Albania – the country that has, over the years, become a popular travel destination for travelers of all kinds. Beaches, mountains, architecture – the country has it all.
There is a big chance that you would want to share your Albania experiences online – and I cannot blame you for that. It is truly a remarkable travel destination.
What can also be remarkable, in a bad way, is how expensive international roaming can be in Albania (or in general). Especially data roaming. Watching a YouTube video in full HD can cost you a lot.
Luckily, you can get an Albanian SIM card. That way, you can enjoy local rates.
How expensive are Albanian SIM cards, and how much will data cost you?
You can get an Albanian SIM card for 100 ALL (1 USD) or 500 ALL (4.50 USD) from ALBtelecom (formerly Eagle Mobile), 500 ALL or 800 ALL (7.20 USD) from Vodafone, or 500 ALL or 1500 ALL (13.50 USD) from One (formerly Telekom) in their stores. SIM cards are also sold at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA).
To me, this sounds exciting. There are countries out there where data will cost you an arm and a leg (almost literally), so seeing that SIM cards and data are available for reasonable prices are always a good thing.
But how is network coverage throughout the country? Which mobile operator is the best? And what type of packages are available?
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Albania. Let's go.
Original publication: 28th of May 2020. Last updated: 5th of May 2022.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Albania?
Anyone 18 years or older living in or visiting Albania can buy an Albanian SIM card from Vodafone, One Telecommunications Albania (formerly Telekom Albania) & ALBtelecom (formerly Eagle Mobile Albania) with no restrictions.
You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.
- Find out which countries have a SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Moreover, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Albania).
Furthermore, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Albania?
You can get an Albanian SIM card in Vodafone, One Telecommunications Albania (formerly Telekom Albania) & ALBtelecom (formerly Eagle Mobile Albania) stores. They are also sold at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA).
You can expect to pay the following for Albanian SIM cards:
- Vodafone Albania: 500 ALL or 800 ALL (depending on the promotion)
- One Telecommunications Albania (formerly Telekom Albania): 500 ALL & 1500 ALL
- ALBtelecom (formerly Eagle Mobile Albania): 100 ALL & 500 ALL
The following Albanian mobile operators also have SIM cards targetting tourists:
- Vodafone Albania: 1500 ALL
- ALBtelecom (formerly Eagle Mobile Albania): 1000 ALL
For up-to-date ALL:your currency (let's say EUR) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Can You Use Your Phone in Albania?
Albania uses GSM technology for mobile communications. CDMA phones will not work in Albania. If your phone has a SIM card slot, then it supports GSMA (99% of the phones do support GSM nowadays).
Traditional European frequencies are used in Albania, which are mostly used in ITU Regions 1 and 3 (Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania).
The Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2) use American frequencies, which differ from the European ones.
If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU regions 1 and 3), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in Albania.
If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in Albania or can only use slower networks (3G or 2G).
If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Albania (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE (and soon 5G NR).
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Albania
Albania has three mobile operators offering prepaid services:
- Vodafone Albania
- One Telecommunications Albania (formerly Telekom Albania)
- ALBtelecom (formerly Eagle Mobile Albania)
The following frequencies are used in Albania:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2600 MHz (Band 7)
- 5G NR: 3600 MHz-3700 MHz (n77/n78) – testing only
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in Albania, check out this page by Will My Phone Work (may be outdated or inaccurate at times).
Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).
If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.
VoLTE & VoWiFi in Albania
VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G) – also known as HD Voice) is available in Albania. However, VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi – also known as WiFi calling) is not available in Albania (yet).
This means that your phone does not have to downgrade to 2G or 3G when making a call in Albania (unlike mobile operators that do not support VoLTE).
The following mobile operators offer VoLTE only in Albania:
- Vodafone Albania
- One Telecommunications Albania (formerly Telekom Albania)
The following mobile operators offer neither VoLTE nor VoWiFi in North Macedonia:
- ALBtelecom (formerly Eagle Mobile Albania)
VoWiFi is, as the name implies, calling on a WiFi connection as opposed to on a cellular network.
