Guides

16 guides
Arriving in Albania
Transport
Arriving in Albania
Tirana airport, land borders, and ferry ports — how to get from arrival to your first night.
Visa and entry requirements
Essentials
Visa and entry requirements
Who can enter visa-free, how long you can stay, and what to show at the border.
Money, ATMs, and tipping
Money
Money, ATMs, and tipping
Albanian Lek, where cards work, and what to budget for everyday spending.
SIM cards and mobile internet
Essentials
SIM cards and mobile internet
Buy at the airport or any Vodafone / One shop — data is cheap and coverage is good on main routes.
Driving in Albania
Transport
Driving in Albania
Roads are better than the reputation, but mountain passes and city traffic still deserve respect.
Getting around without a car
Transport
Getting around without a car
Buses, furgons, and organised transfers — what works and what does not.
Ferries and cross-border travel
Transport
Ferries and cross-border travel
Corfu, Italy, Greece, and the Balkan neighbours — how connections actually work.
Best time to visit Albania
Planning
Best time to visit Albania
Season by season — coast, mountains, cities, and when to avoid the crowds.
How many days you need
Planning
How many days you need
A long weekend works for one region; a week lets you link coast and stone towns without rushing.
What to pack for Albania
Planning
What to pack for Albania
Layers, shoes, and the things people forget until they need them.
Language and communication
Essentials
Language and communication
What locals speak, where English works, and a few Albanian phrases worth knowing.
Food, water, and dietary needs
Essentials
Food, water, and dietary needs
What to expect at the table, drinking water, and eating as a vegetarian or with allergies.
Safety and local customs
Safety
Safety and local customs
Crime, driving, hospitality norms, and what to watch for as a visitor.
Health, insurance, and pharmacies
Safety
Health, insurance, and pharmacies
Travel insurance, pharmacies, prescriptions, and when to see a doctor.
Emergency numbers and hospitals
Safety
Emergency numbers and hospitals
Who to call, where to go, and what to expect if you need urgent help in Albania.
Electricity, plugs, and Wi-Fi
Essentials
Electricity, plugs, and Wi-Fi
Voltage, adapters, power cuts, and staying online off the main roads.