Albania
Travel tips for Albania: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.
Cash and cards
Carry some cash. While card acceptance is growing at city supermarkets and restaurants, 2025-2026 reports emphasize Albania remains heavily cash-based, meaning you must carry local Lek for buses, small vendors, rural areas, and even some hotels.
Try the food
- Tavë Kosi: A comforting baked dish of tender lamb and rice smothered in a savory, garlicky yogurt sauce.
- Fërgesë (Fërgesë Tirane): A rich, warm dip made by baking green and red peppers, tomatoes, onions, and salty cottage cheese.
- Byrek: A savory, flaky phyllo pastry pie typically filled with spinach, cheese, or minced meat.
Say it in Albanian
- Hello: Përshëndetje
- Thank you: Faleminderit
- Please: Të lutem
- Excuse me: Më falni
- How much is this?: Sa kushton kjo?
- The bill please: Faturën të lutem
- Yes / No: Po / Jo
- Goodbye: Mirupafshim
Essentials
- Plugs
- Type C / Type F
- Voltage
- 230V, 50Hz
- Driving
- Right side
- Tap water
- Avoid — buy bottled
- Emergency
- 112 (general), 129 (police), 127 (ambulance), 128 (fire)
- SIM tip
- Pick up a local Vodafone or One SIM card at Tirana International Airport upon arrival for cheap and reliable data.
Etiquette
Tipping around 10% is customary in restaurants, and it is polite to round up the bill or leave small change at cafes.