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ALBANIACapital: Tirana Language: AlbanianPopulation: 2.9 million Time Zone: EST plus 6 hoursCurrency: Lek (L, ALL) Electricity: 230V. 50Hz

Fun Facts● The most popular sport in Albania is soccer● Islam is the most common religion in Albania with more than two thirds of the population practicing it● Nodding the head in Albania is a disagreement while shaking the head means “yes”● The literacy rate is 93% for men and 80% for women● Albanians take hospitality very seriously. If offered anything, accept it graciously, as rejection is not

taken well

Fifteen years ago, travel to Albania would have been unheard of. It has had its share of turmoil, strife andstruggle. But in recent years, Albania has emerged from the cover of communism and is now able to revealits beauty to the world. Albania is the Balkan center of historical importance and it exudes tremendouspride and culture. Its mountainous countryside is unsurpassed, its Riviera beaches unrivaled, and its people,incomparable. As relatively uncharted territory for tourism, visitors get a sense of being some of the firstadventurers to pass through this naturally beautiful country – lofty peaks, rocky coasts, pristine rivers,plunging valleys, bustling cities, traditional villages, and ancient ruins. A trek through this superbly uniquecountry full of secrets and layers of untold stories is an opportunity to touch a part of the world so long keptin the shadows, but now beaming with blazing pride. The vivacious capital city of Tirana presents a strangeand intriguing mix of architecture given its turbulent past and recent rise to open culture. It has an amazingnightlife, a Mediterranean flare to its cuisine, a fascinating history as the capital since the 1920’s, and anenergetic glow among its people. Albania is a surprising country of landscapes, diverse climates, dominatingalps, and pockets of historical gems hiding among its hills and rivers. A journey through this Balkan pearloffers a special perspective – kept so long under wraps, it has an exciting future – eager to unmask its beautyand character to the world.

VISAS, PASSPORTS, AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Visas to Albania are not required for US citizens. If you hold a passport from another country, please checkwith your local consulate about requirements for travel to Albania. All passengers traveling internationallyare required to have a passport. Please carry proper identification (your passport) on you and do not leaveit in your suitcase or hotel room.

European law requires you to carry your passport with you at all times.

COUNTRY CODES

The country code for Albania is 355. When calling to Albania from overseas, dial your international accesscode (011 from the U.S./Canada), followed by the country code, area code, and phone number. Phonenumbers in Albania are 8-9 digits in length. Dialing from the U.S./Canada: 011 355 #### ####.

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CURRENCY

The official currency of Albania is the Lek (ALL). The old Lek is still in use and is not as valuable as thenew Lek. So when negotiating prices be sure both parties are discussing price using the same Lek (eitherold or new), as the prices can vary greatly.

Bank hours: 8.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.

1 ALBANIAN LEK (ALL) = 100 Qindarka

● Banknote denominations: 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 Lekë● Coin denominations: 1 Lek, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 Lekë

For the most current exchange rates, please go to our website at globusfamily.com/currency.

Dollars and Euro in small denominations may be accepted in some outlets (change will be given in the localcurrency). Banks and exchange offices may refuse damaged or worn Dollar bills.

Although credit cards are accepted in larger stores and restaurants (mostly Visa and MasterCard), theyshould be used with caution, due to the prevalence of fraud. The economy is generally “cash-only”.

BUDGETING AND SHOPPING

The following budget guidelines are just approximate values or starting values for meals and are per person.Actual prices will vary widely by restaurant and city within a country but below are some averages asprovided by our experienced personnel.

● The approximate cost of a soft drink/mineral water/coffee is ALL 100-150.● An average lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich and a soda or water starts at approximately

ALL 600-1,000.● Dinner at a mid-range restaurant with dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage starts at

approximately ALL 2,000-2,800.

Shopping specialties: needlework, carpets, woodcarvings, ceramics, silver and copper articles.

