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Tirana Travel Checklist

Essential Preparations

Follow these steps for a well-prepared journey.

Chronological Planning

Cover all important steps in a timely manner.

3M

Months Before

Passport Validity

Passport valid for 6 months beyond return date. This is an international standard.

Visa Requirements

Verify visa requirements for your nationality. Apply promptly if a visa is needed.

Book Flights & Insurance

Book international flights, especially for peak season. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance.

1M

Month Before

Accommodation Booking

Secure your preferred hotel, hostel, or apartment. This timeframe is excellent for selection and price.

Itinerary & Day Trips

Outline daily activities and any excursions from Tirana. This supports booking particular tours or transport.

International Driving Permit

Obtain an AN idp if you plan to rent and drive a car. This is for non-PEOPLE from the eu/eea.

1W

Week Before

Bank Notification

Notify your bank and your credit card providers about your travel plans. This prevents security holds.

Local Currency

Plan to withdraw Albanian Lek (ALL) upon arrival. Familiarize yourself with ATM locator.

Essential Medications

Pack enough prescription medications and doctor's notes. A Basic first aid kit is good.

Pre-Trip Research

research enhances your trip experience.

Historical & Cultural Context

  • Learn about Albanian history, most significantly the communist era.
  • This background gives a better understanding of sites like Bunk'Art.
  • The House of Leaves is another significant historical site.
  • Familiarize yourself with basic Albanian phrases.

Home Preparation

Prepare your home for your absence.

Before Departure

  • Inform family or trusted friends of your itinerary and contact details.
  • Stop mail and newspaper deliveries.
  • Arrange for pet care or plant watering if needed.
  • Secure your home: lock windows, unplug unnecessary electronics, set alarms.

Arrival Checklist

Your first steps upon arriving in Tirana define your trip. A quick checklist streamlines the process.

First Steps at Airport

  • Clear immigration and customs using your passport and documents for your visa.
  • Withdraw local currency (ALL) from an airport ATM.
  • Purchase a local SIM card (Vodafone or One Albania).
  • Arrange airport transfer to accommodation.

Initial Orientation

  • Locate your immediate neighborhood located shown on a map.
  • Identify the nearest ATM.
  • Find the closest grocery store.
  • Locate public transport stops.

Purchases & Transport

  • Have local currency for initial expenses.
  • Purchase bottled water; tap water is not recommended for travelers.
  • Choose airport transfer based on budget and convenience.
  • Ensure phone is charged and SIM card active before leaving airport.

Connectivity on Arrival

Before leaving the airport, make sure your phone has enough charge and your local SIM card is active. This makes navigation and ride-sharing apps immediately available.

Departure Preparation

Prepare for a smooth departure from Tirana.

Souvenirs & Shipping

  • Packing Souvenirs

    Pack souvenirs carefully, especially fragile items.

  • Shipping Options

    If large products or artwork were purchased, inquire about shipping from local vendors or international postal services.

  • Customs Regulations

    Be familiar with your home country's''s import rules for importing goods, especially for alcohol or cultural artifacts.

VAT & Airport Timing

  • VAT Refund Procedures

    Albania currently does not have a broadly implemented VAT refund scheme for tourists. Do not expect to claim VAT refunds.

  • Airport Arrival Time

    Arrive at Tirana International Airport at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled international flight departure.

  • Traffic Considerations

    Factor in potential traffic to the airport, especially during Tirana's rush hour. Plan your taxi or bus departure with buffer time.

Return Trip Details

Confirm Flight Details

Reconfirm your flight details (time, terminal, gate) the day before departure. This prevents surprises.

Use airline apps or websites for latest updates.

Prepare Documents

Ensure all necessary documents, including your passport and boarding pass, are easily accessible.

Keep them in a safe but reachable place.

Currency & Essentials

Consider purchasing any last-minute essentials or snacks for your journey at the airport. Empty your wallet of tiny Lek denominations.

Small Lek denominations are hard to exchange outside Albania.

Final Check

This allows ample time for check-in, security screening, and passport control. This is good even during busy periods. Make sure all steps are completed.

Additional Departure Tips

More considerations for a smooth departure.

Early Arrival at Airport

  • It accounts for unforeseen delays.
  • Ample duration is good for bag check.
  • Security checks can differ in speed.

Leaving Your Accommodation

  • Double-check all rooms to accommodate items you forgot.
  • Turn off all lights and appliances.
  • Dispose of any remaining trash.
  • Return keys as per accommodation instructions.

Currency Exchange

Plan your currency exchange before leaving.

Leftover Lek

  • Spend small denominations of Lek.ATMs/Shops
  • Exchange larger amounts at the airport.Currency Exchange
  • Note that rates may not be ideal.Be Aware
  • Consider keeping some for a subsequent visit!Souvenir

Digital Device Checklist

  • Ensure all devices are billed for travel.
  • Power off unnecessary devices to save battery.
  • Download entertainment for your journey.
  • Back up important photos and documents to cloud storage.

Relax and Reflect

After all the planning and preparations, take a moment to reflect on your Tirana experience.

Travel leaves lasting memories and new perspectives.