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Planning a trip to Albania? Here’s everything you need to know before you go—from currency exchange and border crossings to mobile SIM cards, car rentals, and driving laws. This guide will help you travel with confidence and avoid surprises.
1. Currency and Payments in Albania
While using a card is sometimes possible, it’s highly unreliable and definitely not something you can count on. We had to pay for petrol with cash more than once, and I wasn’t able to use my phone at all
You can’t get Albanian Lek outside of Albania as it’s a closed currency, and once you leave the country, it’s difficult—if not impossible—to exchange it back to your home currency. Euros, however, are widely accepted, so I recommend bringing cash in euros and exchanging it at the airport upon arrival. At the time of writing, the exchange rate was around 1 euro to 100 Lek, and that rate stayed fairly consistent.
On top of that, withdrawing cash in Albania is more expensive than anywhere else we’ve travelled. If you do need to take out cash, never accept the bank’s offered exchange rate. You’ll usually be given the option—just press ‘No’ to decline their rate. This tip can save you money almost anywhere, but we found it especially important in Albania.
2. Driving in Albania: What You Need to Know
You might hear that driving in Albania is risky, but that wasn’t our experience at all. While city traffic can be a bit hectic and requires your full attention, once you’re beyond the urban centres, the roads are generally calm and easy to navigate. Renting a car is straightforward, with plenty of options available right at the airport.
We paid around €410 for a two-week hire car, which included an additional €23.50 per day for comprehensive “no-questions-asked” insurance. We chose this extra coverage after hearing some warnings about driving conditions—but in the end, we never needed it. Still, the peace of mind it provided was well worth it.
3. Border Crossings and Documentation
You will need the permission of the hire car company to cross into any of the countries bordering Albania. It’s straightforward to do, but at the border they will ask for your car paperwork and you will need proof of permission. It was €50 (included in the price mentioned above). At the border with Montenegro you will also need a green card for your car (€15, slightly more in Lek). You can get it there and it’s very simple. Border crossings are not a hassle but they do take a bit of time.
4. Staying Connected: SIM Cards and Mobile Data
We do this everywhere we go now. It is hassle free and makes so much difference to us on a practical level. As Albania is not in the EU, those coming from the UK (like us) generally will not have it included in their existing data package. We just get them at the airport and it was around €25 for 40gb.
5. Safety and Law Enforcement Presence
We didn’t get stopped at all on the roads and there’s no reason why you should have any problems, but the police were definitely a presence and usually stopping people for speeding. If people flash you or gesture to you when you’re driving, it is likely there are police ahead. Keep to the speed limits, carry all the documentation you need and you’ll be fine.
6. Fuel Costs and Availability
Petrol was noticeably expensive compared to other local prices — likely on par with, if not slightly more than, what you’d pay in the UK, where it’s already considered costly. There were plenty of petrol stations around, but it’s worth noting that some, especially in more rural areas, only accepted cash.
7. Don’t always believe Google maps
Google maps took us some very strange ways at times. We use the Maps app all the time and usually it is fine but if your instinct in telling you to not go up that very narrow cobbled road when you’re looking to go downhill and onto the main road, consider going with your gut.
8. The vegetarian scene is limited
We have several vegetarians in our family, and while we were able to find something to eat, the choices were definitely limited. Let’s just say it’s a good thing we enjoy margarita pizza, Greek salad, and vegetarian souvlaki — because those ended up being our go-to meals more often than not! Not that I’m complaining, I could live on souvlaki.
Albania is a country full of surprises—rich in culture, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. While some aspects of travel here may differ from other European destinations, being prepared with the right information can make your experience not only smoother but far more enjoyable. From navigating border crossings and understanding local currency to staying connected and safe on the roads, these practical tips are designed to help you travel Albania with confidence. Whether you’re road-tripping through the mountains, exploring coastal towns, or just passing through, a little preparation goes a long way in making the most of your Albanian adventure.
Kitchen Family Travels 