Cash or card in Albania: Which is the best way to pay?

Are you leaving for Albania soon? You’re likely already planning your trip itinerary and creating a packing list. Another important consideration is planning your travel budget and doing some research. Specifically, taking the time to understand the differences in financial habits between Albania and the UK.

Albanians primarily use cash for paying, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. However, the popularity of card payments is just starting to grow rapidly. Since it can be tricky to decide what you should rely on during your trip, we’re here to help. We’ll dive into the details to answer the question - is it better to use cash or card in Albania?

We’ll also show you a cost-effective way to manage your spending in Albania. For any international purchases, whether online or in person, you can rely on the Wise card. You can even withdraw cash like a local for low fees* at the mid-market exchange rate.

How cash-centric is Albania?

Albania is still very cash-centric, despite the fact that the world is becoming more digital by the minute. Cash is the number one payment option, especially outside the capital and major tourist destinations. It’s used when paying for public transport, taxis, museum tickets and sometimes even for accommodation.¹

However, this is slowly starting to change, as card payments are now more common than before. For example, compared to last year, there have been over 30% more card transactions in Albania. The number of POS card terminals is also on the rise and the country is definitely becoming more card-friendly.²

Cash etiquette in Albania³

Tipping isn’t traditionally a part of Albanian culture, so it’s not mandatory or expected. However, it’s still generally seen as a sign of appreciation and gratitude for good service.

There’s no set amount for tipping, so it comes down to your judgement and also the size of the bill. People usually leave around 10% to their restaurant or bar servers, while there aren’t any rules for tips for tour guides or taxi drivers. However, keep in mind that this is just a guideline and that the tip amount can also be bigger if you feel like it should.

You could also leave some leftover change from the bill or round it up instead of calculating percentages. This is also a nice way to let your server know you appreciate the quality of the service and the overall experience. The tip amount will certainly depend on the circumstances, but know that it’s not mandatory to tip.

Cash or card in Albania - the comparison

We’ve listed some situations where you’ll be paying for things in Albania. Here’s whether you’ll be able to pay by card, in cash or both:

Using your card in Albania at an ATM⁶

There are around 900 ATMs in Albania and they’re run by 11 commercial banks, such as Tirana Bank or Banka Kombëtare Tregtare. They can be easily located in big cities, particularly in shopping malls, main streets, town squares and, of course, banks.

Withdrawal limits at Albanian ATMs vary, but you can typically expect between 75,000 and 100,000 ALL per transaction. Make sure you check with the bank operating the ATM you're using.

Will my UK debit card work in Albania?

Yes, your UK debit card should work fine in Albania. However, keep in mind that cards might not be accepted as a form of payment at all in smaller towns. Also, additional fees will likely apply for using your card abroad.

Can I use my UK credit card in Albania?

Yes, you can use your UK-issued credit card in Albania, as long as you’re visiting a place that accepts cards.

Reasons to use cash in Albania

Cash is the best option for spending in Albania since it’s the most popular payment method among locals. Not only is it accepted everywhere, it’s also sometimes the only option in smaller shops and restaurants. Also, some things can only be paid with cash, like public transport.

Besides being widely used, cash is also necessary for buying from street vendors or small local shops. If you plan on visiting the Albanian countryside, chances are you won’t be able to pay with your card. Also, in case you like leaving cash tips, it’s good to keep some Albanian leks on you.

Reasons to use credit or debit cards in Albania

Paying with your card when travelling through Albania is a safe and convenient option. Since carrying large amounts of cash can make you a target for pickpockets, it’s a good idea to rely on cards instead. Also, if you use your card to pay, you won’t have to deal with bringing spare leks back home.

Are contactless card payments common in Albania?

Since card transactions aren’t very common in Albania, contactless payments aren’t either. If you do get a chance to pay by card, make sure you ask whether the tap-to-pay option is supported. The contactless limit in Albania is 2,000 ALL, after which you’ll need to enter your PIN.⁷

Your Wise card can also be used for contactless payments in Albania. If you don’t want to carry cards with you, you can get the Wise virtual card with the same features.

Check out the latest GBP to ALL conversion rates below:

Other payment methods in Albania

Besides traditional credit and debit cards, other payment methods are also available in Albania.

Mobile payment

Albanians use some of the most popular digital wallets and apps. like Apple Pay, Google Wallet and PayPal. If you plan on using any of these wallet apps during your trip, make sure you update them before you leave to avoid any issues.

A well-known local option is EasyPay. This digital wallet can be used for paying and transferring money. It’s mostly used for paying utilities and for online shopping.⁸

For an additional layer of security, you could add your Wise virtual card to your wallet. It has all the benefits of a regular Wise card, but it exists in your phone only. You can freeze your Wise virtual card after every transaction, so top-notch security is guaranteed.

Buy now pay later options (BNPL)⁹

Albanians also use BNPL services. One of them is NOA, which allows you to pay for your purchase up to three months later. You can also pay in instalments without interest, depending on the partner.

What is the best way to pay in Albania: cash or card?

If you’re still indecisive about whether to use cash or card in Albania, the answer is probably cash. Cash is used everywhere and it will often be the only option available.

The best solution for spending in Albania is bringing both cash and card. Cards can be convenient when visiting big cities, while cash is necessary as a primary payment method. If you plan on using your phone to pay, make sure your digital wallet apps are up-to-date.

Spend like a local in Albania with the Wise card

Want to spend like a local in Albania without worrying about exchange rates and hidden fees? The Wise card might be just the option you were looking for.

You can use your Wise card for international payments, from your accommodation costs to daily expenses. It automatically converts your pounds at the mid-market exchange rate with only a small, transparent currency conversion fee*.

You can also use it to easily withdraw cash from the ATMs in Albania. Each month, you can make 2 withdrawals of up to 200 GBP for free. After that, there is a charge of 0.5 GBP per withdrawal. There’s also a 1.75% fee on any amount you withdraw above 200 GBP.

Spend like a local with Wise

Cash or card in Albania - FAQs

Here are some of the most frequent questions about using cash or cards in Albania:

What is the best currency to take to Albania?¹

Taking the local currency is the best option, but euros are also widely accepted.

Do I tip in Albania?³

Tipping is not mandatory or even expected in Albania, but it’s still considered a nice gesture.

How much money should I take to Albania for a week?

That largely depends on your spending habits and travel style. However, you can always withdraw more money if you end up needing it.

Can I use my card in restaurants and cafes in Albania?¹

Cards are only commonly accepted in upscale restaurants in bigger cities.

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 23-Oct-2024