Visiting Albania and thinking of buying a Tirana airport SIM card purchase upon arriving in the country? If you’re arriving in Albania through Tirana International Airport, Vodafone and One Albania shops in the arrivals shop are available for you to get the best local SIM Card plans while traveling in Albania.
Landing at Tirana Airport and wondering if you can buy a sim card at Tirana Airport? Yes, there are kiosks and vendors to buy Alb Telecom, One and Vodafone the leading provider of SIM card in Tirana and Albania.
The easiest way is to order your eSIM online where you can get cheap data packages and unlimited data without buying a SIM card in Tirana. For eSIM options, you can opt for Airalo and Alosim
If you are going from Tirana Airport to the city center you should know that it will take 20 minutes by taxi and 30 minutes by public transportation.
Whether you’re here to explore the ancient streets of Berat, soak up the sun on the beaches of the Albanian Riviera, or navigate the bustling streets of Tirana, staying connected is essential. That’s where purchasing a local Albania Airport SIM Card upon your arrival can make all the difference. Let’s go!
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- Getting an Albania SIM Card in 2024: Prepaid SIM Card in Albania
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- 50 Albania Travel Tips And Things To Know Before Visiting Albania For First Timers
WHERE TO STAY IN TIRANA
A lot of budget options is available for accommodation in Tirana. Where you can sleep in a dorm room or a room for less than $10 USD while you can stay in a budget hotel for as low as $20-30 USD. There are so many to choose from depending on what type and how luxurious you want your stay to be starting from $50 USD.
Book your accommodations in Tirana through Agoda or Booking
BOOK ALBANIA TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Why Opt for Albania Airport SIM Cards
After a long flight, the last thing you want is to be disconnected from the world. Securing an Albania SIM Card Airport choice between leading providers like Vodafone Albania, and One Albania (merging of Telekom Albania and ALBtelecom) can ensure you’re online from the moment you step off the plane.
Purchasing your SIM card at the Albania airport presents you with the convenience of you immediately starting your trip worry-free right from the get-go. With options available right at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza, you can bypass the inconvenience of finding a local store in Albania city center and instead focus on your travel plans. This is what we recommend you to do.
Arriving in Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza
Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza, also known as Rinas Airport is the major international airport for Albania. Located just outside the capital city of Tirana, you can get an Albania Airport SIM Card immediately upon arrival. With flights connecting to major cities across Europe and beyond, it’s equipped with facilities to meet the modern traveler’s needs, including connectivity solutions.
Albania SIM Card airport kiosks are available right in the arrival halls once you get passed the Immigration area.
Available SIM Card Providers at Tirana International Airport
Upon your arrival at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza, you will find that Albania’s mobile network is dominated by two key providers, Vodafone Albania and One Albania (merging of ALBTelecom and Telecom Albania).
Vodafone Albania – Albania SIM Card Airport
Vodafone Albania is renowned for its extensive network coverage and reliable service. For travelers seeking an Albania Airport SIM Card, Vodafone offers various plans that cater to both short-term visitors and those planning extended stays. Vodafone has you covered with good plans in 2024, with SIM cards priced between 500 ALL or $5.19 USD and 800 ALL or $8 USD, with options varying by promotion.
Vodafone also offers Vodafone eSIM plans. This means that if you are happy with their pricing but prefer to have an eSIM rather than a physical SIM card, you can get that convenience as well.
Let’s look at Vodafone Albania SIM Card Airport plans you can get. Vodafone’s Plans are below:
Vodafone Tourist Pack for $23 USD or 2300 LEK: 40GB data plus 1000 National Call Minutes valid for 15 days
Vodafone Tourist Giga Pack for $29 USD or 2900 LEK: 100GB data plus unlimited national calls valid for 21 days
Vodafone Gigamax Package for $15 USD or 1500 LEK: 15GB data with 5 GB Video, 100 SMS, 500 minutes National calls, and 10 minutes international calling valid for 21 days
Vodafone Albania also offers a 10-day package with 300 calling minutes and 1.5GB data and 3000 national SMS for 700 LEK or $7 USD and a 3-day Package with 300 calling minutes and 300MB data and 3000 national SMS for 300 LEK or $3 USD
All plans are available at the airport or locally in Vodafone shops in the city.
One Albania or One Telecommunications Albania
One Albania Prepaid, now a merger of Telekom Albania and ALBtelecom, another major player, stands out for its competitive pricing and excellent customer service.
If you’re searching for the Best SIM Card Albania Airport option that balances cost and connectivity, One Telecommunications in Albania offers two main options for new SIM cards. The first option is priced at 500 ALL (approximately $4.50 USD), including 300 ALL of initial airtime.
