ATMs and Cash in Albania: Fees by Bank and How to Avoid Them
Updated 2026-10-19 · 6 min read · Prices and schedules change — check locally.
Open the lek converter & ATM fees →Do I need cash in Albania?
Yes. Albania is still largely a cash economy outside cities — furgons, mountain guesthouses, small restaurants and beach loungers usually want lek.
Cards work in hotels, supermarkets and many Tirana restaurants. There are no ATMs in Theth or Valbona — withdraw in Shkodër first.
Which ATMs in Albania have no fees?
Credins and BKT ATMs usually charge no extra operator fee. Raiffeisen and Intesa typically charge about 500–800 ALL; standalone tourist ATMs about 800–1,000 ALL.
Your home bank may still charge its own fee. Fees change, so check the screen before confirming.
| ATM | Typical operator fee |
|---|---|
| Credins | Usually none |
| BKT | Usually none |
| Raiffeisen / Intesa | ~500–800 ALL |
| Standalone tourist ATMs | ~800–1,000 ALL + poor rate |
Should I accept the ATM's conversion?
No. Always decline the ATM's own currency conversion and choose to be charged in lek.
The ATM's conversion rate is usually much worse than your card's. The same applies to card terminals in shops.
Can I pay with euros in Albania?
Some coastal tourist businesses accept euros, but at poor rates. The currency is the lek (about 97–98 ALL per euro).
Paying in lek is almost always cheaper.