Albania runs on cash. Not mostly cash, not cash preferred but only cash. If you’re coming from Canada where you tap your card for a coffee, this will take some adjustment.
Here’s what actually happens when you’re living there, not just visiting.
ATMs Work But Have Limits
ATMs are available in Tirana and the major cities without much trouble. In smaller towns and rural areas they thin out quickly. Most ATMs dispense Albanian Lek, though some in tourist areas also dispense Euros. Your Canadian bank will charge a foreign transaction fee, typically CA$5 per withdrawal on top of the exchange rate difference. Wise’s debit card gets around most of this.
Daily withdrawal limits vary by machine, usually 30,000 to 50,000 Lek per transaction, which is roughly CA$440 to CA$730. Plan accordingly if you need more for a large purchase.
Euros Are Accepted Almost Everywhere
Albania uses the Lek as its official currency but the country runs a parallel economy in Euros. Rent is almost always quoted in Euros. Larger purchases, landlords, and many businesses prefer Euros. You can use either in most situations but you’ll often get better value paying in Lek converted at a fair rate.
Don’t exchange money at the airport. The rates are poor. Exchange offices in city centres give better rates and are widely available. The black market exchange exists but is not worth the risk.
How Much Cash to Carry
For daily life i.e. groceries, coffee, local restaurants, transportation, budget 2,000 to 3,000 Lek per day, roughly CA$29 to CA$44. Markets and small shops are cash only. Taxis are cash only. Most local restaurants are cash only.
Larger restaurants in Tirana and tourist areas increasingly accept cards but don’t count on it. Carry enough to cover a full day without needing an ATM.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not the same obligation it is in North America. At restaurants 10% is generous and well received. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest 100 Lek is standard. Nobody will be offended if you don’t tip at a small local place.
Paying Bills
Utilities are typically paid in cash at designated payment points like convenience stores, post offices, and dedicated payment kiosks. Your landlord will usually show you where. Online banking for local bills is improving but not universal. Budget some time each month for this.
The Wise Card
If you set up Wise before leaving Canada which you should then their debit card works at most Albanian ATMs and lets you withdraw in Lek at the mid-market rate with minimal fees. It’s the closest thing to a frictionless payment solution for day-to-day life. Keep some Lek cash on hand regardless.
The Bottom Line
Budget more cash than you think you’ll need, especially in your first month while you’re figuring out the rhythms. Keep small bills handy since breaking a large note at a small shop can be an issue. And give yourself a few weeks before you judge the system and once you know where the ATMs are, where to exchange, and which places take cards, it becomes second nature.