Useful info

Useful info, culture tips, and basic phrases for turists visting Tirana, Albania.

Arriving in e new country the first thing that a visitor must do is to exchange money and acquaint himself with the local currency if different to his/Her own. Exchanging currency in many countries can be a hassle but it is easy and straight forward in Albania. There are many licensed currency places in Tirana with quite a few located around the centre just behind the National historic Museum. We advise you always ask for a receipt from the exchange place.

Travelling across cultures carries its own benefits and risks. Albanians are a Mediterranean people who are passionate and animated so do not be put off if hearing loud discussions in buses cafés etc. It is just a normal thing. One of the most noticeable differences once you arrive will be the head shake. When approving something Albanians will shake their had from side to side but in a round sort of motion while to deny things they will nod their head up and down in a short movement. This is changing however and it applies more to older generations, as many of the young people who have lived abroad apply the international head signs.

Some basic phrases in Albanian are:

Miredita = mir-detae = Good Day
Mirmengjes = mir – men – guess = Good Morning
Faleminderit = fall – ae – minter – it = Thank you
Si jeni ? = See – ye – ne ? = How are you ?
Mire = Me – rae = Good
Po = Po = Yes
Jo = Yo = No

useful numbers

Here are some useful numbers during your stay in Albania and Tirana:

Airport Tel. 2381 600
Lost Luggage Tel. 2381 681
Police Information Tel. 122
Police Emergency Tel. 129
Traffic Police Tel. 126
Fire Department Tel. 128
Emergency Room Tel. 2222 235
24 hour Pharmacy Tel. 2222 241