slightly less humid in September and you can still enjoy the alpine mountain passes of the North. 

October can also still be very warm – people still go to the beach on sunny days in this month. The winter truly begins in November and lasts through February. Winter is relatively short and mild, with snow touching only the north and very mountainous regions. A quick weekend trip over the winter, when crowds subside and prices are lower, is also a great option for budget travelers or those seeking a quick escape from day-to-day life.

 

5. Internet and Sim Cards in Albania

We definitely recommend getting a local sim card when you get to Albania, as this will make it easier to use Google Maps/Waze as you travel the country and stay in touch with loved ones and service providers. If you’re flying in through Rinas Airport, you can buy a tourist package from Vodafone in the airport (it’s the same price as in Tirana). You can also get a tourist sim from One, which is less popular but also a reliable carrier. If you opt not to get a local sim, most cafes, businesses and virtually all apartments and hotels will have free WiFi you can use as you travel the country. Public spaces in Albania have limited free WiFi hotspots. eSIMs are supported in Albania, though local SIM cards tend to offer better value for longer stays.

 

6. Can You Use Euros in Albania?

Yes, you can pay for almost anything using euros in Albania. The only exception is that most places don’t accept euro coins, so as long as your payment is using the five euro bill or higher, almost every single service provider in Albania will accept your euros.

But be warned: the exchange rate fluctuates daily, and local providers from supermarkets to restaurants to car rental companies may charge a rate that is worse than the market rate, meaning you’ll lose some money if you opt to use your euros instead of the local currency, Albanian Leke. We recommend exchanging money for Leke ahead of time (not in the airport, where rates are terrible) at a local money exchange – Iliria‘98 is an excellent provider with competitive rates all over Tirana.

 

7. Can you Pay by Card in Albania?

Yes and no. Many businesses in Albania take card, especially chains and large, established businesses, but a lot of places in Albania do not accept credit card, so it’s best to exchange money ahead of time and carry enough cash for your trip to cover daily expenses. Cash is king in Albania, so it’s best to have cash instead of hoping that providers will take credit cards.

 

8. Tipping in Albania 

Tipping in Albania follows the European practice rather than the American way: if you get a coffee, for example, and it’s 180 ALL, you can leave a 200 bill – rounding up for small charges is considered sufficient. For large meals of up to fifty euros (50,000 ALL), you can leave a 300-400 ALL tip. Large tips in Albania are rare, though some providers have come to expect them from tourists; it’s up to your discretion. If a waiter at a restaurant provided excellent service, they’ll definitely appreciate a bigger tip, but it’s not part of the local culture to leave large tips.

 

9. Voltage in Albania 

Albania follows the European standard of 230V with a frequency of 50 Hz, using Type C and Type F power sockets (two round pins). Travelers from countries with 110-120V systems (like the US) will need both a plug adapter (Type C/F) and a voltage converter for non-dual voltage devices. Electronics and adapters in Albania are a bit expensive, so we recommend buying one ahead of your trip.

 

10. Public Transport in Albania

Public transportation is an affordable way to get around Albania, though it can at times be a bit spotty – if you have time and patience, you can certainly use the inter-city buses that leave from TEG and the North-South Bus Terminal to get around. Google Maps recently integrated public bus lines into its API, so you can easily see Tirana options online; use Gjirrafa to find up-to-date schedules for inter-city buses. 

Tirana is a tiny city, and we recommend taking the bus to get to the Dajti Ekspres cable car, for example, or even to get to Durrës or Kruja for a day trip. If you’re planning on a long trip around the country, we recommend renting a car, as connectivity between different cities (that aren’t Tirana) can be time-consuming.

 

11. Can You Drink Tap Water in Albania?

While ap water in Tirana is generally safe in terms of sanitation, it contains a high level of minerals that can upset many foreigners’ stomachs, so it’s better to stick to bottled water for drinking while still safely using tap water for brushing teeth, washing produce and cooking.

Outside of Tirana, tap water in Albania is often much cleaner and better tasting, as it typically comes from natural springs, rivers and mountain sources – you can definitely drink it! That said, water quality can vary by location, so if you’re unsure, bottled water is inexpensive and widely available throughout Albania, making it easy to stay hydrated without worry.

Albania rewards curious, open-minded travelers, and a little preparation goes a long way in helping you experience it at its best. Once you’ve got the logistics sorted, make sure to leave room in your itinerary for culture, music and local traditions. If you’re spending time in Tirana, we invite you to join us at Albanian Night, the country’s premier nightly show featuring live traditional music, dance and storytelling, a perfect way to connect with Albania’s rich heritage in just one evening and add something truly memorable to your trip.