- Sometimes prices will be written in old leks, which contain one extra zero. This is normal, and the actual price will be less
- If a local offers you a drink - or even to pay for your meal - you should accept. In Albania, it is considered rude to reject hospitality, and Albanians can be extremely persuasive
- The majority of Albanians learned how to drive in the last 10 years. Keep this in mind when crossing roads or renting a car
- Credit and debit cards were unheard of until recently. Although most towns now have ATMs, and increasingly more businesses accept cards, it is wise to carry sufficient cash
- Italian is the most useful language aside from Albanian. In the south, many Albanians understand Greek, while the young generation learns English at school
Contact Numbers
Police: 129 Emergency: 127 Universal Hospital, Tirana: +355-4-229-0000 US consulate: +355-4-224-7285 UK consulate: +355-4-223-4973 Canadian consulate: +355-4-22507274 Tirana Radio Taxi: +355-4-235-5555