Travel to Albania?

Albania receives a high number of tourists from all across the globe as well as from within the country.

Currency: Lek (plural lekë) * Capital: Tirana * Population: 2,851,000 * Calling code: +355

Buying a SIM card in Albania

Albania has three major mobile operators: Vodafone, Albtelecom, and Telekom Albania. All three operators offer a variety of prepaid and postpaid plans, which can be purchased in their stores, at authorized retailers, or online.

You can buy prepaid SIM cards in the shop of the providers showing a passport or photo ID for registration. You need to give your local address where you stay in Albania.

SIM cards in Albania are readily available and can be purchased at a low cost. On average, a prepaid sim card costs around 500 to 1000 Albanian Lek (ALL), which is equivalent to €4 to €8. The cost usually includes a set amount of data, minutes, and texts.

Useful Apps for Your Albania Trip

Albania is a fantastic country with a lot to offer. Here are some apps that can enhance your trip:

Transportation

Taxi Apps:
- Bolt: Widely used in Albania, offers a convenient and reliable taxi service.
- Speed Taxi: Another popular option with a good reputation.
- VrapOn Taxi: Provides a comfortable and efficient taxi experience.
- iTaksi Albania, Star Taxi, Taxi Albania: Other viable options for taxi services.

Navigation and Maps

Google Maps: Essential for finding your way around, getting directions, and discovering points of interest.
Maps.me: Offers offline maps, useful for areas with limited internet connectivity.

Language and Communication

Google Translate: Helpful for basic communication, especially if you don’t speak Albanian.
Duolingo: For those wanting to learn some basic Albanian phrases.
WhatsApp: Widely used for communication in Albania, both for calls and messages.

Food and Dining

TripAdvisor: Find restaurants, cafes, and bars with reviews and recommendations.
Zomato: Another option for discovering local eateries.

Accommodation

Booking.com: For booking hotels, hostels, and apartments.
Airbnb: Offers a variety of accommodation options, including apartments and homestays.

Additional Tips

Download offline maps: Consider downloading offline maps for areas with limited internet access.
Local SIM card: Purchasing a local SIM card can be cost-effective for data and calls.
Currency converter: A currency converter app can be helpful for budgeting.

By utilizing these apps, you can make the most of your trip to Albania and enjoy a smoother and more enjoyable experience.

Albania Tourism

Tourism in Albania has been a key element to the country’s economic activity and is constantly developing and according to the data from UNWTO, the number of tourists arriving in Albania for personal purposes has increased over the years. In 2019, nearly three million people visited Albania on vacation or for other recreational purposes. An additional 3.3 million visited for other personal purposes. It is characterized by its rich archaeological and cultural heritage dating back to the classical period when Illyrians and Ancient Greeks inhabited the region. The country’s coastline length is about 481 km (299 mi) composed of both sandy and rocky beaches, bays, caves, cliffs, capes and lagoons. The country has a distinctly Mediterranean climate.

There are over 1,500 hotels in the country, with the majority being located in cities such as Tirana and Saranda. Average hotel prices vary depending on the location and time of year, but prices can range from €30 to €150 per night.

Albania is served by several domestic airlines, including Albawings, and is also served by several international airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Air Albania, and Lufthansa.

With a total of 3.8 million visitors, Albania is the 25th most visited country in Europe. Check out some of the best Albania tours.