Where best to get currency?

We are going to Albania at Easter travelling across Europe by car with an Albanian mate. Just wondering is it best to buy Leks before we go. Obviously we will have Euros for through Europe. Are ATMs common in Tirana?

Any help/advice appreciated.

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You can get Lek at any ATM here. They have become much more common in the last five years. I use my card to get cash for just about everything. Euro and dollars are often accepted at hotels. Most hotels can change money for you in a pinch as can the multitude of banks, Western Union offices, and shady-looking characters hanging out in city centers. If you choose to go that route, know your current exchange rate and keep a sharp eye out for bogus bills. Also, be aware that the 100 Lek note is no longer valid. Don%26#39;t accept it from anyone. The coin is the only legal 100 Lek instrument.

Regards

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Thanks for your help. Always avoid cash men on

streets. We%26#39;ll have euros with us so we can

change them at a bank - safest.

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Hey, I live here for more than two years and I always change at one of exchange shops. they are all good and honest. I am talking here about Tirana but I guess in other parts of the country is the same.

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Thanks for that. Yes it will be Tirana mostly. We

will have euros. So it will be ok to change them

to Leks.

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Rozafa is right. The exchange shops are OK. They may not have as good a rate as the bank, or they may have better. If your budget is really, really tight, it may be worth shopping around. The only folks to be wary of are the guys standing around the post office flapping a fistful of bills. Much higher chance of getting a bogus bill, a bad rate, or targeted for a rip-off later. No more dangerous than any other big city, possibly less.

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Thanks. Not long now till we are off. Looking forward to it. Will use ATMs, safest.

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