10 Things to Know Before Traveling to Albania

We spent three weeks in Albania during August 2025 and quickly learned that while the country is stunning and welcoming, there are a few important things to know before you go traveling to Albania. From cash and transport to cultural nuances, these tips will help you get the most out of your trip.

Fun Facts: Shqip is the native name of the Albanian language and it is one of the reasons why the country of Albania can also be referred to as Shqiperia, or thought to translate to “the people who speak clearly”. 

Bring your passport

As of 2025, Albania is not part of the Schengen zone and you will need your passport in order to get into the country. This may be obvious for many, but those traveling within the EU might miss this one! Also make sure you have at least a 6 month validity before your passport expiration date.

Bring Cash

Albania is one of those countries where cash is king. Many of the ATMs are not run by banks but by private companies and they charge expensive withdrawal fees! (we saw several charging more than 8 euros for service) In Gjirokaster, Berat, Sarandë, and Shköder, ATMs were available but not very common.

If you plan to head to the far north to hike around Theth and Valbone, get cash in Shköder before you go. There is a single cash point in Theth, but the fees must be astronomical!

Development

If you’ve done your research, you probably know by now that Albania has only been open to the world for a little over 30 years, after spending 45 years under one of the most isolated and rigid communist regimes in Europe. The long period of isolation has left visible marks on the country’s infrastructure, economy, and societal development.

While Albania has made impressive strides in modernization and tourism, you may still encounter underdeveloped roads, limited public transportation options, and uneven urban planning, especially outside major cities. At the same time, this relative isolation has also preserved breathtaking natural landscapes and a unique cultural identity, making Albania a fascinating and rewarding destination for curious travelers.

Lack of Accessibility

Along those lines, we unfortunately found Albania to not be very friendly in terms of infrastructure for people with disabilities. There are barely any wheelchair ramps, even for crossing roads. If you visit Sarandë or Gjirokastër, know that they are very hilly places and stairs are very commonplace. Even moving around with wheeled luggage was a challenge for us in spots!

Transport

Buses are your go-to when planning public transportation within the country. Keep in mind they are rarely on time. There is only a single company that we found where we could book online, and even then, they only carried a small subset of the total possible routes.

When boarding a long distance bus that you haven’t reserved, you can buy a ticket in the moment from the driver. For city buses, you usually board and then someone passes by to collect the fare. 

Time Difference

If you are coming to Albania from Corfu, take into account there is a time difference. Corfu is 1 hour ahead of Albania. Although Sarandë, Albania is east of Corfu – the Greeks have their whole territory on the same time schedule. This shouldn’t have much of an impact on your travels, unless you plan to fly out of the Corfu airport!

Costs

Compared to the other cities we visited, Sarandë was by far more expensive than other cities. More than double at times. Yet, traveling to Albania continues to be very affordable compared to other European countries – especially in the western half of the continent. Tirana, the capital, and Shköder, in the north, we both affordable and easy to get around. Check out our Albania Travel Guide for an overview of expected travel costs depending on your budget.

Language

We found most Albanians we encountered spoke English, especially the younger generations. Therefore, we did not have any problem in terms of communication. However, we always recommend learning the basics to show respect and appreciation. Albanians really enjoyed us trying, even if we only mastered Faleminderit (thank you)!

Cultural Nuances

No matter where we were, we found Albanians to be very friendly and welcoming. One thing that caught our attention was that they constantly mentioned that we shouldn’t pay right away instead they insisted that we pay later.

We interpreted this as their way of saying, “Feel at home first — we’ll deal with the money later.” We were also given food on numerous occasions, so don’t be surprised if you receive free veggies! 

Clothing

Albania is religiously diverse where you can find Muslims, Orthodox Christians, Catholics peacefully coexisting. This also means you should take into account your outfits especially in the summer in order to be respectful to their culture. As with any muslim-majority country, consider covering shoulders (for men and women) when entering religious sites. For women, it is useful to carry a pashmina or shawl to wrap over your hair as well. Additionally we observed informal dress codes noted on some Catholic sites too.

Final Thoughts on Traveling to Albania

Albania is a country of contrasts with breathtaking mountains, historic towns, and welcoming locals alongside a few travel challenges. By preparing with these Albania travel tips, from carrying cash to understanding cultural nuances, you’ll be ready to explore confidently and respectfully. Whether it’s wandering through Berat’s cobblestone streets, hiking in the Theth to Valbone pass, or soaking up the Riviera sun, traveling to Albania promises an experience that’s both rewarding and unforgettable.