5G NR in Albania
5G NR is not available in Albania as of 2022, and the Albanian government has not made any indications of when they will auction 5G licenses.
While Vodafone Albania has been testing 5G NR capabilities since 2019, there will not be a 5G NR auction yet because television broadcasters use frequencies intended for 5G NR (700 MHz).
However, two regulators in Albania, Autoritetit Te Komunikimeve Elektronike Dhe Postare (AKEP) and Autoriteti i Mediave Audiovizive (AMA), decided to work together to resolve that issue as of November 2021.
For now, you will have to deal with 4G/LTE (which has speeds above the global mean).
Best SIM Card in Albania
If you want to buy the best SIM card in Albania, I recommend going with Vodafone or One Telecommunications (formerly Telekom). Vodafone has the best overall network, while One Telecommunications is not far behind and slightly cheaper. ALBtelecom offers loads of cheap data at 3G (speeds).
- Find out about the best local SIM cards in every country (lookup tool)
Best eSIM in Albania
Vodafone Albania offers eSIMs, but it is unclear if they are available to prepaid customers too.
I will ask the next time I go to Albania – I forgot to do so when I was there the last time 💀 (but if you know the answer, let me know).
In the meantime, you can get the Albania (Hej Telecom) eSIMs from Airalo.
You have these four options:
- Albania/Hej Telecom 1 GB eSIM for 7 days
- Albania/Hej Telecom 3 GB eSIM for 30 days
- Albania/Hej Telecom 5 GB eSIM for 30 days
- Albania/Hej Telecom 10 GB eSIM for 30 days
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
With these eSIMs, you can skip Albania's SIM card registration scheme entirely and use it immediately upon arriving in Albania!
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
If you plan on visiting other neighboring European nations, consider the Eurolink eSIM (six variants: 1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days, 5 GB/30 days, 10 GB/30 days, 50 GB/90 days & 100 GB/180 days) in Albania and these other countries:
With the Eurolink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit – averaging 6 USD/country in Europe!
- Check out my Airalo Eurolink eSIM review (tested in Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Hungary, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia & Spain)
Not staying in just Europe? Get the Discover Global eSIM with 1 GB of data (7 days – multiple top-ups available) for Albania and these other countries:
TIP: Check out my eSIM lookup tool for an overview of local mobile operators offering eSIMs to prepaid customers and travel eSIMs I use and love (for eSIMs in Albania and eSIMs worldwide).
Best International/Travel SIM Card for Albania
If you want to buy the best international/travel SIM card for Albania, I recommend going with SimCorner's International Travel SIM card. You get 6 GB of data valid for 15 days to be used in Albania and 100+ countries, including neighboring Greece, Montenegro & North Macedonia.
You can use the Simcorner International Travel SIM card in the following countries:
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Puerto Rico
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia (KSA)
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Svalbard and Jan Mayen
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Tonga
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vatican City
- Vietnam
Instead of spending between 5 USD to 15 USD for SIM cards in each country, get a SimCorner travel SIM card covering numerous countries for just one price!
Use discount code PHONETRAVELWIZ for extra savings!
- Check out my SimCorner Travel SIM card reviews
SIM Card Registration in Albania
SIM card registration with your passport information is required in Albania. It will be done at the point of purchase.
- Find out which countries have a SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
EU Roaming in Albania
Note that Albania is not part of the European Union (EU) nor European Economic Area (EEA), meaning that EU roaming regulations do not apply in Albania.
As a result, you should not expect to roam for free if you have an EU/EEA SIM card while traveling in Albania.
It is unlikely that your mobile operator offers free roaming for Albania.
Western Balkans Roaming in Albania
Coming soon.
Roaming in the Western Balkans with Albanian SIM Cards
Coming soon.
Albania Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
Being redone.
