What money Albania uses
The official currency is the Albanian lek, written as ALL in international currency codes or simply “lek” in Albania, pronounced “/LEHK/” with a short, clipped ending that rhymes with “check.” While Albania is gradually modernizing its payment infrastructure, cash still matters significantly more than in most Western European countries—you can’t rely on cards alone the way you might in Sweden or the Netherlands. Cards work reliably in cities (Tirana, Durrës, Vlorë, Sarandë), established hotels of any size, supermarket chains, and many sit-down restaurants that cater to tourists or middle-class Albanians. However, in villages, traditional markets, roadside fruit stands, small family-run cafés, and anywhere operated by older Albanians who never adopted digital payment systems, you should expect cash-only transactions with zero exceptions. Even some surprisingly modern-looking businesses in smaller towns simply don’t have card terminals, either because transaction fees cut too deeply into thin margins or because the infrastructure never reached their location.
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Lek (click to expand)
Banknotes: 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 Lek (click to expand)
For more details on the banknotes and their security features, you can visit the Bank of Albania.
“Old” lek and “new” lek
Albania redenominated its currency in 1965 at a ten-to-one ratio, creating “new lek” worth ten times the previous “old lek” in an effort to simplify transactions and combat inflation—a common move among countries experiencing economic instability. Decades later, some Albanians still speak in “old lek” by habit, mostly older speakers who grew up using the pre-1965 system and people in rural areas outside big cities where traditional ways of speaking persist longer. All written prices—menus, price tags, receipts, ATM displays, parking meters—use new lek exclusively, which eliminates confusion in any formal transaction. Verbal prices quoted in conversation are where confusion happens, because someone might say “5,000 lek” meaning either 5,000 new lek (€50, a substantial sum) or 5,000 old lek (equivalent to 500 new lek or €5, much more reasonable for a street market transaction). If a number sounds too high for the context—if someone quotes 10,000 lek for a coffee that should cost 200 lek—divide by ten mentally and confirm, or simply ask out loud using the clarifying question: “Lekë të reja apo të vjetra?” (/LEH-kuh tuh REH-yah AH-po tuh VYET-rah?/), which means “New lek or old lek?” and signals that you’re aware of the potential confusion, usually prompting an honest answer.
###Real examples
Market vendor says “5,000 lek.” In most cases that means 500 new lek.Bus driver says “1,000 lek.” Often that is 100 new lek.Printed menu shows “800 lek.” That is 800 new lek.Parking meter shows “200 lek.” Always new lek.
ATMs and airport cash
Tirana International Airport has several bank ATMs in arrivals after customs. Use a debit card to avoid credit-card cash-advance fees. When an ATM or card terminal asks to charge you in your home currency, decline the conversion and choose lek. This avoids inflated dynamic-conversion rates. Fees vary by bank and by your card issuer. Take a small first withdrawal for your ride and first day. Use bank-branch ATMs in town for larger amounts. Shield the keypad. Keep your card in sight at terminals.
Exchanging money
Use banks or licensed exchange offices for fair rates. Bring euros, US dollars, or British pounds. Avoid hotel desks if you care about the rate. Albania uses a comma for decimals and a dot for thousands. “1.200” means one thousand two hundred. “1,20” would mean one lek and twenty qindar, which you will not encounter in practice. You will struggle to exchange lek outside Albania, so convert leftovers before departure.
###Track and Compare Rates
Before you exchange money in Albania, check the real-time EUR to ALL exchange rate using XE.
It helps you avoid inflated rates at kiosks, airports, and hotels — so you know what your Euros are actually worth.
XE doesn’t convert physical cash — but it’s the most accurate tool for checking current rates before you exchange.
Keep this handy while you travel.
Want to flip the direction or check ALL → EUR?
View the Albanian Lek converter on XE →
Prefer the mobile app?
📲 Download the XE Currency App →Cards, contactless, and small print
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted where cards are taken. American Express works in some hotels and larger restaurants but not everywhere. Contactless is common in Tirana and other big towns. Expect to enter a PIN above small amounts. Some shops add a small fee for card payments or set a minimum. If the terminal asks you to pick a currency, choose lek.
Street-smart habits
Carry small notes for daily spend and keep larger bills separate. Say the number back when prices are noisy or rushed. If a price feels off for the setting, ask whether it is old or new lek, or write the number on your phone. For change, ask clearly and wait for it in full before you leave.
Albanian terms and phrases with phonetics
lek (/LEHK/) = the currency unitLekë të reja apo të vjetra? (/LEH-kuh tuh REH-yah AH-po tuh VYET-rah?/) = new lek or old lek?Faleminderit (/fa-leh-min-DEH-rit/) = thank youJu lutem (/yoo LOO-tem/) = pleaseA pranoni kartë? (/ah prah-NO-nee KART-uh?/) = do you accept credit cards?Sa kushton? (/sah koosh-TON?/) = how much is it?A mund të paguaj me lekë? (/ah MOOND tuh pah-GOO-ai meh LEH-kuh?/) = can I pay with lek?A keni kusur? (/ah KEH-nee koo-SOOR?/) = do you have change?Rrugë të mbarë (/RROO-guh tuh MBAHR/) = safe travels
Quick recap
Use cash outside the main tourist zones. Trust written prices. Clarify verbal prices and remember that some people still speak in old lek. At ATMs and card terminals, always choose to be charged in lek. Exchange money at banks or licensed offices. Convert leftover lek before you leave.
Rrugë të mbarë - Safe travels!