Albania Travel Guide

Social Conventions

Normal Albanian etiquette is for people to shake hands the first time they see each other every day, and then again when they part. Between friends, a kiss on both cheeks is exchanged by men as well as women.

The usual way to indicate ‘yes' is by moving the head horizontally from side to side. ‘No' is usually signalled by a slight raising of the eyebrows, sometimes accompanied by a gentle click of the tongue.

Albanians usually remove their shoes inside their homes or other people's houses. If you are visiting an Albanian home, you will be offered a pair of slippers or plastic sandals to wear while you are indoors.

Smoking is widespread, and it is very unusual to find a non-smoking section in a restaurant, never mind a bar. However, smoking is not allowed on public transport, and this ban is almost always respected. On long journeys, the bus or minibus will stop for a cigarette-break from time to time.

Homosexuality is taboo, although not illegal. Public displays of affection by gay couples are likely to be greeted with some hostility.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

The national airline is Albanian Airlines (LV) (www.albanianairlines.com.al), which operates direct flights to London Stansted from July to September. British Airways (BA) (www.ba.com) has a year-round direct service from London Gatwick.

Departure Tax

US$10 is levied on all foreign nationals. Nationals of Albania pay Lek1,000.

Main Airports

Tirana International Airport (TIA) (www.tirana-airport.com.al) is 25km (16 miles) from the capital. To/from the airport: An hourly bus service runs into the city center between 0700 and 1900 (journey time - 30 minutes if traffic is light). Taxis are also available. Facilities: Small duty-free shop, ATM (in arrivals terminal), newsagents, souvenir kiosk and cafe.

Getting There By Water

Main ports: Durrësi, Vlora and Shëngjini.

Durrësi has connections to Bari (journey time - 9 hours), to Ancona (journey time - 18 hours) and to Trieste (journey time - 24 hours) in Italy (www.cemar.it/dest/traghetti_albania.htm). It is also possible to travel from Durrësi to Bari via catamaran (journey time - 3 hours) (www.venezialines.com).
Vlora has ferry connections to Brindisi (journey time - 6-8 hours) (www.agoudimos-lines.com and www.skenderbeglines.com).
Saranda has a hydrofoil service (journey time - 30 minutes) and a ferry service (journey time - 90 minutes) to Corfu. The ferry companies Finikas and Albkorfuz have ticket-offices in Corfu town.

Getting There By Rail

There are no international passenger services at present.

Getting There By Road

The main road crossings into Albania are from Ulcinj (Ulqini) and Podgorica in Montenegro; Prizreni in Kosova; Debar, Struga and Ohrid in Macedonia; Kastoria (Kosturi) and Ioannina in Greece. Drivers bringing their own car into Albania pay a nominal circulation tax, which is valid for 60 days. Guarded parking is essential; mid-range hotels (and better) usually provide this to guests.

The main international bus routes to Tirana are from Prishtina via Prizreni in Kosova; from Tetova via Debar in Macedonia; and from Thessalonica, Ioannina and Athens in Greece. There are also buses from Ulqinj to Shkodra.

Duty Free

Overview

The following items may be imported into Albania without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 1L of spirits or 2L of wine.
• 250mL of eau de toilette and 50mL of perfume.

Prohibited Imports

Firearms, ammunition, narcotics and any other items which represent a danger to the public.

Prohibited Exports

There are special rules covering the export of precious metals, antiques (including coins and maps) and books or works of art which form part of Albania's cultural and historical heritage.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Air

There are no internal flights.

Getting Around By Water

The only internal boat journey is the Komani-Fierza ferry (see Top Things to Do).

Getting Around By Rail

The hub of the national railway network is Durrësi. From there, services operate to Tirana, Shkodra, Vlora and Pogradeci. Trains are diesel, infrequent (except between Tirana and Durrësi) and slow.

Getting Around By Road

Traffic drives on the right. Successive Albanian governments have invested heavily in highway improvement and the main inter-city routes are now of a reasonable standard. However, Albania is a mountainous country and some towns will be connected by relatively narrow, winding roads for the foreseeable future. 4-wheel drive is not normally required.

Bus: All main towns are connected by good bus and/or minibus services to Tirana and to their neighboring towns.

Car hire: Cars can be hired in Tirana from the usual international companies, although they are expensive compared to northern Europe and North America. It may be cheaper, and will certainly be less stressful, to arrange a chauffeur-driven car in advance through one of the Tirana-based travel agencies.

Regulations: Normal European speed limits apply (50kph/30mph in built-up areas, 80kph/50mph on open roads, depending on their quality). Front-seat passengers are required to use seat belts, in built-up areas as well as on the open road.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit (technically this should be accompanied with a certified translation) and national driving license are required. Travelers bringing their own car into Albania should ascertain before departure that their insurance is valid there; emergency breakdown cover is also worth considering.

Getting Around Towns and Cities

Taxis are plentiful and relatively economical for short journeys within city limits. Urban buses are very cheap but usually very crowded. In Tirana, there is a flat fare for any bus journey; within the city center, taxis also have a flat fare, which should be agreed with the driver before setting off.

Journey Times

The following chart gives approximate journey times from Tirana (in hours and minutes) to other major cities/towns in Albania.

	Road	Rail
Durrësi	0.45	1.00
Shkodra	2.00	3.30
Gjirokastra	4.30	-
Korça	4.00	-