Lek (ALL) = 100 qindarka. Notes are in denominations of ALL5000, 1000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are in denominations of ALL50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1.

Currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and banks. US dollars are the preferred foreign currency.

Rarely used. Cash is preferred in nearly all cases. However, American Express, Diners Club and MasterCard are accepted by some banks and hotels.

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Euros. They may not always be easily changed in all places.

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. The export of foreign currency is permitted up to US$5000 or up to the amount declared on arrival.

Mon-Fri 0800-1600.