£1 ALL 111
Today
4:59 am
+1h from you
Weather in Albania
Albania
19°
Overcast
Wed
5
19
Thu
7
18
Fri
6
12
Sat
4
13
Sun
4
16
SPF level in Albania
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Albania
Tipping in Albania
Tipping is appreciated in Albania, especially for good service, but it is not always expected. A small tip can go a long way.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill for good service.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount (50-100 ALL) is appreciated.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is common.
Hotel Porter
50-100 ALL per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
100-200 ALL per day, left at the end of the stay.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price for a good tour.
Safety in Albania
Tips for British travellers
Albania is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be vigilant for pickpockets and bag thieves in tourist areas, on public transport, and at major transport hubs.
Penalties for possession, use, or smuggling of illegal drugs are severe and can result in long prison sentences.
Only use licensed water sports centres and complete all paperwork before starting any activity.
Driving is hazardous and often aggressive, so avoid reacting to provocative behaviour from other road users.
If you are involved in a traffic accident, even a minor one, you must stay at the scene until the police arrive.
Bonus tips:
Causing a wildfire or forest fire is a criminal offence, so only light fires or barbecues in designated areas.
Be cautious of poor road surfaces, especially in rural areas, and watch for unmarked roadworks and potholes at night.
Driving in Albania
A UK driving license is accepted in Albania.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.01%
Remember: Albania drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
129
Ambulance
127
Fire
128
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Albania
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Albania uses 230V at 50Hz. Plug types C and F are common. British travellers need a plug adapter.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more common, especially in larger establishments in cities and tourist areas. However, it's still a good idea to carry cash, particularly when visiting smaller towns or rural areas.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Albania
ATMs are readily available in cities and tourist areas. They may be less common in rural locations.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are the most convenient way to get cash. Make sure your card is chip and PIN enabled.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers in Albania. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges before you travel, as they can be significant. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper rates.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 1500 ALL (~£12)
Network coverage
4G, 5G (limited availability)
Local carriers
Vodafone Albania, Telekom Albania, ALBtelecom
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas. However, the speed and reliability can vary.
Average speed
25 Mbps
Staying connected in Albania is generally easy, with WiFi options available and mobile data available. Speeds are adequate for most purposes.
Health & vaccinations in Albania
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation. While the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may offer some cover, it's not a substitute for travel insurance. Check the latest guidance on GHIC/EHIC validity in Albania before you travel.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Consider vaccinations against hepatitis A and typhoid, as these can be contracted through contaminated food or water. Discuss your specific needs with your GP or a travel clinic.
Medical facilities in Albania, particularly outside of Tirana, may be limited. It is advised to bring any personal medications you require, with a copy of your prescription. Drink bottled water to avoid stomach issues, and be mindful of food hygiene.
Calling Albania
Country code
+355
To call Albania from the UK, dial 00 355 followed by the local number. Drop the leading zero from the local number if there is one.
To call the British Embassy in Tirana, you would dial 00 355 4 2244473.
The country code for Albania is 355. When calling from abroad, use the exit code of the country you are calling from, followed by 355, and then the Albanian phone number.
UK Embassy in Albania
British Embassy Tirana
Rruga Skënderbej 12, Tirana, Albania
Airport in Albania
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.