The Land of The Gjirokastra Castle, Butrint

& The Tirana Clock Tower

Information on Relocating to Albania

• The capital city of Albania is Tirana with about 800 thousand people. The political centre is also in Tirana where the President resides. Albania is a Parliamentary Democracy.

• Languages: The languages spoken is Albanian (Tosk is the official dialect). Some Albanians also speak Italian and English. Greek is widely spoken in the Gjirokastra and Saranda districts in south Albania. The TV programs are in their original language. Satellite TV available.

• Population: The population is about 3.5 million people - 95% are Albanian, 3% Greek, 2% other (Vlach, Roma (Gypsy), Serb, and Macedonian or Bulgarian).

• Expat areas: Popular area for the Expat community is Tirana.

• Housing: The availability of apartments and houses in the country and particularly in this popular area of Tirana city vary. Most Expats rent their apartment or house; some use the apartments/ houses already purchased previously from their company. Both options are available but mainly depend on your company policy, income, and the length of your stay.

• Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house or apartment. You will pay anything between Euro 1000 - Euro 1500 for a 4 bedroom apartment or even higher. The local currency is Lek (ALL), but the rent can be paid even in Euro or US Dollar, depend on the agreement with owner.

• Schools: We have the International school available. Depending on the age we can tell you about a possible waiting lists, etc.

• Transportation:  A cheap, flat-fare urban bus service operates in the main cities, although the buses are usually crowded. Taxis can be found in Tirana in front of the main hotels housing foreigners.

• Bank: The banks are open Monday-Friday 8.00 am - 4.00 pm.

• Shopping: Is generally done from Monday-Saturday 8.00 am - 12.00 noon and 3.00 pm - 7.00 pm (although regional variations are possible). Many shops are also open on Sunday.

• Climate: Albania has hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Summers along the coast are lovely, with days usually averaging around 30°C (85°F), moderated by sea breezes and comfortably cooling down at night. Things can get quite bleak in winter, as spring rains tend to hang around and the central mountains become very cold as continental air masses move in. While temperatures still average around 13°C (56°F) in January, they can drop below zero at night, and even cities can be uncomfortably bracing in winter.

• Culture: The most popular form of nightlife is the xhiro, the evening stroll along the main boulevards and squares of each town and village. Cultural life takes the form of theatre, opera and concerts. Discos and games arcades are beginning to appear. Some hotels have taverns with music and dancing.

•  Public holidays: January 1st-New Year’s Day; March/April (dates vary)-Good Friday & Easter Monday; May 1st-May Day; October(dates vary)- Lesser Bairam (End of Ramadan); November 28th-Independence and Liberation Day; December Great(dates vary)- Greater Bairam (Feast of the Sacrifice); December 25th-Christmas Day.