Currency in Albania
Albania uses the Albanian Lek with the symbol ALL (which will be used throughout this guide).
However, prices are often listed as just L. or lek. For example, 25 ALL = L.25/25 lek.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between ALL and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 ALL = 0.01 USD
- 10 ALL = 0.10 USD
- 100 ALL = 0.90 USD
- 1000 ALL = 9 USD
- 10 000 ALL = 89.70 USD
For up-to-date ALL:your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.
Their fees are MUCH lower than banks, and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).
I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Euros, my main currency, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards. Open a Wise account FREE!
Albanian Prepaid SIM Cards
Below, I will guide you through Vodafone Albania, One Telecommunications Albania (formerly Telekom Albania) & ALBtelecom (formerly Eagle Mobile Albania), and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices & availability
- Recharge / top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans & special packs (such as social media packs)
With that being said, let’s see what Albania has to offer to us.
Vodafone Albania
Vodafone Albania, just Vodafone, is the largest mobile operator in Albania.
It is also the mobile operator with the fastest speeds.
Vodafone, as a company, is active in Africa (mostly as Vodacom), Asia, Europe, the Middle East & Oceania.
Vodafone uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
- 5G NR: testing mode only
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about Vodafone:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Vodafone SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Vodafone Albania
Vodafone has the best coverage throughout Albania.
Below is Vodafone's coverage map:
SIM Card Price – Vodafone Albania
You can get a Vodafone SIM card, called Vodafone Club, for 500 ALL or 800 ALL, depending on the promotion, with 300 ALL credit and 500 on-net SMS in Vodafone stores. SIM cards are also sold at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA).
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Vodafone 3 Weekly Tourist Pack SIM cards – Vodafone's tourist offering.
For 1500 ALL, you get 15 GB of data, 5 GB for Netflix, Twitch & YouTube, 500 local minutes, 10 international minutes 1 & 100 local/international SMS for 21 days.
1 to Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom & the United States
The Vodafone 3 Weekly Tourist Pack can be multiple times – your SIM card will not be deactivated after those 21 days.
However, do not reactivate the plan any other plan (yes, you can get regular Vodafone plans with this SIM card) before Vodafone 3 Weekly Tourist Pack expires.
Otherwise, you will lose your benefits.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
It is also possible to get a Vodafone eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.
However, it is unclear if eSIMs are available for prepaid customers too.
I forgot to ask when I was in Albania the last time (but I did not have a phone that supported eSIM back then 🤓).
Let me know if Vodafone eSIMs are also available to prepaid customers.
In the meantime, if you wish to use an eSIM, you can go with the Albania (Hej Telecom) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days, 5 GB/30 days & 10 GB/30 days).
Or get the Eurolink eSIMs covering Albania and 35+ other European countries (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days, 5 GB/30 days, 10 GB/30 days, 50 GB/90 days & 100 GB/180 days).
Finally, you have the Discover Global eSIM for use in Albania and 80+ other countries worldwide (1 GB/7 days with top-ups available up to 20 GB/180 days).
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Dial #123# to access the Vodafone menu.
Note that Vodafone offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and if you have enabled it in the settings but no VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Vodafone Albania
Vodafone top-up vouchers are sold in Vodafone stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Albania.
