Electrical sockets in Albania are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: The “Type C” Europlug and the “Type E” and “Type F” Schuko. If your appliance’s plug doesn’t match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.Electrical sockets in Albania usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you’re plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.  If your appliance is not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.

CurrencyLek (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.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 US$5,000.BankingBanking hours: Monday-Friday 08h00-14h00.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.ATMs are widespread; every town of any size has at least one.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.Currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and banks; US dollars and Euros can also be changed on the street.

Mains water is chlorinated and is fine for brushing teeth. However, bottled water is advised for drinking, especially outside Tirana.Brucellosis and tuberculosis are present in Albanian dairy cattle. Unpasteurised milk and homemade cheese should be avoided; however, in cafes and restaurants the milk is always UHT, and therefore safe.Albanian cuisine is a heady blend of Ottoman and Italian influences, with heavy stews, smoked meat and pickled cabbage served alongside Mediterranean-style fish, feta cheese and rice. Visiting vegetarians will find themselves eating a lot of salad; luckily, Albanian tomatoes and cucumbers are always fresh and delicious.When it comes to drinking, you should try one of Albania’s high-quality wines, especially indigenous grapes such as kallmet (red) andshesh (red and white). Grapes are also used to make raki, a clear spirit that will knock your socks off.The usual tipping practice is to round the bill up by about 10%.

Albania has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters in the lowlands. In the highlands, snow can fall from November until March; mountain towns are very cold at this time of year.

There are no internal flights scheduled in Albania.You can hire cars in Tirana from the usual international companies, although they are expensive compared to northern Europe and North America. It may be cheaper, and is certainly less stressful, to arrange a chauffeur-driven car in advance through one of the Tirana-based travel agencies.AnInternational Driving Permit (technically this should be accompanied with a certified translation) and national driving licence are required.Successive Albanian governments have invested heavily in highway improvement and the main inter-city routes are of a reasonable standard. However, Albania is a mountainous country and some towns will be connected by relatively narrow, winding roads for the foreseeable future. 4-wheel drive is not normally required.Taxis are plentiful and relatively economical for short journeys within city limits. Urban buses are very cheap but usually very crowded. In Tirana, there is a flat fare for any bus journey; within the city centre, taxis also have a flat fare, which you should agree with the driver before setting off.The hub of the national railway network is Durrës. From there, services operate to Tirana, Shkodra, Vlora and Pogradeci. Trains are diesel, infrequent (except between Tirana and Durrësi) and slow.

Dependent on the time of year and regions of the country to be visited, and also on the activities planned. For outdoor activities in the mountains, good waterproofs and warm layers should be carried at all times of year. On the coast in summer, long trousers and a light jacket will often be required in the evenings.