The second option costs 100 ALL (about $0.90 USD) and must be activated with one of the standard prepaid bundles. Additionally, by installing and registering in the My One app, users can benefit from 10GB of data, valid for 14 days.
Here are One Albania’s Prepaid plans:
Albania Prepaid SIM Card Plans
PAKETA UNLIMITED S with 500 MB data, 150 National calling minutes, and 150 SMS for 600 LEK or $6 USD
UNLIMITED XL+ with 33GB of Data, Unlimited National calling minutes, unlimited SMS and 500 international SMS for 2,100.00LEKË or $21 USD
PAKETA UNLIMITED M with 1GB data, 400 national calling minutes and 400 SMS for 1,000.00LEKË or $10 USD
UNLIMITED BEATS+ with 23GB data, unlimited national calling minutes, unlimited SMS and 300 international SMS for 1,600.00LEKË or $16 USD
UNLIMITED L+ with 8GB data, unlimited national calling minutes and 1000 SMS, and 200 international SMS for 1,300.00LEKË or $13 USD
One Prepaid Tourist Plans
One Tourist Advance Plan: 40GB data for 15 days for 2300 LEK or $23 USD, with 100 national calling minutes and 1000 national SMS
One Tourist Ultra Plan: 100GB Data for 21 Days for 2900 LEK or $29 USD, with unlimited national calls and national SMS
ALBtelecom – Albania SIM Card Airport (defunked in 2023)
As of March 2023, ALB Telecom has merged with Telekom Albania and is now under one name One Albania. Previously, ALBtelecom offered data plans, available as an Albania SIM card airport purchase, with options like 100 ALL and 500 ALL. This Eagle mobile shop was previously in Tirana’s Departure Halls.
Purchasing a SIM Card at Tirana International Airport: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Locating the SIM Card Kiosks
Upon arrival at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza, make your way to the arrivals hall after clearing customs and immigration. Here, you’ll easily spot kiosks or storefronts prominently displaying signs for Vodafone Albania and One Albania. These are your go-to spots for purchasing an Albania SIM Card Airport.
Step 2: Selecting Your SIM Card Package
- Assessment of Needs: Decide on how much data, how many call minutes, and the number of text messages you will likely need during your stay. If your visit is primarily within Tirana or other major cities, coverage will be consistent among providers. However, if you plan to explore more remote areas, ask the staff about the best coverage options.
- Comparing Offers: Each provider will have a variety of plans tailored to tourists’ needs, including both short-term and long-term options. Don’t hesitate to ask for any ongoing promotions or tourist-specific deals that might not be immediately visible.
Step 3: Required Documentation
To purchase a SIM card in Albania, you’ll need to provide a valid form of identification. This is usually your passport. The staff at the kiosk will use this to register your SIM card, a quick process ensuring your compliance with local telecommunications regulations.
Step 4: Activation and Setup
- Installation: The staff at the kiosk will typically handle the SIM card installation for you, inserting it into your unlocked phone.
- Activation: Activation usually occurs within a few minutes. The staff will confirm that your phone has been connected to the network and is ready to use before you leave the counter.
- First Use: It’s advisable to make a first call or use some data before leaving the airport to ensure everything is working correctly. This is also a good time to confirm any data or call packages you’ve purchased are active.
eSIM Alternatives to Albania SIM Card Airport
For those with eSIM-compatible devices, providers such as Airalo offer eSIM plans that you can arrange before your trip, ensuring that you’re ready to go as soon as you arrive. eSIMs are good alternatives to Albania Prepaid SIM Card for Tourists and other Best SIM Card Albania Airport options especially if you’re not too worried about a little premium when it comes to pricing. Since eSIMs are still considered new tech, they are offered at a slightly higher price but giving you the full convenience of purchasing them whenever you want them.
Benefits of Choosing an eSIM:
- No physical SIM card required, eliminating the need for swapping cards.
- Can be purchased and set up before you leave your home country.
- Often includes flexible plans that can be adjusted based on your usage.
For travelers with eSIM-compatible devices, purchasing an eSIM can offer an even more convenient alternative. Airalo and Alosim are our recommended eSIM brands for Albania and prices are available below.
Airalo Albania
Airalo is the most popular eSIM in the market right now because of its affordable and flexible plans. Airalo doesn’t offer unlimited data options, however, if you plan your trip properly, you should easily be able to use unlimited internet from your accommodation as this is readily available in Europe. Let’s look at Airalo Albania’s plans. Airalo Albania gets both signals from Vodafone and One Albania so you can easily get good signals around the country.
