Holidays in Albania have been becoming more and more popular as of recent years and much confusion has been sown on the web about the actual currency that is used in Albania. Can you pay in euros or with your car in Albania? Do you need cash?
What currency does Albania use?
What currency should you bring on your holidays to Albania. Albania’s official currency is called Lek and was first introduced in 1926. Before then, Albania still functioned on a gold standard and didn’t have its own unique currency.
The most popular notes are 200 L, 500 L, 1000 L, 2000 L and 5000 L. As for coins, you’ll find 1 L, 5 L, 10 L, 20 L, 50 L and 100 L. The currency takes its name from Alexander the Great, whose name is shortened to ‘Leka’ in Albanian.
Coins and banknotes are issued by the Bank of Albania and you can get them at exchange offices around the country. One pound is currently worth about 120 Lekë.
Is it possible to pay in Euro in Albania?
The euro is becoming more and more popular in Albania and, in practice, many popular tourist spots do support euro payments. We wouldn’t advise you to just assume blindly that your place surely has it though – if you haven’t checked, stock up on leks, just in case.
Card payments in Albania
You can pay by card in large hotels, markets or at airports, though smaller local shops or taxis may need cash. If you’re going anywhere rural, make sure to bring some.
See also:
