How to exchange money in Albania without getting ripped off
Albania runs on lek (ALL), but euros are accepted almost everywhere for bigger purchases. Here is how to get a fair rate.
Know the real rate first
The mid-market rate on fx.al is the true value of the lek. Any office or bank buys and sells around it. A fair bureau sits within about 1% of it. If the gap is 3% or more, walk away.
Use exchange offices, not the airport
Street exchange offices (këmbim valutor) in Tirana, Durrës, Sarandë and Vlorë usually beat banks and always beat the airport. Rates are posted on a board outside. Compare two or three within a block.
Avoid these traps
Boards that show only the buy rate. 'No commission' signs paired with a bad rate. Counting money fast. Being handed old 1,000 lek notes that look like 2,000. Count your lek before you leave the counter.
Cards and ATMs
Cards work in cities and tourist areas. ATMs charge 500 to 900 lek per withdrawal plus your bank's fee, so take out larger amounts less often. Always decline 'conversion' offered by the ATM and pay in lek.
Leaving Albania
Lek is hard to exchange outside the country. Spend it or change it back before you leave, at an exchange office, not at the airport.