Albania Money 101: Cash, Cards, ATMs, and the Albanian Lek (ALL)

Описание: Planning a move to Albania or a long stay in 2025? This video explains how money works in Albania for expats and travelers, including the Albanian Lek (ALL), cash vs card, ATMs, exchange rates, paying rent and utility bills, coins and banknotes, and everyday safety tips. We walk through real examples so you arrive confident about what to carry, how to withdraw cash, and how to avoid unnecessary fees.

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📦 WHAT'S IN THIS VIDEO
• Currency basics: Intro to the Albanian Lek, common banknotes and coins, why denominations vary in size, and the easy trick to estimate Euro values
• Cash vs card in practice: why many shops and restaurants prefer cash, minimum spend rules, and what to expect with card terminals
• ATMs the smart way: tapping instead of inserting, typical withdrawal limits, how fees work, and why you should always decline conversion to avoid expensive dynamic currency conversion
• Banking setup before you fly: notifying your bank, daily withdrawal caps, and why international-friendly banks can save you money
• Wise and other apps: what works in Albania, what you should set up before arrival, and how we manage money from abroad
• Paying monthly bills: how to pay electricity, water, mobile, and internet in person with cash, plus the receipt QR code that confirms taxes
• Rent and big purchases: when transfers are possible, why many landlords prefer cash, and how to plan withdrawals to minimize fees
• Euro vs Lek on the street: when prices are quoted in Euro, how merchants set their own exchange rates, and when to clarify in Euro for simplicity
• Everyday tips: carry mixed denominations for change, expect low tipping culture, and why Albania feels safe even though it is cash heavy

⚖️ Legal Residency Help for Americans and Anyone Moving to Albania:
We recommend attorney Tahir Tahja, who handled our company setup and residency.
► Book a FREE consult → https://www.smileabroad.al/residency
► Join our expat community →   / usalblegal  

👇 CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:46 What is Lek?
02:49 Exchange Rate Risk
04:53 Card vs Cash
06:41 Getting Cash from ATMs
09:30 Picking a USA Bank
11:15 Paying Bills in Albania
14:15 Rent and Larger Purchases
17:42 Apps & Online Banking
18:39 Tips and Conclusion

💬 Have questions about moving abroad or life in Albania? Drop them in the comments — we read and respond to every single one.


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⚖️ Residency Help for Americans and Anyone Moving to Albania:
We recommend attorney Tahir Tahja, who handled our company setup and residency.
► Book a FREE consult → https://www.smileabroad.al/residency
► Join our expat community →   / usalblegal  

Thanks for watching and for joining us on this journey. 💙
— Spencer & Sam 🐾✈🌍

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