Albania runs on cash. While hotels and some restaurants in Tirana accept cards, most places outside the capital are cash-only. ATMs are widely available in cities but scarce in rural areas, so withdraw lek before heading to the coast or countryside. The Albanian language can be tricky, but locals are incredibly welcoming to tourists. Ride-hailing apps work well in Tirana but coverage drops off quickly in smaller towns. For intercity travel, informal minibuses (furgons) are the backbone of the transport system.
Spends Albanian lek at the interbank rate, so you can skip Tirana's exchange offices. Works at hotels, supermarkets and the growing number of contactless terminals in the capital and along the Riviera.
Multi-currency card that converts to lek at the mid-market rate with transparent fees. A solid backup for the frequent ATM runs Albania's cash-first economy still demands outside hotels and big supermarkets.
These apps need data
Guac eSIM covers Albania with plans from $1.50 per GB. Install it before you land and activate instantly.
How to Pay in Albania