Ultimate Tourist Guide to the Albanian Lek

The Albanian currency Lek (ALL) is the money they use in Albania. The symbol for it is “L.” It used to have smaller parts called qindarka or qintars, but they don’t make those anymore. The Bank of Albania is in charge of making leks.

They print banknotes in different amounts: 200 L; 500 L; 1,000 L; 2,000 L; 5,000 L; and 10,000 L. They make coins in different amounts: 5 L, 10 L, 20 L, 50 L, and 100 L. For detailed information regarding the denominations and security features of banknotes, refer to the Bank of Albania’s official website.

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The Albanian Currency Lek

The Albanian currency is called the Lek (ALL). Its value compared to other currencies is around 118 lek to the British pound, 102 lek to the euro, and 95 lek to the US dollar. You might see it abbreviated as “ALL” on signs.

Despite the removal of a zero, some Albanians still reference the old number of zeros. Prices in modern stores are in the “new” lek, but smaller shops and markets may display prices in either system. Cash is commonly used in Albania, particularly outside major cities where credit cards might not be universally accepted. It’s advisable to carry some lek or withdraw cash from ATMs before your trip.

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The currency system in Albania can be a bit perplexing. Some businesses still use the “old” Lek when discussing prices, while the “new” Lek is the current standard.

Understanding The Albanian Currency

The terminology dates back to the 1960s when the Lek was revalued, with 10 old Lek equaling 1 new Lek. While transactions use new Lek, some vendors, especially older ones, may still quote prices in old Lek.

For instance, a souvenir might be labeled as “one thousand Lek,” which sounds like 1,000 Lek. However, the vendor means 1,000 old Lek, which equals 10,000 new Lek – resulting in a tenfold difference.

Facts About the Albanian Lek

1. Albania’s first official money was called the lek.

In February 1926, the lek became Albania’s first official currency. Before that, Albania didn’t have its own money, so its people used gold and money from other countries. The lek was introduced by Albanian King Ahmet Zoghu. Coins made of bronze, nickel, and silver were created in values of 5 and 10 qindarka.

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2. The lek gets its name from Alexander the Great.

The lek was named after Alexander the Great because “Leka” is the short version of his name in Albanian.

3. The new Lek banknotes have pictures of important Albanian figures

In 2019, the Bank of Albania made new banknotes that are more secure. They also changed the colors and pictures on them.

• 200 L: This brown banknote has Naim Frasheri, an Albanian poet, on the front and where he was born on the back.
• 500 L: This blue bill shows Ismail Qemali, the first Prime Minister of Albania, on the front and the Vlore National Museum of Independence on the back.
• 1,000 L: This green banknote has Pjeter Bogdani, an Albanian writer, on the front and the Church of Vau on the back.
• 2,000 L: This purple bill shows Illyrian King Gent on the front and the ancient amphitheater at Butrint on the back.
• 5,000 L: This yellow banknote shows Skanderberg (Gjergj Kastrioti), an Albanian war hero, on the front and Kruja Castle on the back.
• 10,000 L: This orange bill shows Asdreni, the Albanian poet who wrote the poem that became the national anthem, on the front and the Albanian flag on the back.

4. The Albanian Lek might be changed to the euro soon

Albania wants to join the European Union (EU) and is waiting for approval. They asked to join in 2009 and are still talking about it in 2021. If they become a member, they might start using the euro instead of the lek.

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Helpful Tips

Advice for tourists regarding currency in Albania.

While most establishments in popular tourist spots accept credit cards, it’s advisable to have cash (Lek) on hand for smaller towns or rural areas.

• Most shops, restaurants, and hotels in main tourist areas accept credit cards, but it’s advisable to carry cash (Lek) for smaller towns or rural areas.
• Carry a mix of smaller and larger Lek banknotes as some smaller vendors may have difficulty making change for big bills.
• Exchange money at banks or official exchange offices for better rates and security, avoiding street vendors.
• Remember that Lek can only be exchanged within Albania, so spend any excess cash before leaving the country.

Understanding the local currency is key to stress-free travel in Albania. Follow this guide to using and exchanging Lek, and you’ll be well-prepared to handle transactions smoothly while exploring this fascinating country.

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