Internet in Albania | Best Way to Get Connected in 2024
It doesn’t matter if you are a tourist exploring the country’s stunning beaches, mountains and UNESCO World Heritage sites or a long-term visitor moving there for work; more people than ever are looking for ways to connect to the internet in Albania.
Fortunately, the digital infrastructure is rapidly improving across the Balkans, but particularly in Albania, which means individuals now have various options when it comes to getting themselves a reliable internet connection.
From mobile data services and public Wi-Fi to home broadband solutions, we’ll give you the lowdown on all the ways you can get online in a country officially called Shqipëri.
So, whether you want to check your email, stream your favourite TV shows or post your latest social media update, here is everything you need to know.
Takeaway
If you want to access the internet in Albania, there are effectively three ways you can do so.
Mobile Data via a SIM card or eSim
Free Public Wi-Fi
Home Broadband
The method you use will depend on the nature of your visit to the country. But typically, most tourists either buy a SIM card/sign up for an eSIM, or use free public Wi-Fi whenever they can.
By contrast, long-term visitors tend to get home broadband and mobile data for their smartphones when they are out and about.
History of the Internet in Albania
Prior to 1990, when it transitioned to democracy, Albania was a communist country that was very controlled and isolated.
In fact, such was the preclusion of domestic and international telecommunication systems that it only had 1.4 telephone units for every 100 residents. The lowest density in Europe at the time.
Despite this, the country’s first connection to the internet occurred in 1989, when The Department of Informatics at UPT (Polytechnic University of Tirana) linked with Italy’s University of Pisa.
In the subsequent years, growth was slow, to the point that internet broadband services were only introduced in 2005.
Today, however, the internet in Albania has come on leaps and bounds. According to Speedtest by Ookla, the nation currently comes in 54th on the worldwide league table for mobile speeds. While it is 86th for fixed broadband speeds.
Currently, it averages download speeds of around 39 Mbps for mobile data and 45 Mbps for broadband. However, both of these speeds are much quicker than in the fairly recent past, with the promise of further improvements to come.
How to access the internet in Albania?
If you want to access the internet in Albania, outlined below are the three main ways you can do it.
1. Get Mobile Data
For most tourists to Albania, getting mobile data will be the most convenient and cost-effective way of staying connected during their time in the country.
Here is how you can go about doing so:
a. Buy a local SIM Card
Once you arrive in Albania, one of the easiest and most reliable ways of accessing the internet is by purchasing a local SIM card.
You will be able to pick up one at Tirana International Airport, and at various locations in most big cities, including in official mobile network stores and various kiosks.
To obtain a SIM card, you will need your passport and may also be asked to sign a document from the carrier (usually written in Albania), which basically says you agree not to re-sell it or use it for criminal purchases. Don’t be afraid to use Google Translate before signing it.
In Albania, there are two major telecom providers you can choose from: Vodafone and One Telecom. Each of them offers packages that come with various amounts of data and domestic or international calls and SMS. These packages range in price from 500 Leke (4.10 euros) to 2000 Leke (16.50 euros) or more.
Overall, you should find mobile data coverage to be pretty decent in the capital city of Tirana and most of the major cities. However, in remote rural areas and the mountainous north, the connection may be less reliable.
Most neutrals tend to agree that Vodafone generally offers the best nationwide coverage, although the other two are solid choices in urban regions.
b. eSIMs
If you don’t want the hassle of purchasing a physical SIM card, you will be pleased to learn that Albania supports eSIM technology.
There are quite a few providers in the country you can choose from. We’ve written this post reviewing the best of them.
The great thing about eSIMs is that you can buy and activate a local data plan before you even land in the country. So, the second you touchdown at Tirana Airport, you can quickly send an instant message or upload a story on Instagram to let people know.
2. Public Wi-Fi
If you are not staying that long in the country or would prefer not to rely entirely on mobile data, there are plenty of free or paid public Wi-Fi options in Albania you can use, particularly in cities and major tourist hubs.
These include many cafés, restaurants, hotels and libraries, as well as airports and public squares. Generally, the connections will be fast enough for basic browsing, social media, and even video calls.
That said, many of them will be unsecured, so you should err on the side of caution, and speeds can fluctuate during peak times.
If you are planning on spending a bit of time in more rural and remote parts of the country, access to public Wi-Fi might be limited and more unreliable. Therefore, you might be better off with mobile data.
3. Broadband Internet
You will no doubt want mobile data for your smartphone. But, if you are moving to Albania for work or will otherwise be staying in the country for a prolonged period of time, you should consider getting a broadband connection for your place of residence.
Setting up a home internet connection in Albania is actually quite straightforward. You can choose between Vodafone and One Telecom.
All of them offer a good service in most parts of the country. However, you will need to provide them with proof of residence (such as a rental agreement) and a copy of your passport to set up the service.
Depending on the plan you choose from your provider and your location, speeds tend to be in the 20 Mbps to 100 Mbps range. It usually takes about one to two weeks for installation to occur, and most plans hover around the €15 to €40 per month mark.
Many broadband providers offer packages that bundle digital TV and landline phone services, which you might want to consider if you prefer the convenience of combining entertainment and communication services within one flat fee.
Conclusion
If you are planning on visiting Albania, whether it is for a weekend city break, annual holiday or a long-term stay, accessing the internet should not prove too much of a problem.
Between, its various mobile data options, free public Wi-Fi hotspots and many home broadband packages, it is easy to set up a reliable connection that will enable you to jump online whenever you want to.
Overall, you shouldn’t have any serious issues in cities like Tirana, Berat, Durrës and Vlorë, although your reception in the Albania Alps, close to the border of Kosovo and North Macedonia and in the eastern part of the country, might not be as good.
That said, the internet in Albania is pretty good by and large. So, you should enjoy the ease and quality of your connectivity whilst you are there.
FAQs
Got a question about the internet in Albania? Here are some answers to the most common ones people ask us.
How does the internet in Albania compare to other countries?
According to Speedtest by Ookla, as of August 2024, Albania ranked 54th globally for mobile speeds and 86th for fixed broadband speeds.
Is there free Wi-Fi in Albania?
Like most countries in Europe, there are lots of different places in Albania where you can access free WI-FI. In all major cities, such as Tirana, Vlorë, Durrës, and Shkodër, and some larger rural areas, you will find hotspots in shopping malls, libraries, public squares, hotels and cafes.
Can I get an eSim for Albania?
Yes, many companies offer an eSim for Albania. You just need to shop around to find the best deal for your needs.
Who are the major SIM card providers in Albania?
In Albania, the two main providers of SIM cards are Vodafone and One Telecom. Both of them offer a variety of packages with varying amounts of data, call minutes and SMS for national and/or international use.