The following (online) top-up options are available:
- 300 ALL
- 500 ALL
- 800 ALL
- 1000 ALL
- 2000 ALL
- 3000 ALL
- 10 000 ALL
To top up your Vodafone SIM card, call 141 and follow the instructions.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial #123# or send a blank SMS (or whatever, like a dot, if your phone does not allow you to send a blank SMS) to 131 to check your Vodafone balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the My Vodafone (AL) app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Vodafone Albania
Vodafone has four data-featured plans:
- Daily/Weekly Bundles (combo)
- Weekend Bundles (combo)
- 30 Days Bundles (combo)
- Add-Ons (data add-ons)
All Vodafone plans can be activated by dialing #123# or calling 131.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Daily/Weekly Bundles – Vodafone Albania
The Daily/Weekly Bundles are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Dial #123# or call 131 to activate Daily/Weekly Bundles:
| Price | Plan | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 ALL | Daily 100 MB | 100 MB | N/A | N/A | 1 day |
| 300 ALL | Paketa 3 Ditore | 300 MB | 300 minutes 1 | 30 SMS | 3 days |
| 300 ALL | 1 GB Weekly | 1 GB | N/A | N/A | 7 days |
| 700 ALL | GigaMax Paketa 10 Ditore | 1.5 GB | 300 minutes 1 | 30 SMS | 10 Days |
| 1500 ALL | GigaMax | 15 GB 2 | 500 minutes 3 | 100 SMS 4 | 7 days |
1 +3000 on-net minutes
2 +5 GB for Video Pass: Netflix, Twitch & YouTube
3 +10 international minutes to Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom & the United States
4 also for international use (no country restrictions)
30 Days Bundles – Vodafone Albania
The 30 Days Bundles are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Dial #123# or call 131 to activate 30 Days Bundles:
| Price | Plan | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600 ALL | Vodafone Basic | 200 MB | 100 minutes | 200 SMS | 30 days |
| 1000 ALL | Vodafone Start | 1 GB | 400 minutes | 400 SMS | 30 days |
| 1200 ALL | Vodafone Standard | 7 GB | 2500 minutes | 1000 SMS | 30 days |
| 1500 ALL | Vodafone Smart | 21 GB | 3000 minutes | 1500 SMS | 30 days |
| 2000 ALL | Vodafone Premium | 31 GB | 3500 minutes 1 | 2000 SMS 2 | 30 days |
1 +100 international minutes to Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom & the United States
2 also for international use (no country restrictions)
Weekend Bundles – Vodafone Albania
The Weekend Bundles are data plans (without 5G NR access).
Dial #123# or call 131 to activate Weekend Bundles:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 ALL | Vodafone Weekend | 3 GB | 1 weekend (Saturday 0:01 – Sunday 23:59) |
| 600 ALL | Vodafone 4 Weekends | 12 GB | 4 weekends (Saturday 0:01 – Sunday 23:59) |
Add-Ons – Vodafone Albania
The Add-Ons are data add-ons. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.
Dial #123# or call 131 to activate Add-Ons:
| Price | Add-On | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ALL | 300 MB Internet | 300 MB | 7 days |
| 700 ALL | 5 GB Internet | 5 GB | 30 days |
| 800 ALL | 6 GB Internet | 6 GB | 30 days |
APN/Internet Settings – Vodafone Albania
- Name: Vodafone Albania
- APN: vodafoneweb
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
One Telecommunications Albania (formerly Telekom Albania)
One Telecommunications Albania, just One (Telecommunications) and formerly Telekom Albania (and Albanian Mobile Communications – AMC a very long time ago), is the second-largest mobile operator in Albania.
4iG from Hungary purchased One Telecommunications and ALBtelecom, the last mobile operator covered in this guide, in March 2022.
4iG plans to combine the two mobile operators, but that will take a while.
Once completed, the combined mobile operator is supposed to have a bigger market share than Vodafone Albania.
One Telecommunications uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
- 5G NR: not available yet
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about One Telecommunications:
* Coverage
* How to Get a One Telecommunications SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – One Telecommunications Albania (formerly Telekom Albania)
One Telecommunications has extensive throughout Albania.
Below is One Telecommunications's coverage map:
SIM Card Price – One Telecommunications Albania (formerly Telekom Albania)
You can get a One Telecommunications SIM card for 500 ALL or 1500 ALL (Paketa All Inclusive – 3 Javore) with 15 GB of data, 5 GB for Facebook Messenger, Message+, Viber & WhatsApp, 500 local minutes, 10 international minutes 1 & 100 local SMS for 21 days in One stores. One SIM cards are not sold at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA).
