Practical First-Timer Tips for Saranda
Saranda is a wonderful place for a holiday, but if it's your first trip to Albania a few small things can catch you out. We've put together the essentials our guests find most useful – money, mobile data, language, safety, and what to bring to the beach.
None of it is complicated. Albania is welcoming and affordable, and after the first few hours you'll have it all figured out. Think of this as a quick cheat sheet so you don't have to look anything up at the last minute.
Money: lek, euros and ATMs
The local currency is the Albanian lek (ALL), roughly 100 lek to €1, which makes the maths easy. In tourist spots around Saranda and Ksamil euros are often accepted, but usually at a poorer rate, so paying in lek is better value. Cards work in restaurants and larger shops, but always keep some cash for the market, a furgon (minibus) or a tip.
Withdrawing cash
There are plenty of ATMs in Saranda, especially along the promenade. Expect a withdrawal fee of around 700–800 lek (about €7–8) plus any fee from your own bank, so it pays to take out larger amounts at once and use a card with no foreign-transaction fees. If the machine offers to convert to your home currency, always decline and choose to be charged in lek for a better rate.
SIM card and mobile data
A local prepaid SIM from Vodafone Albania or One Albania with a few gigabytes of data costs roughly €5 in the centre and is sold in phone shops and kiosks (bring your passport). 4G coverage in and around Saranda is solid. EU travellers should note that EU roaming does not cover Albania, so check your operator's rates before you arrive to avoid a surprise bill.
Language and safety
The official language is Albanian, but you'll get by in English and very often in Italian in tourist areas. A couple of words like "faleminderit" (thank you) go a long way. Albania is very safe and the people are remarkably friendly – we have a little shop right below the building and a restaurant next door where the locals know us. Just use the same common sense you would anywhere: keep an eye on your things at the beach and in crowds.
Tipping and drinking water
Tipping is modest and appreciated, around 5–10% in a restaurant or simply rounding up. We don't recommend drinking the tap water in Saranda – buy bottled, it's cheap and sold everywhere, including the kiosk under our building. Tap water is, of course, fine for cooking and washing.
What to pack for the beach
The beach is about a 2-minute walk from us, so it's easy to pop back to the apartment for anything you've forgotten. Bring water shoes (the shore is pebbly), high-factor sun cream, a hat, plenty of bottled water and a small towel. For day trips to Butrint or the Blue Eye, add comfortable walking shoes and something to cover your shoulders against the sun.
FAQ
Should I pay in euros or lek in Saranda?
The official currency is the lek, and paying in lek always works and gives you a better rate. Euros are often accepted in tourist spots in Saranda, but usually at a worse rate, so it's worth carrying lek in cash. Cards work in restaurants and larger shops.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Saranda?
We don't recommend drinking the tap water; buy bottled water instead – it's cheap and sold everywhere, including the kiosk right below our building. Tap water is fine for cooking and washing.
Is Albania safe for tourists?
Yes, Albania is one of the safer and friendlier places to travel. Just take the usual precautions you would anywhere – watch your belongings at the beach and in crowds. Locals are welcoming and happy to help.
How do I get mobile internet?
The easiest option is a local prepaid SIM (Vodafone Albania or One Albania) bought in the centre for about €5; bring your passport. 4G coverage in Saranda is good. EU roaming does not cover Albania, so check the rates with your provider beforehand.
