What Currency Does Albania Use?
Albania uses the Albanian lek, currency code ALL. The euro is not Albania’s official currency.
SHORT ANSWER
Albania uses the lek (ALL).
The Bank of Albania is the authority that issues Albania’s legal-tender banknotes and coins. For everyday spending, think in lek rather than euro.
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.
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 Albanian lek, currency code ALL.
Does Albania use the euro?
No. The euro is not Albania's official currency; the lek is the national legal-tender currency.
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.