Albania – First-timers Guide for Visitors & Expats
The full guide is available on all Amazon platforms, Kindle, paperback, hardcover, $9.99 USD
Contents
Introduction • Choosing Albania • Fast Facts • Visas & Residency Permits • Embassies & Consulates • Getting There–Air, Land & Sea Entry Points • Money & Banking • Receiving Mail • Language • A list of Useful Words & Phrases • Getting Around Locally • Cell Phone • Where to Stay • Food & Drink • Pets–Travelling with & Adopting • Health • Social Life • Culture Shock (Adaptation Burnout) • Final Thoughts • Before You Go checklist • Additional Resources • About The Author
Book Description
Thinking about moving to Albania? Albania is a popular destination these days due to its gorgeous coastline and mediterranean climate. American passport holders may stay visa-free for 12 months which is an amazing opportunity which may or may not last into the future. Whether you decide to live in Tirana, Vlorë, Sarandë, Durres, or one of the smaller towns, you will find practical guidance in managing your life abroad.
This booklet is designed to provide help in orienting yourself and setting you up for success! It is more of a survival guide than a tourist guide, but will be useful to tourists as well, especially if you are a budget traveller or are new to this region of the world.
I am a Canadian expatriate who moved to Albania, sight unseen, in early 2022. I lived there for over two years and learned more about myself, my culture, expat life, and the ins-and-outs of Albanian life than I can possibly express. It was an incredible experience. During this time I was contacted fairly regularly by folks who were looking to make similar moves or were simply interested in learning more about this beautiful Balkan country.
I touch on the essentials and the obstacles from the perspective of a solo, female, 50+ traveller and provide many direct links and some pricing, valid at the time of writing in 2024. I go into detail on many day-to-day practical concerns and include some of my personal insights and experiences as relates to culture and adaptation.
If you have more questions, feel free to book a 20 or 30-minute call with me. There are also two podcast interviews on my YouTube Channel (linked below) that provide a lot of information.
Symbol on the Albanian flag–Image from Freepik.com
*American passport holders have a special exemption at the time of writing this article and may stay visa-free for 12 consecutive months. They must leave Albania after this time for a minimum of 90 days, but may then return to Albania for another 12 months. This is not a residency, but rather an extended tourist visa.
An excellent resource!
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