Money & duty free for Albania
Exchange rates:
LekC$1 = Lek96.92
€1 = Lek135.5
£1 = Lek161.05
US$1 = Lek130.01
Currency & Money
Albanian Lek (ALL; symbol Lek). Notes are in denominations of Lek 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500 and 200. Coins are in denominations of Lek100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1.
Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger hotels, international shops, and some restaurants, particularly in major cities like Tirana. However, in smaller towns, local shops, markets, and taxis, cash remains the primary payment method.
ATMs are widely available and many accept international cards from networks like Visa and Mastercard. Withdrawal limits vary but generally range between Lek 75,000 and 100,000 per transaction. Fees may apply for international withdrawals.
Local currency (Albanian Lek): Travellers must declare if they carry up to 1,000,000 Albanian Lek when entering or exiting Albania.
Foreign currency: Travellers must declare any cash amounts exceeding €10,000 or its equivalent in other currencies. This includes physical cash and bearer negotiable instruments, precious metals, stones, valuables, and antiques. The declaration must be made at the customs offices located at border crossing points.
Albania duty free
Travellers are permitted to bring the following goods into Albania without incurring import duties, provided these items are for personal use and not intended for commercial purposes:
• 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% or 2L of alcoholic beverages not exceeding 22% (persons who are 17 years and older)
• Additionally, 2L of wine and 10L of beer (persons who are 17 years and older).
• 3kg of coffee.
• Gifts / other goods up to a total value of €300 per passenger (arriving by road) or €430 per passenger (arriving by air or sea). €300 for travellers under 15 years of age.
Banned imports include narcotics, weapons, explosives, ammunition, meat products, certain plant and their products, counterfeit money and goods, pornographic material, and goods that jeopardise public order and social morality.
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