TIPPING

In Albania it is typical to just round up restaurant bills and that is considered to be the tip. If there is exceptionalservice an additional tip on top of the bill is not expected but very much appreciated (no more than 10%),and it should be given directly to the serving staff.

Taxi tipping is unusual. Be advised that taxi cabs in Albania don’t have meters and prices need to benegotiated with drivers before the ride. If they assist with luggage and give helpful advice, a tip is appropriate.

Tipping hotel staff is not expected but it is appreciated.

ELECTRICITY AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS

OutletsVoltage for outlets is 230V. North American voltage is generally 110V. Therefore, you will need a converterfor your travels. Adapters will be necessary to adapt your plug into the outlet, but these may not convertthe voltage, so both devices are necessary.

Albania uses a round, 2-prong plug that looks like:

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TEMPERATURES

The climate on Albania’s coast is typically Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and warm, sunny andrather dry summers. Inland conditions vary by altitude. Higher elevations have snowy and cold winters andsometimes have snow lingering well into spring.

To help you plan, below are average low and high temperatures for Tirana.

Tirana

January

February

March

April

May

June July

August

Septem

ber

October

Novem

ber

Decem

ber

37/53°F 32/50°F 54/75°F 63/87°F 57/81°F 44/61°F29/47°F 37/56°F 59/81°F 63/87°F 52/73°F 39/55°F

To convert to Celsius, subtract 30, then divide by 2. While not exact, this simple formula will give a closeestimation.

FOOD SPECIALTIES

Albanian cuisine is influenced by Turkish, Italian, as well as ancient Greek, Illyrian, and ancient Romancooking. Albanian cooking stands out by its usage of Mediterranean herbs such as oregano, black pepper,mint, basil, and rosemary. Meat is heavily consumed and lamb, beef, rabbit, and chicken are popular.

Typical dishes include: meze appetizers, vegetable dishes including Dolma (stuffed vine leaves) and salads,stews, tarator (chilled cucumber yogurt soup), Byrek and pita (pies), Bakllasarëm (layered pita covered inyogurt and garlic), Jufka pasta, Baklava, Raki fruit brandy (mulberry), Boza (sweet drink from maize andwheat).

CUSTOMS AND CULTURE

Be aware of cultural and behavioral differences in Eastern Europe; you may not be greeted as cheerfully asback home; smiling is generally reserved for intimate friends! So be especially wary of people presentingthemselves as "instant friends" and never accept any offer of food or drink from strangers. It is not advisableto visit restaurants/bars promoted by taxi drivers or people on the street.

Travelers should not photograph or film anything perceived to be of a sensitive nature, such as governmentbuildings, diplomatic missions, border formalities, or military interests.

Visitors are advised to dress and behave conservatively, consistent with local custom and sensitivities.

In order to avoid scams in restaurants/bars, ask to see the menu and prices before ordering.

Be aware that a nod of the head means NO and a shake of the head means YES!

Last Updated 1/12/18

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A FEW WORDS OF THE LOCAL LANGUAGE

Albanian:Good morning: Mirëmëngjes, Good evening: Mirëmbrëma, Hello: Tungjatjeta, Goodbye: Mirupafshim,Please: Ju lutem, Thank you: Faleminderit, Yes: Po, No: Jo, I don't understand: Nuk kuptoj, How muchdoes that cost?: Sa kushton ajo?, 1: Një, 2: Dy, 3: Tre, 4: Katër, 5: Pesë, 6: Gjashtë, 7: Shatatë, 8: Tetë,9: Nëntë, 10: Dhjetë, Where are the toilets?: Ku janë banjot?, Cheers!:Gëzuar!

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE COUNTRY INFORMATION

Additional country-specific information for U.S. citizens can be found on the U.S. Government’s websitewww.travel.state.gov. Here, you can find the most up-to-date information about destination descriptions,passports/visas, safety and security, transportation, travel local laws, alerts/warnings, vaccinations, andmore. For citizens of other nations, we recommend you consult your local consulate for travel information,regulations, and requirements.