1 to Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom & the United States
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
One Telecommunications has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.
Therefore, if you wish to use an eSIM, you can go with the Albania (Hej Telecom) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days, 5 GB/30 days & 10 GB/30 days).
Or get the Eurolink eSIMs covering Albania and 35+ other European countries (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days, 5 GB/30 days, 10 GB/30 days, 50 GB/90 days & 100 GB/180 days).
Finally, you have the Discover Global eSIM for use in Albania and 80+ other countries worldwide (1 GB/7 days with top-ups available up to 20 GB/180 days).
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Note that One Telecommunications offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and if you have enabled it in the settings but no VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
One Telecommunications SIM cards get deactivated if there has been no activity for 12 months (no top-up for 12 months or no activity for 12 months).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – One Telecommunications Albania (formerly Telekom Albania)
One Telecommunications top-up vouchers are sold in One stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Albania.
The following (online) top-up options are available:
| Top-Up | Validity |
|---|---|
| 100 ALL – 499 ALL | 30 days |
| 500 ALL – 1200 ALL | 45 days |
| 1201 ALL – 2000 ALL | 60 days |
| 2001 ALL => | 180 days |
To top up your One Telecommunications SIM card, call 141 and follow the instructions.
Text BA to 142 to check your One Telecommunications balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the My One (AL) app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – One Telecommunications Albania (formerly Telekom Albania)
One Telecommunications has three data-featured plans:
- Paketat One Unlimited/One Unlimited Packages (combo)
- Paketa Të Tjera/Other Packages (data)
- Paketa Shtesë/Additional Packages (data)
All One Telecommunications plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 142.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Paketa Të Tjera (Other Packages) – One Telecommunications Albania (formerly Telekom Albania)
The Paketa Të Tjera (Other Packages) are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Text the Activation Code to 142 to activate Paketa Të Tjera:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net SMS | Off-Net SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 ALL | Paketa Ditore | 400 MB | 200 SMS | 100 SMS | 1 day |
| 200 ALL | Internet Ditore | 1 GB | N/A | N/A | 1 day |
| 400 ALL | Internet Javore | 2 GB | N/A | N/A | 7 days |
| 500 ALL | Javore | 1 GB | 300 SMS | Shared with on-net SMS allowance | 7 days |
| 600 ALL | Internet Mujore | 2 GB | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
| 1200 ALL | Internet Mujore 1000 | 8 GB | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
Paketat One Unlimited (One Unlimited Packages) – One Telecommunications Albania (formerly Telekom Albania)
The Paketat One Unlimited (One Unlimited Packages) are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Text the Activation Code to 142 to activate Paketat One Unlimited:
| Price | Plan | Data | Western Balkan Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600 ALL | Paketa Unlimited S | 200 MB | Shared with data allowance | 100 minutes | N/A | 30 days | US |
| 900 ALL | Paketa Unlimited M | 1 GB | Shared with data allowance | 400 minutes | 400 SMS | 30 days | UM |
| 1200 ALL | Paketa Unlimited L | 8 GB | 2.68 GB | 2000 minutes | 200 SMS 1 | 30 days | UL |
| 1500 ALL | Paketa Unlimited Beats | 22 GB | 3.34 GB | 4000 minutes | 300 SMS 1 | 30 days | UB |
| 2000 ALL | Paketa Unlimited XL | 32 GB | 4.46 GB | 4000 minutes 2 | 500 SMS 1 | 30 days | UXL |
1 also for international use (no country restrictions)
2 +100 minutes to Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom & the United States
Paketa Shtesë (Additional Packages) – One Telecommunications Albania (formerly Telekom Albania)
The Paketa Shtesë (Additional Packages) are data add-ons (without 5G NR access) for the Paketat One Unlimited plans. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.
