The practical guide
Updated 2026. Useful to know before you land in Tirana. Want more depth? Read our in-depth articles, including cooking classes, crafts & creative workshops.
Furgons & buses
Furgons are shared minibuses. They leave when full, mostly from informal terminals: in Tirana, the North-East terminal for Shkodër and the South & North terminal for the coast. Expect to pay 300–1,500 ALL. Tell the driver where to drop you. There are few printed timetables, so ask at your guesthouse the night before.
Cash & ATMs
Albania is still largely cash-based, especially in the mountains. Local banks (Raiffeisen, BKT, Credins) charge fees of roughly 500–800 ALL. Always decline the ATM's own conversion rate. Withdraw in Shkodër before heading to Theth or Valbona, where there are no ATMs. Euros are often accepted on the coast, but at poor rates.
Regions at a glance
North: dramatic Alps, guesthouses and the Komani ferry. Central: Tirana's cafés, Krujë and Durrës. South: the Riviera, Berat, Gjirokastër and Butrint. East: Lake Ohrid, Korçë and Voskopojë.
Essentials
Currency: lek (ALL). Plugs: type C/F, 230V. Emergency number: 112. Many nationalities can enter visa-free for 90 days. Tap water is fine in most cities, but buy bottled water in rural areas. A nod can mean "no", so double-check!
Driving
Main roads are good, and the SH8 coastal road is beautiful but has sharp bends. Expect livestock, and watch for potholes on rural roads. Car hire needs a credit card, and an International Driving Permit is recommended.
When to go
Hiking: mid-June to September. Beaches: June to September, with July and August crowded. Cities and heritage sites: April to May and October.