If you’re planning a trip to the land of eagles, you’ve probably got one big question: what is the currency of Albania? You might have heard whispers of people using Euros, or maybe you saw something about "old lek" versus "new lek" online and got immediately confused. Honestly, it’s not as complicated as the internet makes it out to be, but there are some quirks that can definitely trip you up if you aren't prepared.
The official currency of Albania is the Albanian Lek (ALL).
Forget about the Euro for a second. While Albania is in Europe, it isn't part of the Eurozone yet. You’ll see prices listed in Lek, you’ll get change in Lek, and most importantly, you’ll get the best value for your money if you use Lek.
The Weird "Old Lek" Thing Everyone Gets Wrong
Here is the thing that confuses almost every traveler: the "Old Lek." Back in 1965, the government decided to lop a zero off the currency. One new lek became worth ten old leks. Simple, right? Well, it’s been sixty years and locals still talk in old lek.
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If a shopkeeper tells you a coffee is "one thousand," they don't actually want 1,000 Lek (which would be about $12). They mean 100 Lek. They are just adding that phantom zero in their heads out of habit passed down through generations.
Pro tip: Just look at the screen on the cash register or the price tag. If they say a number that sounds insane, just divide it by ten in your head.
Cash is King (And It’s Not Even Close)
Albania is changing fast, but it is still a very cash-heavy society. You can use your card at big hotels in Tirana or high-end restaurants in Saranda, sure. But if you’re grabbing a byrek from a street corner, paying for a bus (furgon), or staying in a guesthouse in the Accursed Mountains? You need cash.
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- ATMs: They are everywhere in cities. Look for BKT or Credins Bank.
- Fees: Be careful. Many Albanian ATMs charge a flat fee for foreign cards, sometimes as much as 700 to 800 ALL ($8-$10) per withdrawal. Credins has historically been more "tourist-friendly" with fees, but always check the screen before you hit 'confirm.'
- Exchange Offices: Locally called Kambim. These are actually great in Albania. Unlike the predatory booths you find in London or New York, Albanian exchange offices usually have tiny margins—often less than 1%.
Should You Bring Euros?
Actually, yes. Bringing a backup stash of Euros is a smart move. While you shouldn't use them for everything (you’ll get a terrible exchange rate at a local market), many hotels and taxi drivers will accept them if you’re in a pinch.
In 2026, the exchange rate has been hovering around 82 to 83 ALL for 1 USD, and roughly 90 to 92 ALL for 1 Euro. If someone offers you "100 Lek to the Euro," they are doing it for the sake of easy math, and you are losing money on that deal. Stick to Lek for daily spending.
What the Money Actually Looks Like
Albanian banknotes are actually quite beautiful and full of history. They recently refreshed the series with polymer (plastic-y) notes for the lower denominations, which are much harder to rip or ruin at the beach.
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- 200 Lek: Features Naim Frashëri, the famous poet. It’s brown/yellow.
- 500 Lek: Features Ismail Qemali, the guy who declared independence. It’s blue.
- 1000 Lek: Features Pjetër Bogdani. It’s green.
- 2000 Lek: Features King Gent of the Illyrians. It’s purple and very common.
- 5000 Lek: Features Skanderbeg, the national hero. It’s yellow/olive.
There is even a 10,000 Lek note now, but honestly, you probably won't see it much unless you’re paying a massive hotel bill in cash. Most ATMs don't even spit them out because they're a pain for small shops to change.
Don't Get Scammed at the Border
If you’re coming in by land from Greece, Montenegro, or Kosovo, people might approach you to exchange money. Just don't. Wait until you get to a proper town or find an ATM at the airport. Tirana International Airport has a few exchange spots, and while their rates aren't as good as the city center, they aren't total highway robbery.
One thing to remember: you cannot exchange Lek outside of Albania. It’s a closed currency. If you have 5,000 Lek left in your pocket when you fly home, it’s basically a souvenir. Spend it at the duty-free shop or exchange it back to Euros/Dollars before you pass through security.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Download an offline currency converter: Use an app like XE so you can check rates without needing Wi-Fi in the middle of a bazaar.
- Carry small bills: Taxis and small cafes hate 2000 or 5000 Lek notes. Try to break your big bills at supermarkets like Spar or Conad.
- Inform your bank: Albania often triggers fraud alerts. Tell them you’re going so they don't freeze your card the first time you try to buy a souvenir in Krujë.
- Check for the "Zero": If a price seems 10x too high, remember the "Old Lek" quirk and stay calm.
Albania is one of the most affordable countries in Europe, and once you get the hang of the Lek, your money will go a very long way. Just keep a stack of bills in your wallet, watch out for ATM fees, and enjoy that 100-Lek espresso.