What Currency Is Used in Albania?

What is the Currency in Albania?

If you’re heading to Albania for a holiday, business, or to explore one of Europe’s most underrated travel destinations, it’s helpful to understand what currency is used and how best to manage your money while you're there. This guide is written for UK travellers and those engaging in Albanian commerce, covering everything you need to know about the local currency, exchange tips, and card use.

What is the official currency of Albania?

The official currency of Albania is the Albanian Lek, abbreviated as ALL and often written simply as L when listed on receipts or price tags. It is the only legal tender in Albania and is used for all forms of payment, including food, accommodation, transport and retail.

The name “lek” comes from Alexander the Great, whose name was shortened to "Leka" in Albanian.

How is the lek structured?

The Albanian lek is not subdivided into smaller units like pounds and pence. It used to be divided into qindarka, but these are now obsolete due to inflation and are no longer in circulation. In practice, all prices are quoted and paid in whole leks.

Banknotes are available in denominations of 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 lek, while coins typically come in 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 lek values.

Exchange rates fluctuate, but at the time of writing, £1 is worth around 110–120 lek. Check a trusted source or app before you travel for the latest rates.

Can you use euros or other currencies in Albania?

While Albania is in Europe, it is not part of the European Union or Eurozone, so euros are not accepted as official currency. However, in tourist-heavy areas like Tirana or the Albanian Riviera, you may find that hotels or large vendors quote prices in euros or accept them informally. This usually comes with a poor exchange rate and no guarantee of legal protection.

For daily purchases, such as food, public transport, and local markets, you will need to pay in Albanian lek.

Should you bring cash or use a card in Albania?

Albania is primarily a cash-based economy, especially outside the capital. While more urban areas now accept cards (Visa and Mastercard being the most common), many local businesses do not have card machines.

UK travellers are advised to bring some cash in pounds or euros and exchange it upon arrival at authorised exchange offices or banks, which usually offer better rates than airports or hotels. Alternatively, you can withdraw lek from ATMs, which are widely available in towns and cities.

Tips for UK visitors handling money in Albania

• Bring a small amount of lek in advance or exchange money once in Albania at reputable outlets

• Use travel-friendly cards (like Monzo, Starling, or Revolut) that offer fee-free spending or cash withdrawals abroad

• Carry smaller notes when travelling in rural areas where change can be hard to come by

• Be aware that some ATMs may charge withdrawal fees—check with your card provider beforehand

Common mistakes to avoid

A common misconception is assuming Albania uses the euro because of its European location. While euros may be accepted in tourist zones, they are not a reliable or legal means of payment for local transactions. Always carry lek for transport, local dining, and day-to-day purchases.

Another mistake is over-reliance on cards. Many smaller businesses and services, such as taxis and markets, do not accept them. Failing to plan ahead may leave you stuck without a way to pay.

In summary

The official currency in Albania is the Albanian lek (ALL). While larger hotels and restaurants may take cards or occasionally accept euros, cash in lek remains essential for most transactions. UK travellers can avoid hassle by preparing in advance, using trusted exchange options, and carrying a mix of cash and a fee-free debit card.