You will encounter both coins and banknotes for daily transactions: Common Denominations 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 lekë Banknotes 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 lekë Practical Spending Guide
The official monetary unit of Albania is the (plural: lekë ), represented by the symbol L and the currency code ALL . Quick Currency Facts
: A common rough conversion is 100 Lek ≈ 1 Euro . Denominations in Circulation albanian monetary unit
For the best rates, use local ( Zyra Këmbimi ) rather than banks or hotels. They are safe, common in city centers, and typically do not charge commission. You can check daily rates on tools like the XE Currency Converter or the official Bank of Albania website.
: Locals often refer to prices in "Old Lek," which adds an extra zero to the current value (e.g., they might say "1,000" for a 100-Lek coffee). Always clarify if a price seems unexpectedly high. You will encounter both coins and banknotes for
: Technically divided into 100 qindarka , though these are no longer in use due to inflation. Issuing Authority : Managed by the Bank of Albania.
: ATMs are plentiful in cities but often charge high transaction fees (roughly 700 Lek per withdrawal). It is usually more cost-effective to withdraw larger amounts at once. Where to Exchange Money They are safe, common in city centers, and
: Euros are widely accepted for larger purchases like hotels or tours, but you will almost always get a better rate paying in lekë.