There are a few
tourist information offices dotted around, though hours can be irregular to say the least – they can supply maps and book accommodation, but you’re better off asking for information at your hotel or hostel.
www.albaniantourism.com Official site of the tourist board.
www.albania-hotel.com Good for booking rooms online.
www.albanianhistory.net Collection of historical articles.
www.enverhoxha.info Detailing the “greatness” of former dictator Enver Hoxha.
Internet
Wi-fi is widespread, particularly in cafes, and you’ll be able to track down a dedicated internet café easily enough in urban areas.
For unlimited Wi-Fi on the go whilst travelling Albania, buy a Skyroam Solis, which works in 130+ countries at one flat daily rate, paid for on a pay-as-you-go basis. You can connect up to five devices at once. Prices start from as little as €5 a day.
Mail
Post offices are generally open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. While their quality of distribution is improving – from a pretty low base – it’s still prudent to hang onto any valuable parcels until you’re out of the country.
Money and banks
Albania uses the
lekë, which is also often used in its singular form, lek. Coins of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 lekë are in circulation, as are notes of 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 lekë. Exchange
rates are currently around €1 = 138L, £1 = 175L, and US$ = 122L. Note that many Albanians haven’t yet caught up with the
chopping off of a zero in the 1970s – you may be quoted 1000 lekë when they mean 100. Accommodation prices are quoted in euros at all but the cheapest places, and some of the more upmarket restaurants do likewise; in these you can pay with either currency, though will usually save a little paying in lekë.
Exchanges are the best places to change money, and can be found in most cities.
ATMs are everywhere in Tirana and in all towns, while
credit cards are increasingly accepted in hotels.
