Albania is getting more popular: the beaches of Ksamil and Saranda, Tirana, ancient Berat and Gjirokastër, mountain passes. Many travel by car, sometimes combined with Montenegro and North Macedonia.
Networks and coverage
Albanian cities and the coast have good mobile coverage with solid 4G. In the mountains and on winding roads between towns coverage drops in places. The networks included in a plan are listed on its card.
eSIM, local SIM or roaming
A local SIM is bought on arrival, roaming without a package is expensive, while an eSIM takes a minute to buy from home: the QR code arrives instantly and your main number stays on for calls and texts. Worth knowing in Albania:
- Albania isn't in the EU, so European SIMs don't roam “like at home” here — and Armenian roaming without a package is expensive too.
- Touring several Balkan countries? Check a regional plan that covers them all.
- Phone maps are essential on mountain roads — signposts are not everywhere.
How to prepare before you fly
- Check eSIM support: dial
*#06#— if you see an EID line, you're good. - Install the eSIM at home over Wi-Fi. For most plans the clock starts at the first connection abroad; the exact rule is on the plan card.
- Set the eSIM as your mobile data line and turn on data roaming for it.
- Turn off data roaming on your main SIM so it doesn't spend money.
Step by step, with videos: How to install an eSIM on iPhone and Android.
Trip tips
- Download offline maps before heading to the mountains, e.g. Theth or Valbona.
- In Tirana, taxi apps are the easiest way to get a ride.
- If you're driving, share data to your navigator's phone.
The ALO eSIM app also has a translator and a map: ask for directions, explain yourself at a pharmacy, find a café nearby.