Special purchases include carpets, filigree silver and copper, woodcarvings, ceramics and any kind of needlework. Old markets are often worth exploring. Bartering is very much the order of the day for foreigners as well as for locals. Some of the tourist hotels also have shops.
Shopping hoursGenerally Mon-Sat 0800-1200 and 1500-1900 (although regional variations are possible). Many shops are also open Sunday.
Currency Information:CurrencyLek (ALL) = 100 qindarka. Notes are in denominations of ALL5,000,
1,000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are in denominations of ALL50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1.
Currency ExchangeCurrency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and banks. US Dollars are the preferred foreign currency.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsRarely used. Cash is preferred in nearly all cases. However, American Express, Diners Club and MasterCard are accepted by some banks and hotels.
Traveller's ChequesTo avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Euros. They may not always be easily changed in all places.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0800-1600.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | ALL185.51 |
| $1.00= | ALL93.85 |
| €1.00= | ALL125.31 |
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