Text the Activation Code to 142 to activate Paketa Shtesë:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 ALL | Internet Xtreme M | 3 GB | 30 days | MINT |
| 600 ALL | Internet Xtreme L | 5 GB | 30 days | MINT1 |
APN/Internet Settings – One Telecommunications Albania (formerly Telekom Albania)
- Name: One
- APN: internet.t
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
ALBtelecom (formerly Eagle Mobile Albania)
ALBtelecom (Mobile), formerly Eagle Mobile Albania and not to be confused with Eagle Mobile in Russia, is the smallest mobile operator in Albania.
While it often has the cheapest plans and the most generous data allowances, it has the slowest speeds.
ALBtelecom uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
- 5G NR: not available yet
- VoLTE: No
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about ALBtelecom:
* Coverage
* How to Get an ALBtelecom SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – ALBtelecom (formerly Telekom Albania)
ALBtelecom has the worst coverage throughout Albania.
Its 4G/LTE reception is nowhere close to its competition.
Below is ALBtelecom's coverage map:
SIM Card Price – ALBtelecom (formerly Telekom Albania)
You can get an ALBtelecom SIM card for 100 ALL (SIM Card Super 100) or 500 ALL with 3 ALL credit and 4 GB of data 1 (SIM Card Super 500) in ALBtelecom stores. ALBtelecom SIM cards are also sold at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA).
1 if you create an account on Profili im
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Super Holidays Packages SIM cards – ALBtelecom's tourist offering.
For 1000 ALL, you get 15 GB of data, 1000 local minutes, 10 international minutes & 200 local SMS for 14 days.
1 to Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Kosovo, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom & the United States
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
ALBtelecom has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.
Therefore, if you wish to use an eSIM, you can go with the Albania (Hej Telecom) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days, 5 GB/30 days & 10 GB/30 days).
Or get the Eurolink eSIMs covering Albania and 35+ other European countries (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days, 5 GB/30 days, 10 GB/30 days, 50 GB/90 days & 100 GB/180 days).
Finally, you have the Discover Global eSIM for use in Albania and 80+ other countries worldwide (1 GB/7 days with top-ups available up to 20 GB/180 days).
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)
Be aware that there is no VoLTE nor VoWiFi with ALBtelecom.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – ALBtelecom (formerly Telekom Albania)
ALBtelecom top-up vouchers are sold in ALBtelecom stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Albania.
To top up your ALBtelecom SIM card, text RM VoucherCode to 141.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would text RM 123456 to 141.
Text Balance to 130 to check your ALBtelecom balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Profili Im (My Profile) app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – ALBtelecom (formerly Telekom Albania)
ALBtelecom has seven data-featured plans:
- Daily & Weekend Packages (combo)
- Super Standard Packages (combo)
- Super Unlimited Packages (combo)
- GigaNatën Packages (data)
- Internet Packages (as the name suggests)
- 4G Internet Packages (as the name implies)
- Super Weekend Packages (data)
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Daily & Weekly Packages – ALBtelecom (formerly Telekom Albania)
The Daily & Weekly Packages are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Text the Activation Code to 131 to activate Daily & Weekly Packages:
| Price | Plans | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 ALL | Daily Packages | 250 MB | 150 minutres | 150 SMS | 24 hours | CP1 |
| 500 ALL | Weekly Package | 1 GB | 300 minutes | 300 SMS | 7 days | CP7 |
Super Standard Packages – ALBtelecom (formerly Telekom Albania)
