AlbaniaAlbania Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips
Content about Albania on WorldSupporter
Packing list for Albania, travel insurance for Albania, and taking your belongings
Packing list for Albania, travel insurance for Albania, and taking your belongings
What to bring to Albania: highlighted
Highlighted items:
- Documents: a passport or ID card for EU citizens with the necessary copies.
- Money: cash, because you don't have to try to withdraw money with your card in the mountains. You can also get by with euros. A debit card comes in handy in Tirana.
- Care: sunscreen, especially in the summer and lip balm, also for the winter.
- Outdoor and practical items: cap or hat and sunglasses, especially in the summertime.
- Clothing: Albania has all seasons, so it depends on when you go and also what you are going to do. In the summer, light clothing, in the winter warm clothing. Outside of August, it is also useful to bring rain gear or an umbrella.
- Shoes: flip-flops for the beach and sturdy shoes for the mountains.
- Medicines and travel pharmacy: blister plasters, painkillers, ORS are useful, but you can also get things there. Safety: Money belt or fanny pack for your valuables.
- Technique and equipment: a good power bank for when you go on a long hike.
- A scarf or shawl for churches, mosques and overly enthusiastic air conditioners.
What else can you take with you?
- A good water bottle.
- A quick-drying towel for during the hikes.
- International driving license, if you want to rent a car.
What knowledge is useful when you go to Albania?
- Knowledge of local customs and norms and values.
- Knowledge of where to find the best hikes.
Are there mosquitoes in Albania?
- There are mosquitoes, especially around lakes and on the coast, but they are not dangerous.
Are there sand flies in Albania?
- There are sand flies on the coast.
- Sand flies can transmit leishmaniasis and sand fly fever, among other things.
- It is therefore important to protect yourself well.
Where can you get your food and drinks in Albania?
- Supermarkets: Spar, Conad, Big Market – good for basics.
- Local markets: fresh fruit, vegetables, feta, and mysterious “house wine.”
- Restaurants: cheap, lots of meat, and always bread. Vegetarian? Prepare for lots of salads.
- Street food: byrek (phyllo dough with cheese or spinach) is your new best friend.
Can you buy a joint or weed in Albania, or take it to Albania?
- No. And if you try, you might be in for a not-so-nice accommodation.
How does healthcare work in Albania, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?
How does healthcare work in Albania, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?
- How does the healthcare system work in Albania?
- What is the quality of healthcare in Albania?
- How does the public healthcare system work in Albania?
- How does the private healthcare system work in Albania?
- How is the general practitioner arranged in Albania?
- How is the dentist arranged in Albania?
- How is pregnancy care arranged in Albania?
- How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Albania?
- What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Albania?
- What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Albania if you are going to live there for a while?
How does the healthcare system work in Albania?
What is the quality of healthcare in Albania?
- Albania has a universal healthcare system that has evolved over the years. Originally based on the Soviet model, it has evolved into a system similar to the Bismarckian model, financed by both mandatory and voluntary contributions, supplemented by state budgets. The healthcare system is improving, but still lags considerably behind standards in Western Europe, for example.
- As an emigrate, you have access to both public and private healthcare facilities. However, both often fall short of Western European standards (with the exception of some in Tirana), especially when it comes to medical emergencies and major interventions.
- The quality of healthcare also varies greatly between urban and rural areas. In cities such as Tirana and Durrës, hospitals and clinics are better equipped and have more modern staff and facilities than in rural areas, where healthcare is often limited.
- The cost of basic healthcare in public institutions is relatively low, but the quality is sometimes below the standard that expats are used to. For more complex medical care, many expats go to private institutions. It may be useful to learn some Albanian words or bring a translator. English is not always spoken by medical staff.
- Pharmacies are widely available, but some medicines may not be. If you need to take certain medicines regularly, you might want to bring them with you into the country.
- Alternative medicines are also popular in Albania. The country is a major exporter of medicinal herbs.
- The emergency number in Albania is 127 for medical assistance. Make sure you know which hospitals in your area offer reliable care.
How does the public healthcare system work in Albania?
- Foreigners who are legally resident in Albania can register with the national healthcare system and apply for a health card. This gives them access to public healthcare services, such as GP visits, specialist care and hospital admissions. In any case, you contribute to the public healthcare system through taxes.
- The public hospitals are owned by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection. The government is investing in improvements, especially in the capital. For example, many new ambulances have been introduced and more and more paramedics are being recruited. Public healthcare is known for its long waiting times and limited resources, such as outdated equipment or shortages of medication.
- For registered individuals, basic healthcare is virtually free or very affordable.
How does the private healthcare system work in Albania?
- Private healthcare institutions offer a higher standard of care, with modern equipment and often English-speaking staff. Most private institutions are located in Tirana. Outside of these areas, healthcare is limited.
- Visits to private doctors and specialists can be expensive, but the costs are still considerably lower than in many other countries in Europe.
- Many expats choose private institutions, or for healthcare abroad. Insurance that covers medical evacuation is highly recommended, as private healthcare is also not well equipped for emergency care and major procedures.
