How to Withdraw Cash with Foreign Cards in Albania
Quick and Easy Answer
Can you use your foreign cards to withdraw cash in Albania? Absolutely! Most ATMs here are friendly to Visa and Mastercard, both debit and credit, along with several other international cards. You’ll find these ATMs in cities, towns, buzzing airports, cozy hotels, and tourist hotspots. But, hey, there’s a bit more to it than just slotting in your card.
Those Dreaded ATM Fees
The biggie here is the ATM fee, charged by the machine for the pleasure of its services. In Albania, this could be anything from €4.00 to €5.00 per withdrawal. Some good options include:
- Click here for Raiffeisen Bank ATMs
- Click here for Credins Bank ATMs
- Intesa Sanpaolo Bank
- BKT Bank
- ProCredit Bank
Always check the ATM for any fee details before you dive in. If it’s too pricey, just cancel and find a friendlier one.
Fees from Your Home Bank
Then, there’s your own bank back home, charging you for using your card abroad. These fees usually have two parts: a flat fee per transaction and a percentage of the withdrawal amount, say, around 2-3%. To sidestep high fees, give your bank a ring before jetting off, and consider cards known for lower foreign transaction fees.
The Currency Exchange Problem
Currency exchange rates are another player in the game. In Albania, you’ll be dealing with leks (ALL), and the rate you get might not match the official market rate. Here’s a tip: Try to find an ATM where you can withdraw in your own currency. Usually the currency you can withdraw in Albania is ALL or Euro. So, if you have another type of currency, I am afraid you are out of luck… So naturally, you have to go with lek.
Conclusions
So, yes it is possible to withdraw cash with foreign cards in Albania, but you need to be aware of the fees, charges, exchange rates, and security issues though. To save money and hassle, you should look for ATMs that do not charge extra fees or charge lower fees, check with your bank for their fees and charges, choose to withdraw in the local currency if you don’t find your own, and use your card safely. By following these tips, you can enjoy your trip to Albania without worrying about your money.
