Thinking about visiting Albania and wondering how to get mobile internet there? Albania is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination, drawing visitors with its stunning landscapes and rich culture. From sandy and pebble beaches along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts to the majestic mountains of the north, Albania offers remarkable variety. It's also one of the most affordable destinations in Europe — accommodation, food, and attractions are typically cheaper than in more mainstream European countries.
But is the same true for internet in Albania?
If you're planning a visit, you're probably wondering about internet access. Data roaming charges from foreign operators can be genuinely steep, so it's well worth exploring your options before departure. In this article, we'll walk you through all the ways to get online in Albania so you can choose the one that suits you best.
How Good Is the Internet in Albania?
Albania has been investing in its internet infrastructure for many years. Recent efforts have significantly improved availability, speed, and pricing — though challenges remain.
Mobile internet speeds in Albania are still lower than the European average. Studies show average download speeds of around 20 Mbps, compared to 50+ Mbps in other parts of Europe. This means Albanian internet users may experience slower page loading and video streaming.
Coverage maps show that reliable internet access is mainly concentrated in larger urban centres such as Tirana, Elbasan, Shkodra, Durrës, Berat, Vlorë, Saranda, and Gjirokastra. If you're travelling between cities or exploring remote mountain regions, you may encounter limited mobile internet access.
Most accommodation in Albania provides free Wi-Fi for guests. Four- and five-star hotels generally offer free Wi-Fi throughout the property. In lower-category establishments, Wi-Fi access may be chargeable.
Keep in mind that internet in Albanian hotels is primarily available in the lobby and the quality often leaves much to be desired. In outdoor areas and around pools, network coverage may be absent.
How Much Does Internet in Albania Cost?
Roaming in Albania still carries high costs. Despite promises of reductions in the near future, users continue to face significant charges for calls and data during their stay.
While on roaming, both making and receiving calls is chargeable — typically around €1.20 per minute, depending on your carrier. Sending texts also incurs a fee, though receiving them is generally free.
Be especially cautious about mobile data — disable data transmission in your phone settings to avoid unexpected charges. It's extremely common for phones to download large amounts of data in the background, for example updating apps, which can result in a shocking bill on your return. Bills of several hundred euros are not unheard of — enough to taint even the most wonderful holiday.
Remember that you can usually set a data spending limit with your carrier. Once exceeded, mobile data is automatically cut off. Check whether your carrier offers this feature and whether it needs to be activated manually.
Typical Roaming Rates in Albania:
– Around €1.20 per minute for outgoing calls – Around €0.45 per minute for incoming calls – Around €0.35 per SMS sent – Around €0.70 per MMS sent – Over €7 per MB of data transferred!
How to Use the Internet in Albania
When using the internet in Albania, keep in mind that roaming doesn't work on the same terms as within the European Union. The best approach is to disable data roaming before leaving home. Here are some practical tips:
Using your home SIM card in Albania: this is possible, but you'll need to purchase a roaming data add-on in advance. Without one, standard data charges exceed €7 per MB. Background app activity can quickly consume data and result in an enormous bill. It's well worth considering our eSIM package, which is far more cost-effective than standard roaming plans. Alternatively, you can buy a local Albanian SIM card upon arrival — but bear in mind that charter flights to Albania often arrive late at night or very early in the morning, when shops may be closed.
Using Wi-Fi in Albania
Wi-Fi is generally available in Albania, though it doesn't always meet the European standards we're used to. Network access can be unavailable even in places like airports.
Hotels that advertise internet access often don't mention that it's only available in the lobby — and often of poor quality — or that full access requires an additional payment. Be prepared for potential disappointment.
Free public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, restaurants, and cafés represent the most economical option, but come with certain risks. These networks are frequently inadequately secured, so logging into sensitive services — such as online banking or corporate intranets — is not recommended. There is a significant risk of data interception. If you do use such connections, invest in a VPN service to increase your security.
Buying a SIM Card in Albania
Albania has several mobile operators offering eSIM and traditional SIM cards, including Vodafone Albania, One Albania, Albtelecom, and Plus Communication.
Vodafone Albania
The country's largest operator offers two main tourist packages:
- Tourist Pack at 2,300 lek (around €21): 100 minutes of domestic calls and 40 GB of data, valid for 15 days.
- Tourist Giga Pack at 2,900 lek (around €26): unlimited domestic calls and 100 GB of data, valid for 21 days.
Additional smaller packages are available: 700 lek for 5 GB and 800 lek for 6 GB. 20 minutes of international calls are available for 300 lek. The Gigamax Bundle at 1,500 lek includes 15 GB of data, 500 minutes of domestic calls, 10 minutes of international calls, and 100 domestic and international SMS. Full details are on the Vodafone Albania website.
One Telecommunications Albania
One (formerly Telekom Albania) offers:
- One Tourist Pack at 2,300 lek: 40 GB of data, 1,000 minutes of domestic calls, and 1,000 domestic SMS, valid for 15 days.
- One Tourist Ultra at 2,900 lek: 100 GB of data with unlimited domestic calls and SMS, valid for 21 days from activation.
Other prepaid options in the One network:
- One Premium 34 GB – 2,100 lek
- One Extra 25 GB – 1,800 lek
- One Smart 10 GB – 1,500 lek
- One Go 1 GB – 1,000 lek
- One Lite 50 MB – 600 lek
SIM card kiosks are available at Albanian airports. Keep in mind that some charter flights arrive early in the morning or late at night, when stands may be closed. SIM cards can also be purchased in town, but always use authorised retailers — buying from unofficial sources is not safe.
