Best Nomad-Friendly Cafés in Tirana, Albania
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Albania Withdrawing Cash : ATM Fees and Smart Tips
takayuki
The currency of Albania is the Lek.
To get Lek in Albania, you usually have two options: exchange money at a local exchange office (or bank), or withdraw cash from a bank ATM.
However, as of 2026, all bank ATMs in Albania charge a fee. The fee is more than 600 Lek per withdrawal.
For this reason, if you have euros, it is better to exchange them at a local exchange office.
アルバニア通貨レク、現地ATMでキャッシングすると€6~€7のATM手数料がかかるので、現地ではユーロを両替したほうがお得。
— Taka＠海外生活5年目 (@tabinomad2021) March 21, 2026
€60をレクに両替しても手数料€0.2のみ😳
ちなみに両替時にパスポート不要 pic.twitter.com/3rcLkor8Me
The exchange fee from euro to Lek is very low. So, if you travel in Europe, you can withdraw euros from an ATM and then exchange them into Lek in Albania.
In this page, we explain where you can withdraw euros from ATMs in Tirana and how to do it. Please use this as a guide.
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Contents
About the Albanian Currency (Lek)
Credit cards are widely used in Albania. However, some Albanian’s cafes, restaurants, and buses only accept cash.
*You can pay by credit card for the bus from Tirana Airport to the city center.
Also, some places may refuse card payments unless you spend more than 1,000 Lek.
So, it is better to carry some cash (Lek), even a small amount.
Albanian Banknotes
There are five types of banknotes in Albania.
However, both old and new banknotes are still in use. So, you may receive notes that look different from the ones in photos. This is normal and not a problem.
Also, be careful when paying small amounts. If you use a 5,000 Lek note for a small payment (like a few hundred Lek), some places may not like it or may refuse it.
If you have a 5,000 Lek note, it is better to break it at large supermarkets like SPAR or Conad.
» Albania SIM Price Comparison: How to Choose the Best Option
How to Withdraw Euros from ATMs in Tirana
In Albania, not all bank ATMs support euro withdrawals.
In Tirana, I usually use the ATM at Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania, located in the central Blloku area.
This ATM is attached to a bank branch and has security staff nearby, so it is a safe option. If your card is captured, the staff can help you quickly.
However, as of April 2026, there is a €7 fee per withdrawal.
For short stays, it is often better to keep your money in euros and exchange only what you need into Lek.
Steps to Withdraw Euros from a Bank ATM
Insert your credit or debit card into the ATM.
Select your language.
Enter your PIN code.
Select WITHDRAWAL.
Select EURO.
When you choose the amount in euros, a message will appear showing a €7 fee.
Tap YES to continue or NO to cancel.
That’s all you need to do to withdraw euros from a bank ATM.
ABOUT ME
I've been a nomad abroad for five years, traveling through 10+ cities across Europe. Right now I’m spending time in places like Paris, Venice, and Barcelona. I’ll be sharing simple, useful tips for living abroad.