The Super Standard Packages are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Text the Activation Code to 131 to activate Super Standard Packages:
| Price | Plan | Data | Local Minutes | International Minutes 1 | On-Net SMS | Local/International SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 ALL | Super Package 500 | 50 MB | 50 minutes | N/A | 50 SMS | Shared with on-net SMS allowance | 30 days | P500 |
| 1100 ALL | Super Package 1100 | 3.5 GB | 2500 minutes | N/A | 1000 SMS | 500 SMS | 30 days | P1100 |
| 1300 ALL | Super Package 1300 | 6 GB | 3000 minutes | 30 minutes | 3000 SMS | 600 SMS | 30 days | P1300 |
| 1300 ALL | Gigastic Package | 6 GB + 10 GB | 600 minutes | N/A | 600 SMS | Shared with on-net SMS allowance | 30 days | GIGA1300 |
| 1900 ALL | Super Package 1900 | 13 GB | 3500 minutes | 120 minutes | 3000 SMS | 600 SMS | 30 days | P1900 |
1 to Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Kosovo, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom & the United States
Super Unlimited Packages – ALBtelecom (formerly Telekom Albania)
The Super Unlimited Packages are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Text the Activation Code to 131 to activate Super Standard Packages:
| Price | Plan | Data | Western Balkans Data 2 | Local Minutes | On-Net SMS | Off-Net SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 ALL | Super Start Package | 100 MB | 880 MB | 150 minutes | 150 SMS | Shared with on-net SMS allowance | 30 days | start |
| 900 ALL | Unlimited Super 900 Package | 3 GB 1 | 1.5 GB | 600 minutes | 600 SMS | Shared with on-net SMS allowance | 30 days | U900 |
| 1100 ALL | Unlimited Super 1100 Package | 8 GB 1 | 1.89 GB | 3000 minutes | 1000 SMS | 500 SMS 3 | 30 days | U1100 |
| 1300 ALL | Unlimited Super 1300 Package | 24 GB | 2.23 GB | 2000 minutes | 1500 SMS | Shared with on-net SMS allowance | 30 days | U1300 |
| 1900 ALL | Unlimited Super 1900 Package | 32 GB | 3.23 GB | “Unlimited”, 4000 minutes 4 | “Unlimited”, 4000 SMS | 1500 SMS 3 | 30 days | U1900 |
1 unlimited data @ 128 after exhausting your data allowance
2 in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia & Serbia
3 also for international use
4 +150 international minutes to Afghanistan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Kosovo, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom & the United States
GigaNatën Packages – ALBtelecom (formerly Telekom Albania)
The GigaNatën Packages are data plans with data (without 5G NR access).
Text the Activation Code to 138 to activate GigaNatën Packages:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ALL | GigaNatën 7 | 5 GB | 7 nights (23:01 – 6:59) | N7 |
| 300 ALL | GigaNatën 30 | 20 GB | 30 nights (23:01 – 6:59) | N30 |
Internet Packages – ALBtelecom (formerly Telekom Albania)
The Internet Packages are, as the name implies, data plans (without 5G NR access).
Text the Activation Code to 138 to activate Internet Packages:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ALL | Daily | 0.5 GB | 24 hours | ID100 |
| 300 ALL | Weekly | 1 GB | 7 days | IJ300 |
| 500 ALL | Monthly 500 | 2 GB | 30 days | IM500 |
| 750 ALL | Monthly 750 | 4 GB | 30 days | IM750 |
| 1000 ALL | Monthly 1000 | 6 GB | 30 days | IM1000 |
| 1500 ALL | Monthly 1500 | 20 GB | 30 days | IM1500 |
| 3000 ALL | Monthly 3000 | 40 GB | 30 days | IM3000 |
4G Internet Packages – ALBtelecom (formerly Telekom Albania)
The 4G Internet Packages are, as the name suggests, data plans (without 5G NR access).
Text the Activation Code to 138 to activate 4G Internet Packages:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ALL | Daily 100 | 1 GB | 24 hours | ID100 |
| 300 ALL | Weekly 300 | 1 GB | 7 days | IJ300 |
| 300 ALL | Monthly 300 | 2 GB | 30 days | IM300 |
| 500 ALL | Monthly 500 | 4 GB | 30 days | IM500 |
| 600 ALL | Monthly 600 | 6 GB | 30 days | IM600 |
| 1000 ALL | Monthly 1000 | 10 GB | 30 days | IM1000 |
| 1500 ALL | Monthly 1500 | 20 GB | 30 days | IM1500 |
Super Weekend Packages – ALBtelecom (formerly Telekom Albania)
The Super Weekend Packages are data plans (without 5G NR access).