Also note that purchasing a SIM card in Albania requires showing your passport, which will be copied. Never let it out of your sight. Keeping a passport copy in your luggage is also a good idea.
If you'd rather skip the SIM card search, consider buying our eSIM package, which will work immediately upon arrival in Albania.
Internet in Albania from European Carriers
European mobile carriers offer roaming packages for Albania. While not cheap, let's take a look at what's available.
Albania – Play
Play's data roaming offer outside the EU, called "Internet Packages Outside the EU", allows you to activate a roaming package covering selected countries. Unfortunately, Albania is currently not included in this offer.
Albania – Plus
Plus offers roaming data packages for Albania under the "Oriental Package" name, activated via SMS. Data volumes are very limited — the smallest package (10 MB) costs around €3.50, while the largest (500 MB) costs around €80. Clearly not the best value.
Albania – Orange
Orange offers roaming packages for Albania, but the data volumes are quite limited. Current options include:
- 150 MB for around €11.50
- 500 MB for around €35
These packages may well be insufficient even for a short stay in Albania. Hopefully Orange will update their offer in the future. Activation details are on Orange's website.
Albania – T-Mobile
T-Mobile currently offers a mobile data roaming package called "Travel&Surf" which covers Albania. The option is 1 GB for around €21, activated via SMS code.
As you can see, roaming costs in Albania with European carriers are very high, and the available data volumes are also disappointing.
eSIM Albania – How Does Our eSIM Offer Work?
The best solution for internet in Albania may well be an eSIM. You can purchase and install it while still at home, arranging your Albanian internet access before you fly.
Upon arriving in Albania, you'll be online immediately. An eSIM is a digital SIM that's installed on your phone without the need for a physical card. It's a relatively new technology, so it's worth checking in advance whether your device supports it — most newer iPhone models and flagship smartphones do. A list of eSIM-compatible devices is available here.
After purchasing your eSIM and receiving it by email, you can easily install it on your phone. Simply scan the received QR code and your phone will guide you through the installation steps.
Our current data packages for Albania are:
3 GB – 30 days – €12.50 5 GB – 30 days – €15.50 10 GB – 30 days – €23 20 GB – 30 days – €39
Payment on our website is simple and convenient. You'll also receive a VAT invoice for your purchase.
How to Buy and Install an eSIM for Albania at eSIM5.com
Before purchasing, check whether your phone supports eSIM technology. Detailed instructions on how to do this are available on our website.
The installation process is straightforward. Installation guides for iOS and Android phones are available here. Here's a brief summary:
- Purchase your chosen Albania eSIM package from our store.
- Go to Settings → Mobile Networks → SIM Cards.
- Tap "Add eSIM".
- Select "Use QR Code". You'll need a stable Wi-Fi connection at this point. Do not interrupt the installation — doing so may cause you to lose the eSIM and its data.
- The installer will guide you through the remaining steps, including adding a label for the new eSIM.
- In the eSIM settings, make sure data roaming is enabled for the card to work properly.
- Before travelling to Albania, switch from your primary SIM to the eSIM. Simply disable your home SIM and activate the newly installed eSIM.
- Make sure not to enable the "Switch Mobile Data" option — this will protect you from additional charges from your home carrier.
- Full installation instructions with step-by-step details are available on our website.
Remember!
Before travelling to Albania, keep these points in mind to avoid connectivity headaches:
Disable data on your home carrier's SIM card before flying to Albania. This protects you from unwanted roaming charges. Check with your carrier whether a cost-control service is enabled. This can protect you from a high internet bill. Consider purchasing an eSIM from our store before departure, or buy a SIM card upon arrival in Albania. An eSIM is a convenient and economical solution for internet access abroad. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, check the roaming packages available from your carrier or consider buying a local SIM card. Since July 2021, the Western Balkan countries have entered into a roaming agreement. This means that if you use a SIM card from Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, or Kosovo, using your phone in Albania will not incur additional roaming charges.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Internet in Albania
Is using an eSIM in Albania affordable and safe?
Our customers have repeatedly tested eSIM cards from eSIM5.com on trips to various countries, including Albania. In every case, the purchase, activation, and use were smooth and problem-free. Data usage can be easily monitored on the eSIM5.com website. Before travelling to Albania, we recommend disabling mobile data on your home carrier's SIM card to avoid charges upon crossing the border. Once you arrive, simply activate the eSIM in your phone settings and you're ready to go.
What are the best ways to get internet in Albania?
The best options are:
- eSIM for Albania — purchase and install before your trip for convenience and time savings. Check our offer.
- Local SIM card — available for purchase at the airport upon arrival in Albania.
- Data roaming from your home carrier — definitely not the most economical option.
What internet access options are available in Albania?
- Local SIM card purchased in Albania
- Roaming data package from your home carrier
- eSIM card, purchasable and installable before departure
- Public Wi-Fi networks — exercise significant caution with these
Is roaming in Albania possible?
Yes, but roaming in Albania can be very expensive. High charges per MB of data may apply, especially when the phone automatically updates apps.
How much does roaming in Albania cost?
Roaming costs in Albania are high:
- Around €1.20 per minute for outgoing calls
- Around €0.45 per minute for incoming calls
- Around €0.35 per SMS sent
- Around €0.70 per MMS sent
- Over €7 per MB of data transferred!
Should I disable roaming in Albania?
Yes — we recommend disabling roaming in your home country before arriving in Albania to avoid high charges.