How is the general practitioner arranged in Albania?
- GPs are accessible through both the public and private healthcare systems.
- For the public system, a health card is required to visit a GP. However, many expatriates choose a private GP because of shorter waiting times and better communication (English or another second language).
- It can be useful to ask local expats for advice on a reliable GP in the area.
How is the dentist arranged in Albania?
- Public dental care is affordable, but the quality is not good and expats are advised against using it.
- There are also private dental care facilities, but these are also often discouraged.
- It can be wise to go abroad for dental care.
How is pregnancy care arranged in Albania?
- Public and private clinics offer check-ups and guidance during pregnancy. Private clinics are often recommended because of more modern facilities and a better patient experience.
- Giving birth in public hospitals is common for locals, but private hospitals offer more comfort and personal attention.
- However, because of the quality of care, it can be wise to spend your pregnancy in another country.
- Check what facilities are available in your area and ask other foreigners to share experiences.
How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Albania?
What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Albania?
- Although the government is working to improve safety in Albania, crime rates are on the rise. However, most crime is related to local disputes and foreigners are generally not affected.
- Pickpocketing and theft are common in busy cities and tourist areas, such as Tirana, Durrës and Sarandë. Keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in markets and on public transport.
- Corruption within the police and government is a common problem in Albania. Expats sometimes report having to pay bribes in certain situations, although this has decreased due to reforms.
- Protests are usually peaceful. However, it may be wise to avoid such gatherings.
What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Albania?
- Tap water is not drinkable in Albania.
- Street food can sometimes cause food poisoning. Choose eateries that are busy and check that food is thoroughly cooked.
- Check the latest advice on vaccinations with your vaccination doctor.
- In some regions, mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus, although this is rare. Use mosquito repellent, especially in summer.
- Air pollution can cause respiratory problems.
- Altitude sickness can be a problem in parts of Albania, so it is wise to read up on this if you are travelling to higher altitudes.
What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Albania?
- Traffic in Albania is one of the biggest challenges for expats and visitors. Infrastructure has improved in recent years, but there are still some areas of concern.
- Traffic accidents are a major problem in Albania, with the country ranking among the highest in Europe for traffic accidents. Albanians are notorious for driving, with traffic laws often ignored. Expect unexpected manoeuvres and aggressive driving.
- Consider using a driver or taxi apps such as Bolt, especially in cities.
- Road conditions vary widely. In large cities, roads are generally good, but in rural areas you may encounter unpaved or poorly maintained roads.
- There is a risk of landslides and heavy rain, especially in rural areas during the winter. Slow agricultural machinery and stray cattle also pose a danger in remote areas.
- People generally do not stop for pedestrians.
- Public transport, such as buses and minibuses (furgons), is cheap but unpredictable. There are no fixed timetables and vehicles are often overcrowded.
What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Albania?
Is the trip to Albania and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.
What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Albania if you are going to live there for a while?
- For Albania, it is strongly recommended to take out good private health insurance. This way you can use private healthcare and, with good insurance, you are also covered for the medical evacuation and repatriation when needed.
- Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.
Albania: Updates & Travel
Albania: Updates & Travel
Travel in Albania?
- Albania is a surprising country for a vacation, especially for active vacation and nature lovers. With rugged rivers and mountains, hiking here is perfect. In the north and south of the country you will find high mountains, with Mount Korab as the highest peak (2,751 meters). Albania is still little discovered by mass tourism and therefore affordable and even suitable for a beach vacation.
- Hike through the mountainous landscape in the north and south of the country and climb Albania's highest mountain: Mount Korab (2,751 meters).
- You can canoe and kayak perfectly in Albania, especially near Shkopet.
- The country is also beautiful in winter. Both in the north (Jezerca, Valbona valley, Ros Peak, Korab mountain), and in the south (Tomor, Nemercka and Ostrovica mountains) are beautiful hiking trails.
- Looking for excitement? Go rafting on the Osumi River in the middle of the country. Tours are easy to book from Berati.
- Visit the home of national hero Skanderberg: the historic fortified town of Kruja. One of the few towns in southern Albania used to tourists.
- Theti, with its historic buildings and an amazing national park in northern Albania, is a place worth visiting. Traditional mountain life is still preserved here. Wonderful area for hiking. The area is somewhat difficult to reach.
- Shkodra (Skoder): the cultural capital of northern Albania. The city lies on Lake Skodra, which is partly in Albania and partly in Montenegro. Skodra is one of the oldest and most important cities in Albania and is the fifth largest city in the country.
- Tirana: The capital of Albania since the 1920s. A good stop for museums and nightlife.
- Durrësi: Albania's largest and most important port city, where many Roman remains can be seen. Famous for its beautiful beaches and tasty fish.
- Berati: One of the oldest cities in Albania and also one of the most beautiful. Beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture and a magnificent castle.
- Be prepared that driving a car in the dark needs your attention, many roads outside the city are not lit!
Updates Albania
- More about Albania, updates and contributions, see the link below.
Albania: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle
Albania: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle
Content about Albania shared by WorldSupporters
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