Text the Activation Code to 138 to activate Super Weekend Packages:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 ALL | Super Weekend 1 | 5 GB | 1 weekend (Saturday 0:00 – Sunday 23:59) | W1 |
| 600 ALL | Super Weekend 4 | 20 GB | 4 weekends (Saturday 0:00 – Sunday 23:59) | W4 |
APN/Internet Settings – ALBtelecom (formerly Telekom Albania)
- Name: ALBtelecom
- APN: internet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Other Ways to Stay Connected When Traveling in Albania
Getting an Albanian SIM card is the best way to stay connected in the country.
However, for some, getting local SIM cards is not an option.
For example, if you have a SIM-locked device.
Luckily, there are other ways to get online when in Albania.
However, these methods may be more expensive than getting a SIM card from the local mobile operators.
International Roaming
International roaming is the most convenient way to stay connected when traveling in other countries because you do not have to buy a new SIM card, have to deal with SIM card registration regulations, nor have multiple phone numbers to deal with.
However, international roaming has proven to be expensive in many cases, especially compared to buying local SIM cards.
That is why many travelers are not fond of international roaming.
International roaming has its pros and cons. However, it is important to know how it works. This in-depth guide explains it all.
Find out whether your mobile operator has attractive roaming rates for Albania here.
Using an International SIM Card or Travel SIM Card
International SIM cards are SIM cards made for the traveler in mind.
Using them is often cheaper than international roaming.
However, they are almost always more expensive than using a local SIM card.
There are many other advantages and disadvantages of getting international SIM cards, which you can learn about here.
Using a Mobile Hotspot (Pocket WIFI)
Mobile hotspots, or pocket WIFI, are small devices that connect to the local mobile operators of the country you are visiting.
Mobile hotspots are ideal for families or those traveling in a large group, as they allow you to connect multiple devices to one hotspot without the need of each traveler having to buy a SIM card.
You can either buy a mobile hotspot or rent one.
Using Free WIFI Networks
Using free WIFI connections is the cheapest way to stay connected because they are free.
The major downside of trying to use WIFI hotspots is that you will have to locate them, and they are not available on every corner in Albania.
Make sure to protect your internet traffic with a VPN so that hackers cannot steal your personal data.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Albania
Getting a SIM card from Vodafone Albania or One Telecommunications Albania (formerly Telekom Albania) would do you well when considering an Albanian SIM card.
Local Prepaid SIM Cards in Other European Countries
Visiting other countries in Europe? Check out my Europe SIM card buying guide, covering other European nations, such as:
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:
Support Phone Travel Wiz
It takes a lot of time to analyze, translate & review the SIM card options worldwide (especially to test them out).
Your support helps me keep producing impartial content by eliminating the need to recommend international SIM cards as the best local SIM card (but some of them CAN be useful).
Every Ko-Fi donation, one-time or monthly, helps me to spend more time creating local SIM card buying guides.
Check Out My Resource Page
Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience?
Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel!
Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises & accommodation.
Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!
Start Your Own Online Business – Make Money While Traveling
Do you want to learn how I started an online business that allows me to generate income while traveling?
In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services & products I have for this site and my YouTube channel.
If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too!
Learn About Your Phone Travel Options
You can buy local prepaid SIM cards, international SIM cards, mobile hotspots, or roam internationally.
Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.
Phone Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks
I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out!
Sign Up for the Phone Travel Wiz Newsletter
Get updates related to the newest guides, videos & recommended products and services.
Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on saving money while traveling every now and then.
Let's Be Social
Did you know that I have a YouTube channel covering everything you need to know about traveling with your phone?
A lot of useful videos are uploaded multiple times a week, and you do not want to miss out on them!
Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is
Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!