eSim card In Albania | Guide on how to get one in 2024
An eSim card In Albania is a very handy thing to have at your disposal, particularly if you are visiting the country for the first time.
With one activated, you’ll be able to access the internet at any time to upload photos to Instagram, read reviews of any given hotel or restaurant, or message your loved ones back home to let them know you are having a wonderful time!
That said, while having an eSim card in Albania provides you with this flexibility, it can only do this if you know how to get one up and running.
For many, non-tech savvy people, this can be a confusing process. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to get you connected with the minimum of fuss, in this part of the Balkans.
What is an eSim?
In case you are not aware, an eSim card is a completely different entity from a physical SIM card.
While it essentially works in the same way by enabling you to connect to mobile networks for calls, texts and data, the main difference between the two is that a physical SIM card requires you to insert it into your device. An eSim is already embedded into it.
Subsequently, for tourists, digital nomads and business travellers, the main advantage of an eSim is that you do not need to swap out physical SIMs when you change countries or want to switch carriers.
Is an eSIM better than a SIM card?
The answer to this question really boils down to a personal preference, as they are both nearly identical in what they offer.
However, as you can get an eSim card online, you don’t have to waste time on your holiday or trip shopping around for a physical SIM card at a retail store.
Additionally, with an eSim you can have it all downloaded and activated before you even arrive in Albania. This means you can access the internet the second you touchdown at Tirana Airport or arrive at the ferry terminal in Durrës.
Is Your Device Compatible with eSim?
It is important to note that not all smartphones support eSims, so you should check if yours does before signing up for a plan.
Pretty much all recent versions of iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel and Huawei do. However, you can confirm if yours does by checking out this list of all eSim compatible devices that are currently on the market.
How to Use an eSim in Albania
If you have decided that you want to use an eSim in Albania, there are two main options available. You can either use an international eSim or a local Albanian network provider.
Both will offer you a good range of options. So, again, which one you plumb for will depend on your needs and budget.
Here is some more information about both.
1. International eSim Providers
An international eSim provider is one that offers you a service in several countries around the world. The main advantage of using them is that you can have them set up and ready before you arrive in the country.
Generally speaking, most international providers tend to stick to data-only plans, which means you won’t get a local phone number. However, you will have mobile data that will set you up for things like navigation, social media and messaging apps etc.
We’ve put together this more detailed post reviewing some of the best international eSim providers to consider.
It features eSim Albania, Airalo, Holafly, Nomad and Gigfly, all of which offer a wide range of packages targeting different ranges of data usage and connectivity requirements.
2. Local Albanian Network Providers
If you would rather spend your money in Albania to benefit the local economy or would prefer to get both data and a phone number, you can purchase an eSim from one of Albania’s local network providers.
Vodafone Albania and One Telecom are the 2 main players in the market, and between them, they offer competitive prices and regular sales to attract the tourist dollar.
Of the two, Vodafone is probably the most established and trusted name on the market. Although they both have a decent name and reputation for delivering a good service.
Costs and Data Packages
The cost of an eSim card in Albania varies depending on several factors, such as whether you choose an international or local provider, where you purchase it from and the amount of data you need.
Moreover, the prices tend to change regularly due to tourist supply and demand and sales promotions. Subsequently, it can be difficult to give accurate pricing at any given time.
That said, here’s a rough idea of some of the costs and data packages offered by both international and local eSims.
International eSim providers
If you choose to get your eSim from an international provider, you can expect to pay between $5–$10 USD for 1 GB of data, which will need to be used within seven days.
For those wanting 5 – 10 GB, you will have to pay between $20–$30 USD for the privilege. But it will be available to you over a 30-day period.
Unlimited data plans are also offered, which last for 30 days and usually cost between $50–$70 USD.
Local eSim providers
Traditionally, local providers have charged less for an eSim card in Albania than their international rivals.
Whether things stay this way, given the increase in the number of tourists who are visiting the country, remains to be seen. However, at present, you can expect to pay about $8 USD for between 1 and 2 GB of data to be used within seven days. You might also find 5BG plans for about $15 USD.
For this price, you will get data and a local phone number, which will enable you to make calls and send texts if you need to.
Where to Buy an eSim in Albania
If you want to buy a local eSim in Albania, you will be able to do so online when you get there. But you will have to access a public Wi-Fi network to do so.
You'll find this kind of connectivity throughout the country. Just be mindful that the websites might be in Albanian too.
If you would rather go to a shop to purchase your eSim, you will find outlets in all the major cities, including Vlorë, Durrës, Berat, Elbasan and, of course, Tirana.
Your best bet will be to visit the official stores of the network providers or head to the main tourist areas and look for authorised resellers. If in doubt, ask your hotel concierge for a good local recommendation.
How to Activate Your eSim in Albania
Once you’ve bought your eSim, you will need to activate it before you can use it.
This process might vary depending on your provider, but generally, you will need to scan a QR code, which you should either receive via email or in-store. Once you get it, you will need to scan the code on your phone’s camera, which will trigger the download of the eSim profile to your device.
When this has been completed, you will have to follow a series of prompts to finalise the activation of the eSim card. Once fully activated, you will be able to use the internet (and make calls if you bought this functionality).
Do I Need a Local Phone Number?
Whether or not you need a local phone number is Albania is dependent on what you will do whilst in the country.
For instance, if you plan to hire a car or visit remote areas, such as the Albanian Alps, it might be useful for you to have.
However, if you just need data for maps, social media, and messaging apps, then you probably don’t need one and, therefore, should pick a data-only plan.
Conclusion
If you are planning on visiting the country on holiday or extended business, it is worth getting an eSim card in Albania. Doing so will give you the peace of mind of staying connected and, thus, contactable while you are away.
As this post has showcased, there are plenty of options available in Albania, and the process of sourcing and activating one is very straightforward.
So, all you have to do now is choose which network provider you want to go with!
FAQs
Here are some answers to questions that are frequently asked by first-time visitors about how to get an eSim card In Albania.
What is an eSim?
An eSIM, or embedded SIM card, enables you to connect to a mobile network provider without having to use a physical SIM card. As it is already built into your device, to get it working, you just need to activate it.
Can you get an eSIM in Albania?
Yes, several companies, including SimOptions, Jetpac and eSim Albania, offer various packages that will provide you with internet connectivity during your time in the country.