1GB valid for 7 days priced at $4.50 USD
2GB valid for 15 days priced at $8 USD
3GB valid for 30 days priced at $11 USD
5GB valid for 30 days priced at $15.50 USD
10GB valid for 30 days priced at $26 USD
*USE “GAMINTRAVELER” FOR AIRALO DISCOUNT CODE
Alosim Albania eSIM
ALOSIM, another eSIM that offers good competitive rates for Albania offers same pricing (if not the same as Airalo’s Albania plans).
1GB valid for 7 days priced at $4.50 USD
2GB valid for 15 days priced at $8 USD
3GB valid for 30 days priced at $11 USD
5GB valid for 30 days priced at $15.50 USD
10GB valid for 30 days priced at $26 USD
So why get Alosim in Albania, if Airalo offers the same prices?
Alosim offers the unique eSIM feature of having a phone number that you can use for calling and texting (comes with about 30 calling minutes and 50 texts approximately), and allows you to top it if you need more.
*USE “GAMINTRAVELER” FOR 10% ALOSIM DISCOUNT CODE
Additional Tips for Mobile Data Use in Albania
- Unlock Your Phone: Ensure your phone is unlocked before arriving in Albania to use a local SIM card or eSIM.
- Language Assistance: If you’re not confident in your Albanian language skills, most kiosk staff at the airport speak English and can assist you with your purchase.
- Customer Service: Before leaving the kiosk, make sure you have the customer service number for your chosen provider in case you need assistance during your stay.
By following these steps, purchasing and activating an Albania Airport SIM Card can be a straightforward and hassle-free process, ensuring you stay connected from the moment you start your Albanian adventure.
Maximizing Your Mobile Experience in Albania
After successfully purchasing and activating your Albania Airport SIM Card or eSIM, you’re ready to explore Albania with the internet at your fingertips. Here are some tips to ensure you maximize your mobile experience and stay connected effortlessly throughout your journey.
1. Understanding Your Data Plan
- Monitor Your Usage: Keep track of your data consumption to avoid running out unexpectedly. Most telecom providers offer an app where you can monitor usage and top up if necessary.
- Data-Saving Tips: Utilize Wi-Fi whenever possible, especially for data-intensive activities like streaming or downloading. Turn off mobile data when not in use to conserve your data allowance.
2. Staying Connected Across Albania
- Coverage Considerations: While urban areas like Tirana, Durrës, and Vlorë enjoy robust coverage, more remote areas might have limited connectivity. Plan your data use accordingly when traveling off the beaten path.
- Emergency Numbers: Save local emergency numbers, including the general emergency line (112) in Albania, and your telecom provider’s customer service number, in case you need assistance.
3. Navigating with Your Mobile Device
- Offline Maps: Download maps for offline use to navigate without using mobile data. Apps like Google Maps allow you to save specific areas for offline access.
- Language Apps: Download a language translation app to help with Albanian phrases, especially in rural areas where English may not be widely spoken.
4. International Calls and Messaging
- Using VoIP Services: For international calls, consider using VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber, which use data or Wi-Fi and can be more cost-effective than traditional roaming services.
- Local vs. International Plans: Check if your plan includes international calls or texts. If not, purchasing an additional package might be necessary for staying in touch with friends and family back home.
5. Additional Services and Support
- Top-Up Locations: Familiarize yourself with locations where you can top up your SIM card. Convenience stores, supermarkets, and official telecom shops are common places to add credit.
- Seeking Assistance: Should you encounter any issues with your service, don’t hesitate to contact your provider’s customer support. Having a basic understanding of common telecommunications terms in Albanian can also be helpful.
Leveraging eSIM Technology
For those who opted for an eSIM, remember that managing your plan can often be done entirely online. This digital approach offers flexibility to adjust your data plan based on your actual usage, often in real-time through the provider’s app or website.
Our Final Thoughts and Recommendations for Your Albania SIM Card Airport Purchase
To compare the plans based on the provided information, below are our recommended choices.
One Albania’s basic option: Priced at about $0.90 USD (100 ALL), it’s the most affordable and requires activation with a prepaid bundle. We got this as an offer from a local One Albania Store outside Tirana city center and this offer might not be available anymore when you arrive.
From the airport, you can get Vodafone plans:
Vodafone’s 10-day package: At 700 LEK (about $7 USD), it offers 300 minutes, 1.5GB data, and 3000 SMS, suitable for short visits.
Vodafone’s Gigamax Package: For $15 USD (1500 LEK), it includes 15GB data, 100 SMS, and additional benefits, providing good value for moderate users.
Vodafone offers eSIM plans as well. If you’re keen to purchase an eSIM in advance, go for Alosim eSIM as it offers the same pricing as Airalo for Albania, with the added pro of offering a phone number with calling minutes.
With your Albania SIM Card Airport purchase or eSIM activation complete, you’re all set to enjoy everything Albania has to offer.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.