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Country Guide > Europe > Albania


Money

Currency
Lek (Lk) = 100 qindarka. Notes are in denominations of Lk5000, 1000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are in denominations of Lk50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1.

Currency exchange
Currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and banks. However, the best rate of exchange can be obtained from moneychangers who operate (legally) on the street, usually outside banks. US dollars are the preferred foreign currency.

Credit & debit cards
Rarely used. Cash is preferred in nearly all cases. However, American Express, Diners Club and MasterCard are accepted by some banks and hotels.

Travellers cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Euros. They may not always be easily changed in all places.

Currency restrictions
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. The export of foreign currency is permitted up to US$5000 or up to the amount declared on arrival.

Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Lek against Sterling and the US Dollar:
DateMay '04Aug '04Nov '04Feb '05
1.00=190.76186.90183.59193.93
$1.00=106.80101.4596.95102.69


Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1600.
   
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