PRACTICALITIES

Currency

Albanian lek (ALL)

Official languages

Albanian

Time

GMT + 1

Calling code

+355

Area codes

Durrës: 52, Tirane: 42, Elbasan: 545, Korçë: 824, Shkodër: 22, Vlorë: 33, Berat: 32, Gjirokastër: 84

Internet TLD

.al

Shopping

Generally shops are open from 8am to 9pm. In summer season there is a lunch break between 12 and 4pm.

National holidays

New Year’s Day	January 1
Orthodox Christmas	January 6
Summer Day	March 16
Nevruz Day	March 23
Easter	movable feast
Orthodox Easter	movable feast
May Day	May 1
Lesser Bajram	movable feast
Greater Bajram	movable feast
Independence Day	November 28
Liberation	November 29
Christmas	December 25 & 26

National dish

gyro – dish consisting of roasted lamb and pita bread
fÏrgese tiranÏ – spicy dish consisting of liver, eggs and tomatoes
tavÏ kosi / tavÏ elbanasi – lamb with yoghurt sauce
oriz më tamel – rice pudding

Electricity

Albania’s electricity runs on 220V/50Hz.

Passport/Visa

Citizens of European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand do not need visa for entry into Albania. Only a valid passport is required.

Useful numbers

Ambulance: 17
Fire Brigade: 18
Police: 19