Preview
- Best SIM Card Options for Travelers
- Albania SIM Card FAQs
- What is an eSIM?
- Can I buy an eSIM for Albania?
- What is a SIM card, and why do I need one in Albania?
- How much does a local SIM card cost in Albania?
- Which Albanian mobile operator has the best coverage?
- What are the SIM card size options for devices?
- Where can I obtain a Vodafone or other Albania SIM card?
- How do I set up and use an Albania SIM card?
- What if I use up all my purchased data?
- Is roaming free in Albania?
Best SIM Card Options for Travelers
When visiting Albania, having reliable internet access is crucial for navigating, staying in touch, and making the most of your trip.
Here are the best options for staying connected, depending on your device and preferences.
eSIM Compatible Phones
If your device supports eSIM functionality, you can use Airalo or Voyafly for instant connectivity upon arrival.
Although local operators in Albania do not yet offer prepaid eSIM services, these international eSIM providers do, and they offer competitive rates and easy activation.
Voyafly
Voyafly provides unlimited 4G/5G data eSIM plans for Albania, allowing you to stay connected without worrying about running out of data or roaming charges.
You can get 10% off your Voyafly eSIM purchase using the code Visit Albania at checkout.
Take advantage of this offer and enjoy seamless connectivity during your trip to Albania.
Unlimited Data
Airalo
Airalo offers eSIM data plans for Albania starting at just $4.50. These plans have flexible packages and can be activated easily through the Airalo app or website.
Go with Airalo eSIM for instant, reliable connectivity on eSIM-compatible phones or tablets.
The eSIM Solution
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store, solving the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards). Download and install a digital data pack from 200+ countries and be connected anywhere in the world the second you land.
Non-eSIM Phones
For devices that do not support eSIM, purchase a local SIM card upon arrival or order an international SIM card like SimOptions before your trip.
With multi-country coverage, high-speed 4G/LTE data, and no roaming fees, SimOptions SIM cards provide visitors with optimal connectivity.
Best Sim Cards
Having reliable internet while traveling internationally is more important than ever. SimOptions eliminates the headache of finding a local SIM card at your destination by shipping the best packages globally.
Purchasing a Local SIM Card
You can buy a local SIM card at the Tirana International Airport or Vodafone and One Telecommunications stores nationwide.
As of 2024, there are two leading mobile network operators in Albania:
- Vodafone Albania: The most extensive network with strong coverage nationwide.
- One Telecommunications: Merged with ALBtelecom, offering competitive prices and coverage and challenging Vodafone for market leadership.
When purchasing a local SIM card, you must provide your passport or photo ID for registration and your local address in Albania.
Prepaid SIM cards cost around 500-800 Lekë (€4-7) and come with varying amounts of data and minutes.
Network Coverage and Speed
Vodafone and One offer extensive 3G and 4G/LTE coverage in major cities and populated areas.
However, during peak summer months, network congestion may result in slower speeds and limited coverage. Whenever possible, use Wi-Fi to ensure better connectivity.
Western Balkans Roaming Agreement
Since July 2021, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia have formed a single roaming area with rules similar to the EU.
Travelers using SIM cards from these countries can roam without surcharges in the Western Balkans but not in the EU.
Albania SIM Card FAQs
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan without a physical SIM card.
A SIM card provides connectivity to a cellular network for calls, texts, and data. Using your regular SIM abroad can mean expensive roaming fees. An Albania SIM gives affordable access to connectivity during your trip.
Prepaid SIM cards cost around 500-800 Lekë (€4-7) and include varying amounts of data and minutes.
Vodafone Albania has the most extensive network coverage across Albania based on several recommendations. Their SIM card provides reliable connectivity.
Standard, micro, and nano SIMs are common sizes. Check your phone’s technical specifications to see which physical size it requires.
The card itself is cheap, but data packages vary. Basic options start around 500 Lekë (€4) for calls/texts + some data. More comprehensive tourist packages are about 1500 ALL.
You can quickly recharge your SIM with additional high-speed data by purchasing top-up vouchers available widely across Albania.
You can quickly recharge your SIM with additional high-speed data by purchasing top-up vouchers available widely across Albania.
Albania is part of the Western Balkans roaming agreement, so roaming is free if you have a SIM card from Bosnia, Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, or Serbia. EU/EEA SIM cards may incur high roaming charges.
