This guide delves into the intricacies of roaming charges in Albania, providing you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your mobile usage while exploring this Balkan gem.

Are There Roaming Charges in Albania?

Yes, roaming charges do exist in Albania for most international travelers. When you use your home network's SIM card in Albania, you're essentially borrowing the infrastructure of local Albanian mobile operators. This service comes at a cost, which is reflected in roaming charges. These fees can vary significantly depending on your home network provider and any international roaming packages you may have.

When Do Roaming Charges Apply in Albania?

Roaming charges in Albania typically apply as soon as your device connects to an Albanian mobile network. This occurs when you turn on your phone after landing in Albania or crossing its borders. The charges cover various services: making and receiving calls, sending text messages, and using mobile data. It's important to note that even receiving calls or texts can incur charges, as can passive data usage from apps running in the background.

Roaming Fees and Charges in Albania

Disclaimer: Prices and plans are subject to change. Always check with your provider for the most up-to-date information.

We've compiled an overview of roaming and carrier fees/plans for Albania:

EE (UK): [1]

• Making a call: £2.52 per minute

• Receiving a call: £2.52 per minute

• Sending a text: 82p per text

• You'll need to purchase a data add-on upon arrival

Turkcell (Turkey): [2]

• 800 TL for 2 weeks for 2 GB, 300 mins, 200 SMS

Vodafone (Turkey): [3]

• Use your own plan for 299 TL per day

• 469 TL per 30 days for 3 GB, 30 Mins, 15 SMS

Turk Telekom (Turkey): [4]

• 540 TL per month for 3 GB, 100 Mins, 1000 SMS

Rogers (Canada): [5]

• $15.00 per 20 MB

• $0.75 per text

• $2.00 per min

• or $15.00 per day - Pay the daily fee and use your own plan (Maximum 20 days per billing cycle)

Verizon (USA): [6]

• $2.05 per MB

• $1.79 per min

• Travel Pass: $12 per day to use your own plan

T-Mobile (USA): [7]

• $5 per day: 512MB data, unlimited calling

• $35 for 10 days: 5GB data, unlimited calling

• $50 for 30 days: 15GB data, unlimited calling

How to Avoid Roaming Charges in Albania

Here are some tips:

• Upon arrival in Albania, switch off data roaming in your phone settings.

• Connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible for data usage.

• For a more flexible option, look into eSIM solutions like Roamless that offer competitive rates for Albania.

You can also read our post on how to avoid roaming charges for more information.

Roamless eSIM for Albania

Roamless eSIM offers several features that make it an excellent choice for travelers to Albania:

• No speed throttling: Enjoy full-speed data connections on local Albanian networks.

• Pay-as-you-go flexibility: Only pay for the data you actually use.

• Funds never expire: Your balance remains valid for future trips.

• Multi-country compatibility: Use the same eSIM across multiple countries without switching plans.

• Local network speeds: Experience the same fast connections as local users.

• Easy activation: Set up your eSIM before you even land in Albania.

By leveraging these features, Roamless eSIM provides a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for staying connected in Albania without the worry of excessive roaming charges.

Visit our eSIM Albania page or read our post on the best eSIM for Albania before planning your trip.

Sources:

[1] https://ee.co.uk/help/mobile/roaming/roaming-costs/countries/albania

[2] https://www.turkcell.com.tr/paket-ve-tarifeler/yurt-disinda-kullanim

[3] https://www.vodafone.com.tr/tarifeler/ek-paketler/yurt-disi-kullanim

[4] https://bireysel.turktelekom.com.tr/mobil/yurt-disi

[5] https://www.rogers.com/mobility/roaming#searchbar

[6] https://www.verizon.com/support/international-services-pricing/

[7] https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/international-roaming-plans/unlimited-calling-data-pass