If you've already booked your trip to Albania, you'll likely be asking, "Where can I buy Albanian Lek?" This guide will cover everything you need to know about where to get Albanian Lek.
We'll look at whether you should try and get some in the UK or Ireland, or whether it's better to wait until you arrive.
I'll also show you how using AI and an eSIM for Albania can make changing money way easier and smoother. Let's go.
TLDR; The best thing to do all around is bring GBP or Euro and change your money in Tirana; check out these recommended places to do it.
Where Can I Buy Albanian Lek?
With Kukës Airport scaled back and the new Vlorë Airport delayed, Albania currently has just one major airport open. So whether you're heading to the Riviera, the great outdoors or the cities, you'll fly into Tirana. Adobe Free Stock / bardhok
Albania is fast becoming a favourite getaway among British and Irish travellers. And it's not difficult to see why.
But before you start dreaming of knockout beaches, incredible scenery and bargain food and drink, you'll need to sort out your spending money.
The reason why this subject deserves its own article is that Albanian currency is not the easiest to get hold of outside of the country. Here's why.
What Is The Currency Of Albania?
Albania's currency is the Lek, abbreviated as ALL. The key thing for UK and Irish travellers to know is that the Lek is considered a minor or 'exotic' currency globally.
Essentially, this means Albania's economy isn't large enough for the Lek to be in high international demand. As a result, foreign banks and exchanges rarely stock it.
This low demand means it can be difficult to easily buy Lek before you arrive in Albania.
Know Before You Go - Albanian Lek Denominations: You'll find banknotes in denominations of 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 Lek. Coins come in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Lek.
Can I Buy Albanian Lek In The UK Or Ireland?
You're no doubt wondering, "Can I buy Albanian Lek in the UK or Ireland?" And the answer is, kind of.
Some high-street providers do stock Albanian Lek, but only sometimes. The Post Office, M&S Money and Barclays have been known to provide it. But on the whole, most mainstream exchange sources treat it as an exotic currency.
If you're in Ireland, it can be even trickier to buy Albanian Lek. Irish banks and currency exchanges very rarely stock it.
You may have better luck trying online travel money providers, such as Manor FX, which specialises in the home delivery of currencies.
What If I Can't Find Albanian Lek in My Home Country?
If you're struggling to find any in the UK and Ireland, don't worry. Unlike in many countries, changing your money once you land is generally a better move than sourcing it in advance.
That's because it's incredibly easy to change most major currencies into Lek once you're in Albania. So, the best thing to do is to take some Euros and/or GBP with you to Albania, then exchange them when you arrive.
When You Land in Tirana: Don't worry about having no local currency when you land in Tirana. There are ATMs and currency exchanges in arrivals to convert a small amount of Lek to get you into town. Alternatively, a 24/7 airport bus leaves for the city centre every hour, accepts Euros and costs €4 / 400 Lek. Local apps such as Patoko and VrapOn Taxi should also let you pay digitally if you want to hold off changing money until you get into town. Although it's important to check the cost before booking and verify that the driver accepts cards.
Where To Get Albanian Lek Once You Arrive in Tirana
ATMs in Albania
Using ATMs in Albania is a fast and convenient way to get Lek. You can keep fees down by using travel-friendly debit or credit cards that offer low or no foreign transaction fees and fair exchange rates / Adobe Free Stock / Maksym
ATMs are your best friend in Albania. They're everywhere in Tirana, at the airports, and in all the main tourist spots. The exchange rates are usually reasonable, and you'll get cash instantly.
Check with your bank about international withdrawal fees before you take out cash. Using a card such as Curve can eliminate foreign transaction fees up to a certain threshold.
Changing Money at Albanian Banks
Using Albanian banks to exchange foreign currency for Lek is fine, although the process can be slower, and English may not always be widely spoken at the counter. Adobe Free Stock / Syda Productions
Albanian banks are reliable, but service can be slow. Major brands such as Credins, Raiffeisen Bank, and Intesa Sanpaolo offer foreign exchange services to walk-in customers..
Think of them as the scenic route to getting your money changed. Fine if you've got time to kill, less ideal if you're desperate for cash and are on a tight schedule.
Currency Exchange Bureaus
Bureaux de change are scattered throughout central Tirana and other larger Albanian cities. In most cases, they're the best way to change large amounts of money in Albania and offer competitive rates. These rates are often better than what you'd get back home, so changing money after you arrive makes perfect sense.
Some recommended places to change your Euros or British Pounds into Lek in Tirana include the following.
The Best Places to Change Money in Tirana
Top Tip - Changing Money in Tirana: Avoid airport currency exchange kiosks. Their rates are usually inflated, so it's generally better to head to the banks and bureaus in town.
