Club preparation file

Preparing for Tirana

Albania is outside Schengen and runs largely on cash. The cities are changing fast and people are eager to help a visitor. What follows applies across the whole country.

Last updated: 2026-08

Money and cards

All of Albania

The currency is the Albanian lek. Cards work in hotels and larger businesses; most daily spending runs on cash. Always carry some.

5 more points are open to Club members

The in-depth part of every preparation file is included in Club membership. Membership is annual and covers the files for all cities.

See Club I am a member, sign in

Everyday etiquette

All of Albania

Hospitality is strong and an offer is not really refusable. Mosques and churches expect covered clothing; different faiths live side by side here and that is ordinary.

5 more points are open to Club membersSee Club

Practical notes

All of Albania

Sockets are the same type as in Türkiye. Tap water is not recommended for drinking and bottled water is everywhere. Pharmacies are marked "FARMACI".

5 more points are open to Club membersSee Club

In an emergency

This section is open to everyone and needs no membership.

Emergency call: 112One number for police, ambulance and fire. It works across the region and follows the same standard as in Türkiye.
Reporting a theft: A report at a police stationAn insurance claim does not move without this formal document. On a group tour, do it with your tour leader.
Pharmacy: FARMACILarger cities have one open at night; the rota is posted at the door.
Lost passport: Your country's missionReport the loss to the police first, then apply to your mission. On a group tour, tell your tour leader immediately.

Checklists

13 more points are open to Club membersSee Club

Phrases worth knowing

8 more points are open to Club membersSee Club