Albania Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL)
The official currency of Albania is the Albanian lek, currency code ALL. Tirana uses the same currency, and the euro is not official legal tender.
SHORT ANSWER
The official currency of Albania is the lek (ALL).
The Bank of Albania issues the national legal-tender currency. For everyday prices, think in lek rather than euro; the ISO currency code is ALL.
THE BASICS
Lek basics
The current banknote series includes 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 lek denominations. Exchange rates float, so use the Bank of Albania’s current rate as a benchmark rather than memorising a fixed conversion.
For search and banking, use the code ALL. On menus and price signs you may see amounts written as “lek”, “lekë” or simply with an L. The same Albanian currency is used in Tirana and across the country.
A VERY ALBANIAN QUIRK
What does “old lek” mean?
Some people still quote prices using the pre-1965 “old lek” convention. In that habit, a spoken price can be ten times the number printed on today’s banknote. The Bank of Albania explicitly campaigns against this confusing practice: the currency should simply be read as the value printed.
If a price sounds unexpectedly high, politely confirm the amount by showing the number on your phone or asking what banknote they mean.
EXCHANGE & ATMS
Where should I exchange money?
Official tourism information notes that ATMs are common in Tirana and major cities and recommends using banks or authorised foreign-exchange offices. Check the Bank of Albania reference rate before exchanging a larger amount.
FAQ
Quick questions
What is Albania's currency?
The official currency is the Albanian lek. Its ISO currency code is ALL.
What is the Albanian currency code or symbol?
The ISO currency code is ALL. Prices are commonly written as lek or lekë, and you may also see L used alongside amounts.
Does Albania use the euro?
No. The euro is not Albania's official currency; the lek is the national legal-tender currency.
What currency is used in Tirana?
Tirana uses the Albanian lek (ALL), the same currency as the rest of Albania.
What is old lek?
A lingering way of quoting prices with an extra zero. The Bank of Albania advises people to use the value printed on current lek banknotes and coins.