Iliria'98 Currency Exchange
This reputable money-exchange chain has several central branches in Tirana, including one by the Pyramid of Tirana and one just of Skanderbeg Square.
Ria Money Transfer
One of the better-rated options that many travellers report smooth transactions with is the Ria Money Transfer network. There are several branches around Tirana's tourist areas, including this one on the edge of Blloku and one close to the parliament building.
Know Before You Go: Tips For Changing Money In Tirana
- When you walk into a bureau de change, ensure the rate board matches what they tell you.
- Ask: "Is this the final amount I'll get after any fee/commission?"
- Bring clean, good-condition notes of GBP or EUR. Some UK banknotes, i.e., Scottish or Northern Irish, can cause issues in some places.
- Try changing a small amount first, say €50 or £50, to test the service, then change the rest once you're comfortable with the rate.
- Retain the receipt which shows the currency, the exchange rate, the amount you handed over and the amount you received.
- Keep an eye on your mid-market conversion rate via an app such as XE.com, so you know roughly what you should expect.
How to Use AI to Find the Best Exchange Rates
AI has the potential to make travel easier and smoother, particularly when it comes to exchanging money abroad. Here are some ways you can use an app such as Chat GPT or Google's Gemini to make sure you get the best value when changing currency.
1.) Find trusted exchanges nearby. Before you swap your British Pounds for Albanian Lek, ask your chosen AI app to suggest reputable exchange offices near your location, e.g., ideally around Skanderbeg Square.
2.) Check the real rate. Request AI to pull up the current GBP-ALL mid-market rate. Enter the rate displayed at the bureau into your app and ask: "Am I getting a fair deal?" It will compare what's on offer against live market data.
3.) Look for top-rated places. Ask your AI app to flag reviews and ratings (e.g., 4.5 stars or higher) for bureaux de change in central Tirana. This will help you find and use well-reviewed, transparent places.
4.) Confirm the final amount. Once a cashier confirms the amount they'll hand over (don't forget to ask if this includes hidden commissions or other fees), tell AI to check that this is correct against the exchange rate advertised.
Tips For Handling Money In Albania
Here are a few must-knows about changing money and handling Lek in Albania.
- Carry small notes: Breaking down your larger notes or asking the currency exchange agent to give you smaller denominations is a good idea. Many small shops and cafes may not be able to change large notes.
- Euros: Some hotels and tourist restaurants in Albania accept Euros, but it's not commonplace. Local markets, taxis, and small shops usually want you to pay with Lek.
- Cards are widely accepted, but cash is king: Cards work fine in Tirana, other big cities and tourist areas. But venture into rural Albania and you'll need to use cash.
- Beware of damaged notes: Some places won't accept damaged notes. So try not to accept anything torn or tatty when changing money in Albania, as you may have trouble spending it.
Changing Money in Albania: Make Life Easier with an eSIM
With an eSIM for Albania, you'll be able to check important info such as exchange rates, taxi availability, and your hotel location the moment you land / Adobe Free Stock / smolaw11
Something that'll make changing money in Albania way easier is an Albanian eSIM.
Connecting you to the internet the moment you land, an eSIM for Albania gives you instant access to exchange rates, directions to the nearest ATM, and apps for taxis, AI and translation.
This means you can grab a cab to get you into town, double-check how much Lek you should get for your pounds and Euros and find the top-rated currency exchanges.
An eSIM for Albania also saves you researching, queuing for and swapping SIM cards and being hit with surprise roaming charges.
Head to the Airalo website to choose your eSIM for Albania and stay connected wherever you are.
FAQs: Where Can I Buy Albanian Lek?
1. What is the currency of Albania?
The official currency is the Albanian Lek (ALL). Euros may be accepted in some tourist spots, but Lek is essential for everyday spending.
2. Where can I buy Albanian Lek in the UK?
Some mainstream currency providers like the Post Office or Barclays may stock Lek, but its availability is limited. Most travellers rely on changing money in Albania once they arrive.
3. Can I use Euros in Albania?
Only in some hotels and tourist areas and the airport bus operating between Tirana Airport and the city centre also accepts Euros and cash. But you'll certainly need to deal in Lek when in Albania.
4. Is it better to change money in Albania?
Yes, ATMs and exchange bureaus in Albania usually offer better rates than UK or Irish providers.
5. Do I need cash in Albania?
Yes, although cards are commonly accepted, you'll need Lek cash for small shops and more rural areas. Consider installing an eSIM - Albania will be much easier and faster to navigate with one.
