Before I first visited Albania, I didn’t really know what to expect—beyond a few dreamy photos of beaches and castles, it still felt like a bit of a mystery.
I spent a whirlwind summer here last year, but it wasn’t until I returned off-season and spent several months exploring slowly that I truly started to understand the rhythm of the country.
From baffling public transport timetables and fiery bus drivers to unfinished buildings and the warmest hospitality, Albania definitely keeps you on your toes!
So if you’re planning a trip, here are 18 things I wish I’d known before visiting—so you can explore with fewer surprises and more confidence.
Article overview
- 1. Cash is still king
- 2. Public transport can be unreliable
- 3. Driving is often chaotic
- 4. There is no Uber in Albania
- 5. EU roaming doesn’t work
- 6. Google Maps isn’t always reliable
- 7. Albanian hospitality is real
- 8. Tap water isn’t drinkable
- 9. Waste management is poor
- 10. Albania looks unfinished
- 11. Accommodation is surprisingly good
- 12. No duvets or shower walls
- 13. Don’t forget the north
- 14. Choose your arrival airport wisely
- 15. Skip August on the Riviera
- 16. People are religious but not strict
- 17. Dress code in Albania
- 18. Not all beaches are sandy
1. Cash is still king
Albania is overwhelmingly a cash-based country—the local currency is the Lek (ALL), but you can also use Euros in most places. While cards are accepted in more expensive stores, most small businesses, gas stations and taxis only take cash. I’ve even had to pay most hotels in cash.
Sometimes I’ve paid my driver in half Lek and half Euros, and I have done the same on the bus. Just expect to get change back in Lek. Always keep some coins on you to pay for fees, such as luggage fees on the bus.
Lek and Euros are often exchanged 1000 Lek to 10 Euros, even if the current exchange rate differs. So when my driver wanted 150€ to take me from Tirana to Saranda, I paid him 100€ and 5000 Lek.
2. Public transport can be unreliable
Locals and travelers alike rely on shared minibuses (furgons) or buses. They are affordable, but often run late. I have taken the bus from the north to the south and back, and every bus has been delayed.
One time, I almost missed my flight because some people decided to order dinner during a toilet stop, so the rest of us just had to wait, according to the bus driver. The 15-minute break turned into at least an hour, and that was the third break of the 5-hour journey.
You can use this site to check timetables and buy tickets.
3. Driving is often chaotic
Renting a car gives the most flexibility, especially to explore outside the larger cities. Just keep in mind that driving can be chaotic—roads are often narrow, unmarked, and Albanians drive with few rules. Don’t be surprised to see cars passing double lines or creating a non-existent third lane to overtake.
That said, renting a car is still the best way to explore the country. I recommend waiting until you leave Tirana, where traffic is the craziest and sometimes even stands still.
If you don’t want to drive by yourself, hiring a driver is common, just like in Asia. You can book transfers online, but you can also just ask the taxi drivers. Several times, I have taken a taxi to the bus station, and then the driver has offered to take me to my end destination instead for a very reasonable price.
🌟 I usually book my transfers through Welcome Pickups (often the best priced) or Daytrip for longer journeys where I want to make stops along the way. It is very cool. When you book, you get options to add attractions for a small sum. Make the travel day into an experience in itself.
4. There is no Uber in Albania
There is no Uber or Bolt in Albania. Thankfully, I had prebooked a transfer through Welcome Pickups. You can also take the bus into town from the airport. You can pay with Euros if you haven’t withdrawn LEK yet.
As mentioned above, if you do use a city taxi, they do not accept card payments either, so you do need some cash on you from the moment you arrive in the country.
I know a new app called Patoko has recently popped up for use in larger cities such as Tirana and Durres, though I have not tried it yet.
5. EU roaming doesn’t work
Another Albania travel tip to be aware of is that EU roaming doesn’t work here, which means you won’t have any data on your phone as soon as you land.
I have forgotten this several times now and have had trouble fixing it until I got to the hotel. So I highly recommend you buy a phone plan that includes Albania, or get an eSIM before you leave.
Of course, you can get away with a few days in Albania without internet, just download maps. However, for a longer trip, an eSIM is a good idea, and I always use Airalo. It is quick, easy and I’ve been very happy with their service so far.
Don’t forget to buy an eSIM! Gone are the days when you had to get a local SIM and hope you wouldn’t get scammed.
I always use Airalo. You can easily download a data pack without having to change SIM cards. Use code NEWTOAIRALO15 to take 15% off your first order.
6. Google Maps isn’t always reliable
In Albania, Google Maps often sends you down tiny farm tracks, dead ends, or routes that simply don’t exist.
Part of the problem is that many roads are still unmarked, but another big reason is the sheer amount of ongoing construction. Entire streets can be blocked, rerouted, or brand new—and the app hasn’t caught up yet. So don’t be afraid to ask a local if you get lost.
The main roads are not a problem though, as there are only a few roads to choose from. You can drive the coastal route along the Riviera or more inland on the biggest highway. I found that to be much less busy than the coastal road.
7. Albanian hospitality is real
Locals often go out of their way to help, offer directions, or even invite you in for coffee. A little Albanian phrase like “Faleminderit” (thank you) goes a long way.
This warmth is deeply rooted in Albanian culture and traditions, especially their concept of besa—a code of honor that values hospitality and keeping one’s word. This is especially prevalent among the older generations.
I did, of course, encounter some less-than-lovely people here as well. Like Ksamil in August, when I tried to ask for a sunbed after 10:00 am and the guy just laughed at me and walked off. Or when some guys in Saranda just threw their trash on the ground after an older lady had already swept it.
Aggressive taxi drivers are not uncommon, nor is service without a smile. I’ve had younger people roll their eyes at me for even asking a question. But I guess those kinds of people are everywhere.
8. Tap water isn’t drinkable
Stick to bottled mineral water to stay safe, especially in towns and cities. Bring a reusable bottle, or even better, a filtered bottle, so you can fill it up anywhere. As far as I know, there’s no plastic recycling scheme in Albania yet. I felt horrible while spending several months there using so much plastic.
🌟 LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
My favorite bottle for travel, backpacking and hiking.
You can fill it up anywhere, LifeStraw filters bacteria, parasites, chemicals and microplastics.
For every LifeStraw product purchased, a child in need receives safe water for an entire school year!
9. Waste management is poor
And on that note, one thing that really surprised and annoyed me in Albania was the lack of waste management in most areas.
At times, it honestly reminded me of parts of Southeast Asia—litter scattered along roadsides, overflowing bins, and people casually tossing garbage onto the street like it was no big deal. I even saw some throw full garbage bags out the car window. I often feel like people have a “this is someone else’s problem” mentality.
There are cigarette butts literally everywhere, even on the stairs up to the apartment we rented in one of the newest buildings in Shkodër. It baffles me that people will throw garbage on the ground, let alone inside. The photos below are from Shkodër, which I do have to say is the dirtiest city I have experienced in Albania.
As someone who loves nature and clean surroundings, it was frustrating to see such a beautiful country impacted by this. Of course, I understand that not every country has an incredible recycling scheme like Norway, but not throwing trash on the ground should be the bare minimum.
Do your part by picking up what you can, bringing a reusable bag and bottle, etc.
10. Albania looks unfinished
Traveling through Albania, I often felt like I was somewhere in Asia—the landscape dotted with endless construction sites, many buildings left half-finished as if paused in time. The chaotic tangle of electricity wires hanging overhead reminded me of Bangkok. Though not as bad.
Albania often looks “unfinished” because it’s a country still very much in transition. After decades of isolation during communist rule, the country opened up relatively recently and has been rapidly developing ever since.
You’ll see lots of new construction—sometimes half-built or seemingly abandoned—as well as a mix of old, crumbling buildings right next to shiny new ones.
Infrastructure projects are ongoing, and regulations around building aren’t always strictly enforced, which leads to that patchwork, “work-in-progress” feel. Like the huge hotel below in Saranda, being built on a cliff that doesn’t look stable to me.
11. Accommodation is surprisingly good
Accommodation in Albania is surprisingly good, especially if you’re used to the often sky-high prices of other European destinations.
Outside the Riviera in peak summer, you can find great deals—Durres and Tirana were some of the most affordable spots I stayed in, with modern, newly renovated one-bedroom apartments going for around $600 a month.
Though I would not recommend spending extended periods in Durres. It is probably my least favorite place in Albania. It feels a bit tacky and I was approached by men on the street a few times, which I did not experience anywhere else.
All over the country, you’ll see new construction and renovation, with many apartments feeling far fresher and more up-to-date than what I’ve seen in, for example, parts of Italy and Greece. Where property owners don’t have to renovate because people will rent regardless.
On the flip side, popular coastal towns like Dhermi, Himare, and Ksamil are pricey in July and August, so it’s worth booking early or visiting outside high season if you want more value for your money.
12. No duvets or shower walls
While I loved the apartments I stayed in, a few things bothered me. Most beds in Albania come with just a sheet to sleep under, which isn’t unusual in warmer countries.
