Money in Albania: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping

Albania uses the lek (ALL). In Tirana and tourist resorts cards are accepted in most hotels and mid‑range restaurants; everywhere else you’ll need cash. ATMs are common in towns but scarce in remote mountain areas, so withdraw before heading to places like Theth or Valbona. Tip about 5‑10 % of the bill, or simply round up.

The lek is the only legal tender; some coastal vendors quote prices in euros but paying in lek avoids poor conversion rates. ATMs are widely available in Tirana, Durrës, Sarandë and other towns; they may dispense only limited amounts and charge a small fee. In rural mountain regions ATMs are rare, so plan cash withdrawals in advance.

Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most hotels, larger restaurants and supermarkets in major cities and resort areas. Small cafés, street stalls, furgons (shared minibuses) and market stalls are cash‑only. Keep a mix of small and medium‑size notes (100‑500 lek) for ease of change.

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, round the bill up or leave 5‑10 % for good service. In cafés and bars a small change is enough. For drivers, guides and hotel staff, a tip of 5 % of the fee or a few hundred lek is customary.