Travel Checklist for Kosovo and Albania: Documents, Money, Data and Getting Around

Kosovo and Albania are easy to travel, but a few things work differently from the rest of Europe: two currencies, roaming that often isn't included, and border rules for cars. Here's what to check before you go.

Documents

• Passport or ID card. Which one you need depends on your nationality. Check the entry requirements for your passport before you book.
• Keep it on you when crossing between Kosovo and Albania (Vërmicë–Morinë) or into North Macedonia.
• Driving licence if you plan to drive or rent a car.

Money

• Kosovo uses the euro, and Albania uses the lek.
• Euros are often accepted in Albanian tourist areas, but buses, small shops and markets prefer lek, and change usually comes in lek.
• Cash is still important: intercity buses, shared rides, furgons and many small places are cash only.
• ATMs are easy to find in towns. Some charge a fee, so take out larger amounts less often.

Mobile data

• SIM cards from Kosovo and Albania usually work in both countries without extra roaming costs.
• SIM cards from the EU, Switzerland, the UK or the US often aren't covered, and roaming here can be very expensive. Check with your provider before you leave.
• The easy fix is an eSIM for Kosovo, Albania or the whole Balkans, which you can install before you fly.

Insurance

• Travel insurance with medical cover is worth having, especially if you plan to hike in the mountains (Rugova, Valbona, Theth).
• Driving your own car? Check that your car insurance is valid in Kosovo and Albania. If it isn't, border insurance is sold at the crossings.

Getting around

• Kosovo: frequent intercity buses between towns. See the Kosovo bus timetables.
• Albania: buses on the main routes and furgons (minibuses) everywhere else. See getting around Albania.
• Between the two, and when buses don't fit: shared rides on RruGO, with verified drivers and the price shown before you book.
• Sundays and evenings have far fewer buses in both countries. Plan long trips for weekday mornings.

Good to know

• Language: Albanian in both countries (Serbian is also official in Kosovo). Many younger people speak English, and German is common in Kosovo thanks to the diaspora.
• Winter roads: from December to March, mountain roads can have snow and ice. Winter tyres are a must.
• Summer: July and August are hot and busy, with long border queues on weekends.