General information of Albania


Surface area : 28.750 km2

Time zone: GMT + 1, GMT + 2 (during summer)

Population: Over 4.200.000

Capital: Tirana (The administrative, cultural, academic and communication centre of the country; population: over 700.000)

Coast line: Its total length is 427 km. (Adriatic coast line 273 km and Ionian coast line 154 km.)The largest island Sazani.

Climate: The Adriatic & Ionian Coast has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. It is one of the sunniest and warmest coasts in ELITE and an average summer temperature of 29°C. The inland part has a typical continental climate

Religions: Coexist peacefully, predominantly Islam, Orthodox and Catholic.

Official language and alphabet: Albanian language and Latin alphabet

Political system: Parliamentary Republic

Monetary unit: Albanian Lek (LK). Banknotes come in denominations of 100,200, 500, 1000 and 5000 and coins in Lek 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100.

International telephone code for Albania: ++355

Electricity: 220 volts

Pets: Allowed, is better to have a vaccination record and veterinary certificate.

Customs formalities: Expensive professional and technical equipment should be declared at the border crossing.

Traveling documents: To enter Albania you need a valid passport depending on international agreement between the countries.

Visa : If required, please check with the nearest Albanian Consulate or Embassy or email us at:

incoming@elitetravel-albania.com

Currency: Foreign currency can be changed at Banks, Exchange Offices, PostOffices,Tourist agencies, hotels etc. All major cards (American Express, Visa, Euro/MasterCard, Diners) are accepted for a wide range of services.

Medical services : Medical care for foreigners can be provided at hospitals and clinics in all major cities in Albania.

Drivers: Valid documents for themselves and for the vehicle, as well as the green insurance card.

Rent-a-Car & Taxi: Cars and Taxi can be rented at the airport, in towns and in all major tourist centers.

Cellular phone range: Communication by cellular phone is possible throughout Albania. AMC and Vodafone Albania.

Postal services: Postage stamps are sold at post offices, hotel receptions and newspaper stands. FedEx, EMS and DHL air-express carrier services are also available. For international calls, besides using hotel and post office services, phone cards (for sale in all post offices) are used in all public phone booths.

Important telephone numbers:
Police 129
Fire brigade 128
Ambulance 127
General information 124

Public Holidays:
January 1 st, new eve Year’s Day.

March 7 th, Teacher’s Day.

March 8 th, Mother Day.

March 14 th, Summer Day.

May 1 st, Easter Day.

May 5 th, Martyr’s Day.

June 1 st, Children’s Day.

November 28 th, Independence day.

November 29 th, Liberation day.

December 25 th, Christmas day.

Muslim Festival Day

Catholic Easter Day

Orthodox Easter Day

Shopping :

Excellent purchases include articles made of leather, local hand-made lace ware and embroidery, ceramics, herb brandies, etc. Opening hours: department stores and groceries are open continuously 07:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., while some shops and groceries close for lunch. On Saturdays most shops are open from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In tourist destinations, in high season, most shops stay open longer, including Saturdays and Sundays. Duty-free shops are located at the airport and Customs.