Understanding how money works in Albania will make your trip smoother, cheaper, and stress-free. While the country is modernizing fast, cash is still king in many everyday situations. This guide explains how to use the Albanian Lek, when cards work, how ATMs operate, and what foreign tourists should know in 2025–2026.
The Currency of Albania: Albanian Lek (ALL)
Albania’s official currency is the Albanian Lek, abbreviated as ALL and written locally as L.
Banknotes & Coins You’ll See
- Banknotes: 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 Lek
- Coins: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 Lek
There are no cents in everyday use.
💡 Quick mental conversion: In 2026, 100 Lek ≈ €1 (rates fluctuate slightly but this is a helpful rule of thumb).
Can You Use Euros in Albania?
Yes — but you shouldn’t rely on it.
- Euros are sometimes accepted in hotels, resorts, and tourist areas
- Prices may be shown in € and Lek
- Exchange rates used by businesses are usually worse than official rates
👉 Best practice: Use Lek for daily expenses and keep euros only as backup.
Exchanging Money in Albania
Best Places to Exchange
- Licensed currency exchange offices (very common in cities)
- Banks (safe but often slower)
- City centers offer better rates than airports
Avoid
❌ Airport exchange desks
❌ Hotel reception exchange
❌ Street money changers
Most exchange offices do not charge commission and display rates clearly.
ATMs in Albania: What Tourists Need to Know
ATMs are widely available across Albania, especially in Tirana, where you’ll find them on almost every main street, inside bank branches, shopping centers, and busy commercial areas. Along the coast, cities such as Saranda, Vlora, and Durrës are well covered with ATMs, particularly near promenades, hotels, and tourist zones. You’ll also find reliable ATM access in most popular tourist towns, including larger mountain destinations and historic cities, although in smaller towns and rural areas availability can be limited—making it wise to withdraw cash in advance when traveling outside major centers.
Supported Cards
- Visa ✅
- Mastercard ✅
- Maestro (PIN required) ⚠️
- American Express ❌ (rare)
ATM Fees (Important)
- Fixed fee per withdrawal: 500–800 Lek (€5–7)
- Applies to foreign cards
- No fee-free ATMs in Albania
💡 Smart tip: Withdraw larger amounts less often to reduce fees.
Withdrawal Limits
- Usually 70,000–100,000 Lek per transaction
- Daily limits depend on your bank
Always Choose “Withdraw in ALL”
If the ATM asks: “Withdraw in your home currency or ALL?” ✔️ Choose ALL (Albanian Lek)
This avoids Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) and hidden markups.
Paying by Card in Albania
Card payments are becoming more common — but not universal.
Card payments are becoming more common in Albania, especially in urban and tourist-focused areas, but they are still not universally accepted. You can usually pay by card in hotels, mid-range and high-end restaurants, large supermarkets, shopping malls, and car rental offices, where POS terminals are standard. However, smaller local businesses, cafés, and services outside main tourist zones may still require cash, so it’s best not to rely solely on cards.
Cash Still Required For
- Taxis
- Local restaurants
- Bars & cafés outside tourist zones
- Markets & rural areas
- Guesthouses
Contactless & Mobile Pay
- Contactless cards: ✅ (limits apply)
- Apple Pay / Google Pay: ⚠️ limited acceptance
- Local apps: ❌ not tourist-friendly yet
👉 Rule of thumb: Always carry some cash, even in cities.
Typical Prices (Helpful for Tourists)
- Coffee: 100–150 Lek (€1–1.50)
- Local meal: 700–1,200 Lek (€7–12)
- Taxi ride (city): 300–600 Lek
Tips, Safety & Common Mistakes
To avoid unnecessary fees and common payment issues while traveling in Albania, it’s best to follow a few simple practices. Carrying small Lek banknotes makes everyday payments easier, especially for taxis, cafés, and rural areas where cards are often not accepted. Whenever possible, withdraw cash from ATMs located inside bank branches and always check the ATM fee screen before confirming a transaction. At the same time, try to avoid paying everything in euros, accepting dynamic currency conversion, relying only on cards, or exchanging money at the airport, as these choices usually lead to higher costs and unfavorable exchange rates.
Albania is generally safe for cash usage, but standard travel precautions apply.
Final Advice for 2026 Travelers
The most efficient way to manage money in Albania is a cash + card strategy:
- Use Lek for daily spending
- Use cards for hotels and larger expenses
- Withdraw larger amounts less often
- Keep a small euro reserve for emergencies
With this approach, you’ll avoid unnecessary fees and enjoy Albania like a local.
If you’re planning to explore the country by car, understanding local road conditions and driving culture is just as important as managing your budget. We’ve covered everything you need to know in our complete guide: Driving in Albania (2026): Road Rules, Tips & What to Expect — a practical resource for foreign visitors renting or driving a car in Albania.
