U.S. passport holders do not need a visa to enter Albania for short stays up to 90 days. However, be ready to show proof of onward or return travel, as well as proof of accommodation (such as a hotel reservation or host details) upon arrival. Your passport must also be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date. 

The level is moderate. This trip is a good mix of activity and relaxation, with 3-4 hours of physical movement on most days. An active lifestyle is helpful, though not required, to enjoy the trip. 

The official currency of Albania is the Albanian Lek (ALL). However, euros (EUR) are accepted at most tourist attractions and places. 

• Hospitality: Albanians are renowned for their generosity. Guests are treated with deep respect, and refusing food or drink is seen as impolite.

• Head Movements: A nod means “no” and a head shake means “yes”—a charming cultural quirk that can be confusing at first. 

• Curiosity: Locals may openly stare, especially at newcomers. This is usually out of curiosity, not rudeness. 

• Dress Modestly: In rural areas, especially, avoid revealing clothing out of respect for traditional values. 

• Evening Stroll (Xhiro): Many towns enjoy this nightly ritual, where people take leisurely walks to socialize and enjoy the fresh air. 

• Coffee Culture: Coffee is central to Albanian social life. You can expect long, unhurried conversations in cafés. 

April-June and September-October are the best months to go to Albania. You’ll avoid scorching coastal summer heat and bitter winter mountain cold. These months are ideal for walking, cycling, sightseeing, watersports, and relaxing on the beach. 

Generally speaking, no. You can wear whatever you like in Albania. Dress codes are very relaxed in Albania. There are no specific guidelines to adhere to. However, when entering mosques or churches, you need to have your head and/or shoulders and knees covered out of respect.

A travel backpack offers convenience, though a medium-sized suitcase is also fine. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transport, so each traveler may bring only one main piece of luggage. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. 

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Albania, but it's common and always appreciated. If you've enjoyed a meal at a restaurant, the general guideline is to tip 5-10% of the bill, or round up the bill at cafés and bars.

Yes. Albania uses plug types C and F. Plug type C has two round pins, while plug type F has two round pins with two earth clips on the sides. Albania operates on a 230V supply voltage and a 50Hz frequency. 

Internet access in Albania is generally reliable, especially in cities and tourist areas. Most cafés, restaurants, and hotels offer Wi-Fi. In remote or rural regions, the connection may slow or drop occasionally.

Fertile climate, closeness to the sea, and history have had an impact on the diversity of Albanian cuisine. Basic components of most dishes are meat and vegetables. The cuisine varies by region. In the north, corn is very popular. Locals use it to bake bread, make various sweets, and prepare national dishes. The central part features poultry and fish dishes. The climate favors the growth of almost all vegetables and fruits, so delicious desserts and various types of byrek (salty cakes) are a must. South is known for cultivating citrus cultures and olives, as well as for incorporating a generous amount of milk and other dairy products into traditional dishes. Albania’s national drink is grape brandy, known as “Raki,” but wines are also appreciated for their taste and quality.

Tap water may not always be safe to drink in Albania, so it's best to bring water purification tablets or ask your leader where filtered water can be found. It’s a good idea to bring a reusable water bottle and try to avoid buying single-use bottled water. 

Cash is still common in Albania, so it’s best to plan ahead. You can bring about 400 USD in cash to exchange and use at places that don’t accept credit cards. Unlike many other European destinations, card payments are not always available, especially at restaurants, museums, and local attractions, so having cash on hand will make your trip much smoother. 

In Tirana, many established restaurants and cafés that accept card payments. But once you leave the capital, expect to pay in cash for just about everything.  

Luckily, Albania is very budget-friendly. An average meal is around 8 USD. Cocktails are around the same price.

Yes. Your accommodation in Dhermi provides a laundry service for an additional fee. Please speak to the receptionist for more details.

Most toilets in Albania are Western-style, but don’t be surprised if you come across the occasional squat toilet. Public toilets often charge a small fee, so make sure you carry some spare change. If you’re unsure about local bathroom etiquette, check out our full Traveler’s Guide to Flushing Toilet Paper for a quick refresher.

Yes. Credit cards are accepted in Albania, particularly in larger cities and major businesses like international hotels, supermarkets, and car rentals. However, Albania remains a cash-centric economy, since smaller businesses, local shops, and taxis often prefer cash. It's essential to carry some Albanian Lek (ALL), as cash is the preferred payment method outside urban centers and for smaller transactions.

ATMs are available in Albania. Please remember cash is king, so we recommend arriving with USD that you can exchange, just in case ATMs are offline or your debit card is not working.

Yes, you can likely bring a drone into Albania, but you must contact the Albanian Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) to confirm specific regulations and follow general safety guidelines, as legislation is still being developed. Drones are generally permitted, but operating them is not unrestricted; you should always fly responsibly, avoid sensitive areas, airports, and crowds, and follow he standards set by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization).

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