This is of course one of the questions we ask ourselves when we have to go abroad. What currency is used there, what money should I take with me, where should I exchange next time, what budget should I plan on the spot, should we leave a tip, etc., etc.? Questions to which we offer you the beginnings of answers here.
Today we are going to Albania to talk about money…
What currency for Albania?
It was in 1926 that the lek became the country’s official currency in honor of Alexander the Great, whose name was the local Leka and Madh.
- currency: Lek (100 qindarka) or lekë in the plural.
- tickets: 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 lekë.
- Pieces: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 lekë.
- Exchange rate : it is here.
Note that although the lek is divided into 100 qindarks, these have not been in circulation for decades.
Foreign exchange and payments
As for foreign exchange, the main currencies, especially the euro, can be easily exchanged at banks that offer this service and at exchange offices. Otherwise, you can also withdraw money from ATMs, which are increasingly common in cities or tourist areas.
As a last resort, you should know that many things can also be paid directly in euros in Albania. But still, be careful with the course offered.
What currency to take?
The Euro is of course the easiest if you are from the Eurozone and plan to bring some cash.
Method of payment
You can of course pay in cash, occasionally directly in euros and by bank card, but almost only the latter in relatively luxurious or touristic places and businesses. In short, it is useful to always have a minimum amount of money in the local currency, especially if you are going a little off the beaten track.
On the way back
Spend all your lekë locally, as you should know that it is almost impossible to exchange Albanian money outside the country, even in neighboring Greece.
Budget
Albania is (still) one of the cheapest European destinations. That is why we meet many tourists from neighboring countries or in general from the East, with “limited” purchasing power, preferring Albania to others, such as Greece or Croatia, which are much more expensive.
Roughly calculate a daily budget of around €50 per person (based on two), and even less if you only want to do “local” or basic.
Which can be expensive
- By the way, Tirana, the capital.
Which doesn’t have to cost much
- Public transport.
- Accommodation and food.
Tips
Tipping is not a very common practice among the Albanian population. In general, they are more likely to be expected in tourist areas or moderately luxurious businesses, in short, in places where there are foreign visitors.