Prices in Tirana are considerably higher than in the rest of the country, so budget travellers should see the sights then head for the boondocks. If you are on a tight budget, you could get by in the country for US$30.00 - US$40.00 a day, but you'll need closer to US$60.00 - US$70.00 in Tirana. That will give you good budget accommodation and three square meals a day. Paying for a few more comforts, staying in a better class of hotel and doing some guided trips would easily raise the budget to US$80.00 - US$90.00 a day. Even though Albania is cheap for the western traveller, you can spend a lot more that US$100.00 a day if you work at it and look only for the best hotels and eat in the top restaurants.

International banks and ATMs have appeared all over the country since 2004, so there's no need to use the street currency traders. Transactions on the street are legal, but you'd be wise to count your notes before you walk away. US dollars and Euros are equally popular as foreign currencies, but you should bring your bills in small denominations as they can be used to bargain. Cash is preferred everywhere, and credit cards are not always accepted. The Lek is impossible to change once you leave Albania, so change it back into a major currency before you leave.

Albania is a tip-conscious society, and you should leave a reasonable (say, 10%) tip in restaurants. Bargaining is fine in markets and bazaars.

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