Travel

Time Difference with Albania

Albania is in time zone GMT+1. The change from winter to summer takes place as in most Western-European countries

Vaccinations recommended for Albania

The following vaccinations are recommended for Albania:

  • Vaccination against DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio)
  • Vaccination against hepatitis A (infectious jaundice)
  • Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended for stays of longer than four weeks in nature from March to November.

For stays of longer than three months, the following vaccinations are recommended:

  • Vaccination against typhoid fever
  • Vaccination against hepatitis B
  • Vaccination against rabies

In Albania there is no malaria.

Visa

Albania requires a passport or identity card that, at departure from Albania has at least 3 months validity.

Currency

The currency of Albania is the Lek (ALL). The Lek is divided into 100 qintars and is issued in coins of 10, 20, 50 and qintars 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 lay and 50 notes, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 5,000 Leke. The easiest way to exchange Euro to Lek is to bring Euro cash in Albania. Euros are easy
to exchange at exchange offices.

Credit Card

Possibilities to pay in Albania with Visa, Master Card and American Express credit cards are increasing. Especially in Tirana and the coastal tourist areas credit cards are accepted by banks and most hotels. In most major cities in Albania it is possible to withdraw money with Maestro.


Traveler's checks

Traveler's checks can be taken as an alternative because they are insured against loss and theft.

Bank hours

The banks in Albania are generally open Monday through Friday from 7:00 to 3:00 p.m..

Tipping

Tipping in Albania is common In restaurants a 10% tip is generally expected. In bars leaving some coins on the table is enough.

Security

Avoid gatherings and demonstrations should they arise. Albania has no tolerance policy regarding drugs. Trade in and use / possession of drugs (soft and hard drugs) is completely prohibited and will lead to high penalties. In Albania sexual contact with minors is considered a serious offense. The authorities of Albania have very strict prosecution policy and sentences are very heavy. In connection with the poor infrastructure of roads and lighting, traveling outside of the larger population centers is not recommended after dark.
The fight against corruption through the use of zero tolerance has been successful. The war against crime has achieved good results. Albania can now be called to be a safe country .
When traveling in Albania the same precautions as when traveling in any other country are valid: watch out for pickpockets in crowded places where tourists come and leave no valuables unattended.