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Money & duty free for Albania

Currency information: 

Lek (ALL; symbol Lek). Notes are in denominations of Lek5,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are in denominations of Lek100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.

Credit cards: 

ATMs are widespread; every town of any size has at least one. Credit cards are accepted only by top-of-the-range hotels and restaurants.

ATM: 

ATMs are widespread; every town of any size has at least one.

Travellers cheques: 

American Express traveller's cheques can be cashed in Tirana, with a 2% commission charge. Traveller's cheques are not accepted by hotels or restaurants anywhere in the country.

Banking hours: 

Mon-Fri 0800-1400.

Currency restriction: 

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. The export of foreign currency is permiteed up to US$5,000.

Currency exchange: 

Currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and banks; US dollars and Euros can also be changed on the street.

Albania duty free

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

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 1L of spirits or 2L of wine.
• 250mL of eau de toilette and 50mL of perfume.

Banned imports: 

Firearms, ammunition, narcotics and any other items which represent a danger to the public.

Banned exports: 

There are special rules covering the export of precious metals, antiques (including coins and maps) and books or works of art which form part of Albania's cultural and historical heritage.

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