Staying Safe in Albania
Local Laws
When you're visiting Albania, it's a good idea to be mindful of a few local rules and traditions. For starters, you'll need to carry your identification with you at all times, as it's legally required. It's also against the law to take pictures of military installations or any military personnel. You might even be asked about your photos if you happen to capture certain buildings.
Just so you know, the penalties for drug offenses, whether it's using or possessing them, are quite serious and can lead to jail time and hefty fines. While same-sex relationships are legal, public displays of affection aren't commonly accepted. Similarly, being visibly drunk in public isn't looked upon favorably, so if you enjoy a drink, it's best to do so responsibly. You'll also find that smoking is prohibited in indoor public places like restaurants and cafes.
When packing, be sure not to bring any narcotics, firearms, or anything considered pornographic, as these items are not allowed into the country. It's also important to be very careful about wildfires, as starting one is a criminal offense.
If you have an Albanian parent or were born in Albania, the government might consider you an Albanian citizen, which could mean things like mandatory military service for men. If you plan on driving, make sure you have a valid driver's license, whether it's international or local, and always stick to the speed limits and never drive after drinking.
When it comes to dressing, it's generally recommended to be modest, especially if you're visiting religious sites or spending time in rural areas. Lastly, remember that the Albanian Lek (ALL) is the official currency. While you might find that Euros are accepted in tourist spots, you'll often get a better deal if you pay in Lek.
LGBTQ+ Travellers
Albania has made strides in legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, with anti-discrimination laws in place since 2010 that explicitly cover sexual orientation and gender identity in areas like employment, education, and housing. Hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation and gender identity have also been recognized and criminalized since 2013.
However, while same-sex sexual activity is legal, Albania does not legally recognize same-sex marriage or civil unions, and households headed by same-sex couples do not receive the same legal protections as heterosexual couples.
Despite these legal advancements, societal attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community in Albania remain largely conservative and often negative, particularly outside of the capital city, Tirana. Public displays of affection are generally not advisable for LGBTQ+ travelers. Reports indicate that discrimination and prejudice are still experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals in daily life, and a significant portion of the population holds homophobic views.
Scams
Even though it's not something you'll run into all the time, it's good to be aware that tourists in Albania can sometimes encounter a few tricky situations. For instance, taxi drivers might try to charge you more than they should, especially if you haven't agreed on the fare beforehand. In some markets, you might see handwritten invoices with inflated prices, so it's always a good idea to ask for a proper, itemized receipt.
You should also be a bit careful if someone seems overly friendly and offers to show you around. They might not be legitimate tour guides, and you could end up with subpar service or be asked to pay more than you expected. We've also heard about credit card fraud, so it's wise to always keep your card in sight when you're paying and be extra cautious at ATMs, checking to make sure there aren't any strange devices attached.
Another trick involves people asking you to take their picture, then pretending to drop the camera and blaming you to get money.
Then there's the "bird poop" scam, where someone might throw a white substance on you, and a "helpful" local offers to clean it up while subtly pickpocketing you.
You might also see a "guessing game" on the street where people working together seem to win, drawing a crowd. While you're distracted by the game, someone else might try to pick your pocket.
Lastly, some people might invite you to a bar where the prices are incredibly high, and they'll pressure you to pay the bill.
To steer clear of these sorts of things, it's best to politely decline taking photos for strangers, be cautious of unsolicited offers of help, always ask for a menu with prices clearly listed, and try to avoid paying in foreign currency at markets to get a better exchange rate.
Crime
Albania is a pretty safe place for visitors, with crime rates that are actually quite comparable to Canada. You're unlikely to encounter violent crime as a tourist; while there are occasional incidents linked to organized crime, these generally don't involve foreigners.
What you might run into more often is petty crime, like pickpocketing or bag snatching. These tend to happen in busy spots – think markets, public transport like buses and trains, airports, and popular tourist attractions. It's also worth noting that car break-ins can occur, especially if you leave anything valuable visible inside. Even rental properties or homes owned by foreigners aren't entirely immune to break-ins.
To help keep yourself safe, it's a good idea to take some simple precautions. Keep your belongings secure in zipped bags, try not to flash expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash, and always stay aware of your surroundings in crowded places. If you're driving, make sure your car doors and windows are locked, don't leave anything tempting in sight, and park in well-lit, secure areas. Lastly, it's generally best to avoid walking alone on quiet, deserted streets after dark.
