Money, Currency and Cards in Albania
Local Currency
Lek (ALL)
General Advice
As the economy is cash-based most transactions in Albania are done on a strictly cash only basis using local currency. Euros are increasingly becoming more widely accepted. The U.S. dollar is used as a benchmark for the currency.
Money Exchange
Use banks or established bureau de change. There are numerous bureau de change in major towns and cities where Sterling, U.S. dollars and Euros are widely accepted for exchange. Although street money changers operate openly, they are operating illegally.
ATM Availability
Cash point machines accepting Visa and Mastercard can be found in all cities and main towns in Albania and are generally reliable. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page or the American Express locator page for the addresses of ATM’s around the world.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are not widely accepted in Albania, although some credit cards are accepted by the bigger international hotels in Tirana. Travellers have been known to be victims of credit card fraud.
Travellers Cheques
Travellers’ cheques are not widely accepted in Albania.
