Cash, SIM Cards & Taxis: The Ultimate Albania Survival Guide (2026)

William
13 hours ago
3 min read

You’ve secured your Albania e-Visa. You’ve booked your hotel. You’ve packed your bags.

But the moment you land at Tirana International Airport (TIA), a new set of questions will hit you: "How do I pay for the taxi?" "Why is my data roaming costing £5 per megabyte?" "What on earth is a LEK?"

Albania is incredibly modernizing, but it still has its unique quirks. Here is the practical, on-the-ground advice you need to navigate the country like a local in 2026.

1. Money: Cash is Still King 👑

Unlike London or Stockholm where you can pay for a chewing gum with Apple Pay, Albania operates heavily on cash.

The Currency: Albanian LEK (ALL).
The Exchange Rate: Roughly 1 EUR = 100 LEK (Check current rates, but this is the street math).
Can I pay in Euros? Yes, for big things like hotels, car rentals, and some fancy restaurants.
Can I pay in Euros for a coffee? No. Or if you do, you will get a terrible exchange rate.

⚠️ The Credit Card Trap: Major supermarkets (Conad, Spar) and hotels accept Visa/Mastercard. But small family-run restaurants, beach bars in the south, and local buses only accept cash. Advice: Always keep 2000-3000 LEK in your pocket.

Pro Tip: Avoid the currency exchange booths inside the airport arrivals hall if possible (high commissions). Use an ATM in the city or exchange a small amount just for the taxi.

2. Connectivity: Don't Roam, Go Local 📱

Albania is not in the EU (yet). This means your European "Roam Like at Home" plan usually does not work here. You could face massive bills.

Your Options in 2026:

Vodafone Albania & One: These are the two main providers. You can buy a "Tourist Pack" (usually 15GB - 30GB) for around €15-€20 at the airport or city center shops. You need your passport to register.
eSIM (Airalo/Holafly): If your phone supports eSIM, buy one before you fly. It connects automatically when you land. It’s slightly more expensive but saves you the queue at the shop.

3. Getting Around: Taxis vs. Furgons 🚐

Transport in Albania is an adventure in itself.

Taxis:

Official Taxis: Use licensed yellow taxis. At the airport, use the official TIA Taxi service (fixed rates to the center).
Apps: Uber does not exist in Albania. Instead, download Speed Taxi, Green Taxi, or Ups Taxi. They work exactly like Uber.

The "Furgon" (Minibus): This is the soul of Albanian transport. They are cheap, fast, and go everywhere.

How to use: There are no strict timetables online. You go to the bus station, find the van with your destination sign in the window (e.g., "TIRANA - SARANDA"), and hop in. You pay the driver in cash once the journey starts.

Planning to drive yourself? The roads are beautiful but drivers can be aggressive. Ensure your driving license is valid. Check our Visa Types & Prices page if you are staying long-term, as you might need an International Driving Permit.

4. Water: To Drink or Not to Drink? 🚰

The general rule in Albania is: Don't drink the tap water. While it's technically treated in major cities, the pipe systems can be old. Locals and tourists alike prefer bottled water, which is very cheap.

Brush your teeth: Tap water is fine.
Drink: Buy a bottle.

5. The "Yes/No" Head Nod Confusion

This is a classic cultural mix-up. In some traditional parts of Albania (less common in Tirana now, but still exists):

Nodding head up and down: Can mean "No."
Shaking head side to side: Can mean "Yes." It’s confusing! The safest bet is to rely on the words:
Po = Yes
Jo = No
Faleminderit = Thank you (Learn this word, locals love it!)