But in a few places, the only cover provided was a thin, decorative bedspread—and I couldn’t help but wonder, has this even been washed? And this was in some nicer places.
For a quick trip, that is fine; however, if you’re someone who likes a proper duvet or at least a clean blanket, it might be worth packing a lightweight travel sheet or sleeping liner, just in case.
Another thing is that most bathrooms I encountered had open showers—no curtain, no glass, just a showerhead on the wall. It definitely takes some getting used to, especially when the whole bathroom ends up soaked.
13. Don’t forget the north
While Albania’s Riviera tends to steal the spotlight with its turquoise beaches and coastal charm, the north of the country is often overlooked—and that’s a shame, because it’s absolutely stunning.
The Albanian Alps offer some of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in Europe, with highlights like the Valbona to Theth hike, the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) near Theth, and the epic Komani Lake ferry ride that feels more like a fjord cruise than a bus transfer.
If you love nature, hiking, or just escaping the crowds, northern Albania is the kind of place that sticks with you long after you leave.
14. Choose your arrival airport wisely
One thing I wish I’d thought more about before booking my first trip was which airport to fly into. Most people automatically choose Tirana, which makes sense if you’re planning to explore central or northern Albania.
But if your focus is on beaches and the Riviera, flying into Corfu (Greece) and taking the quick ferry to Saranda can save you hours of driving.
During my first visit, I did a long bus transfer from Tirana to the south and back, and while the views were beautiful, it was definitely a full travel day I could’ve avoided with better planning. Like I mentioned above, the buses make some long stops.
So on my most recent visit, I flew into Tirana, explored from north to south, and flew out of Corfu. So much better!
15. Skip August on the Riviera
I love the Albanian Riviera, but visiting in August was… intense. The beaches were packed shoulder to shoulder, traffic crawled along the coast, and accommodation prices skyrocketed.
The heat was relentless too, making sightseeing almost unbearable in the middle of the day. Especially when trying to explore by bus with huge suitcases.
If you can, plan your trip for June, early July, September, or early October—you’ll still get the gorgeous turquoise water and lively atmosphere, but without feeling like you’re competing for every inch of sand.
16. People are religious but not strict
From my months traveling through Albania, I’ve found that while religion is part of the country’s identity, most Albanians aren’t particularly strict or outwardly religious in their daily lives.
You’ll see (and hear!) mosques and churches in almost every town, but you’ll also notice that many people don’t actively practice, especially compared to other countries where religion shapes everyday routines.
In some areas, like Saranda and Durres, I did get a bit of the same feeling I sometimes do in the Middle East, but this was during the low season when I was one of the only tourists. Overall, the atmosphere feels relaxed and tolerant. Even during Ramadan, most restaurants stayed open as normal.
17. Dress code in Albania
Do I need to dress conservatively in Albania? Generally speaking, no, you can wear whatever you like. I was pleasantly surprised by how relaxed the dress code is in most of the country.
In the coastal areas and bigger cities, you’ll see people in shorts, tank tops, and sundresses without anyone batting an eye. Albania is home to several religions—Muslim, Orthodox Christian, and Catholic among them—which is why modesty is appreciated in certain settings.
If you’re visiting smaller villages or religious sites, it’s respectful to dress more modestly—covering shoulders and knees goes a long way.
Also, with beautiful hiking trails and rural attractions, good walking shoes and outdoor gear are essential for exploring. Bring insect repellent—mosquitoes are prevalent, especially near wetlands, and products can be hard to find here.
18. Not all beaches are sandy
And while talking about things to pack, water shoes are not a bad idea. In Ksamil, you’ll find some gorgeous white sand beaches; however, many others along the Riviera have pebbles.
It was not like I experienced in Croatia, where I could actually walk on the smooth pebbles. Some of the beaches, like the northern part of Drymades, really hurt, so we had to pick up a pair of water shoes.
🏖 Don’t miss >> My complete guide to the beaches in Ksamil
MY ALBANIA FAVORITES
🏖 Best beach towns: Ksamil and Himarë
🚖 How to get around: Rental car, private driver, taxi, bus
🎫 Best guided tours: Gjirokastër & Blue Eye, 8-day Albania roundtrip
🛌 Best accommodation experiences: Artis Blue Relax, Urban Deluxe Apartments
💍 My favorite jewelry for travel: I only wear Atolea (use code SUNSHINE15)
📲 Best e-SIM: I use Airalo
🌟 Read next >> I spent 5 weeks in Saranda Albania: The good and the bad
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