Money & duty free for Albania

Exchange rates:

Lek
C$1 = Lek96.92
€1 = Lek135.5
£1 = Lek161.05
US$1 = Lek130.01

Currency & Money

Currency information

Lek (ALL; symbol Lek). Notes are in denominations of Lek5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500 and 200.

Coins are in denominations of Lek100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1.

Credit cards

ATMs are widespread; most towns have at least one. Most banks, large supermarkets and hotels accept major credit and debit cards. In other settings like small shops and taxis, cash is used.

ATM

ATMs are widespread; most towns have at least one.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0800-1600, generally.

Currency restriction

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. The export of foreign currency is permitted up to $5000, but higher amounts should be declared.

Currency exchange

Currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and banks in Pounds, US dollars and Euros. Currency can also be changed on the street, but those exchanges are considered illegal.

Albania duty free

The following items may be imported into Albania without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco (persons who are 17 years and older).
 
• 1L of spirits stronger than 22% (persons who are 17 years and older)
or
• 2L of alcoholic beverages not exceeding 22% (persons who are 17 years and older)
and
 
• 2L of wine and 10L of beer (persons who are 17 years and older).
 
• 250ml of eau de cologne or 50g of perfume.
• 3kg of coffee.
 
Gifts / other goods up to a total value of €300 per passenger (travel by train/car) or €430 per passenger (travel by plane and sea); Children under 15 generally €150.
Banned imports

Prohibited imports include firearms and ammunition, narcotics, certain endangered plant species, certain animals and their products, and goods which threaten public order.

Banned exports

Prohibited exports include firearms and ammunition and narcotics. You need to obtain a permit to export precious metals, ancient coins and scrolls, national costumes, antiques, books or works of art which form part of Albania's cultural and historical heritage.

Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.