Visiting Albania and want to stay connected without paying sky-high roaming charges? A prepaid SIM card in Albania is the perfect solution for tourists, digital nomads, and short-term visitors. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything—from mobile frequencies and coverage to SIM card prices and tourist packages.
Basics of Prepaid SIM Cards in Albania
Albania has a growing mobile telecom infrastructure, with 4G/LTE widely available and 5G slowly expanding. The country has three main mobile operators:
- Vodafone Albania (website)
- One Telecommunications (website)
- Albtelecom (ALB Telecom / Eagle Mobile) (website)
These providers offer prepaid SIM cards that are easy to obtain, affordable, and great for tourists. All SIM cards support data, voice, and SMS services.
Frequencies Used in Albania
To make sure your phone works in Albania, check if it supports the following frequencies:
| Network | Technology | Frequency Bands |
|---|---|---|
| 2G | GSM | 900 / 1800 MHz |
| 3G | UMTS | 2100 MHz |
| 4G/LTE | LTE | Band 1 (2100 MHz), Band 3 (1800 MHz), Band 20 (800 MHz) |
| 5G | NSA (in limited areas) | Band n78 (3500 MHz) |
Most modern European and international smartphones will work seamlessly in Albania.
Coverage & Speed
Vodafone Albania:
- Widest 4G/LTE coverage across the country.
- Excellent speed in Tirana, Durrës, and tourist hotspots like Sarandë and Shkodër.
- 5G rollout underway in major cities.
One Telecommunications:
- Solid 4G network coverage in cities and along coastal areas.
- More affordable than Vodafone for similar speeds.
Albtelecom:
- Competitive data packages but slightly patchy 4G coverage in rural areas.
- Good budget option for low data users.
At a Glance Comparison
| Provider | Coverage | Speed | Price | Tourist SIM | 5G Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vodafone | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 💲💲💲 | ✅ | ✅ (limited) |
| One | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | 💲💲 | ✅ | 🚫 |
| Albtelecom | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | 💲 | ✅ | 🚫 |
Biometric User Registration
As per Albanian telecom regulations, biometric registration is mandatory when buying a prepaid SIM. You’ll need:
- A passport or national ID card
- To register in person at the mobile shop or kiosk
The registration process is quick and usually completed in under 10 minutes.
What to Expect When Buying a SIM Card
- SIM cards are available at airports, mobile shops, kiosks, and shopping malls
- English-speaking staff are commonly available in major cities
- SIMs are activated instantly
- You’ll receive a standard SIM with nano/micro adapters
Device Registration in Albania
Albania does not require mandatory IMEI registration for short-term visitors. Tourists can use their foreign devices freely for up to 3 months. However, if you plan to stay longer, check with your provider about potential IMEI registration requirements.
SIM Card Price in Albania
SIM card prices vary slightly depending on the provider:
- Vodafone Albania: 800 to 1,200 ALL (~8 to 12 EUR)
- One Telecommunications: 500 to 1,000 ALL (~5 to 10 EUR)
- Albtelecom: As low as 300 ALL (~3 EUR)
Most SIM cards come with some included data and credit.
Prepaid Plans
Each provider offers flexible prepaid bundles combining data, minutes, and SMS. Below are some examples:
Vodafone Albania:
- “Start M”: 10 GB + 200 mins for 1,200 ALL (30 days)
- “Travel SIM”: Tailored for tourists (see below)
One Telecommunications:
- “One Go”: 15 GB + 500 mins for 1,000 ALL
- “Mini Pack”: 5 GB for 600 ALL
Albtelecom:
- “ALB Internet”: 10 GB for 500 ALL
- Voice & data combo packs available
Tourist SIM Options
Tourist-specific SIMs are designed for easy activation and short stays:
Vodafone Albania – Tourist SIM:
- 35 GB Data + 500 local mins + 100 international mins
- Valid for 21 days
- Price: ~2,000 ALL (~18 EUR)
- Available at Tirana Airport and Vodafone stores
One – Tourist Plan:
- 20 GB + local call minutes
- Good coverage in coastal cities
- Around 1,000 – 1,500 ALL
Data Add-Ons
Ran out of data? You can easily top up online or via:
- USSD codes
- Mobile apps (Vodafone App, My One.)
- Recharge cards from convenience stores
Add-on packages start as low as 200 ALL for 1 GB.
Activation Process
- Insert the SIM into your phone
- Follow on-screen prompts or use the official app
- Most SIMs are pre-activated; some may require a call to *138# or *123#
English-language instructions are usually included in tourist SIM packages.
Conclusion: Which SIM Card is Best for You?
If you’re traveling in Albania and need reliable data, Vodafone Albania is the best for coverage and speed, especially in remote areas. For budget-conscious users, One Telecommunications offers great value, while Albtelecom suits lighter data needs.
For tourists, Vodafone’s Tourist SIM provides ample data and international minutes perfect for staying connected throughout your Albanian journey.
Before choosing, consider:
- Where you’ll be staying
- How much data you need
- Whether you plan to call internationally
With a prepaid SIM card in Albania, you’ll enjoy affordable, fast mobile internet across stunning mountains, beaches, and historic towns.