Albania attracts numerous tourists annually, and staying connected is crucial for travellers. Popular SIM card choices include Vodafone Albania with reliable coverage and flexible data plans, Telekom Albania offering various data and calling options, ALBtelecom providing data connectivity and international calls, and Plus Communication for affordable communication features.
The top three most used SIM cards by tourists in Albania for calling and data are:
It is the largest mobile operator in Albania,and it has the best overall network coverage. They offer a variety of prepaid SIM card options, including a tourist SIM card that comes with a generous data allowance, local and international minutes, and text messages.
Vodafone Albania offers extensive network coverage throughout the country, ensuring reliable connectivity in most areas. Tourists can expect good data speeds and call quality.
The validity of Vodafone Albania SIM cards varies based on the plan or package chosen. Generally, prepaid SIM cards have varying validity periods, ranging from a few days to several weeks or months. Tourists can select a plan that best suits the duration of their stay.
Vodafone Albania SIM cards are widely available in various locations, including official Vodafone stores, authorised retailers, and major airports in Albania. Tourists can easily purchase and activate a SIM card upon arrival to stay connected throughout their visit.
One Telecommunications is a relatively new mobile operator in Albania, but it has quickly become a popular choice among tourists. They offer competitive prices for data, calls, and text messages, and they have good network coverage throughout the country.
One Telecommunications' network coverage is the second-best in Albania, after Vodafone Albania. According to Opensignal's April 2022 Mobile Network Experience Report, One Telecommunications has a 4G/LTE network coverage of 98.5%, and a 3G network coverage of 95%. This means that you can be confident that you will have good network coverage in most parts of Albania, whether you are in a major city or a rural area.
It is the oldest mobile operator in Albania, and it has good network coverage in most parts of the country. They offer a variety of prepaid SIM card options, including a tourist SIM card that comes with a generous data allowance and local minutes.
ALBtelecom's network coverage includes major urban areas and towns across Albania, providing reliable connectivity to its users. However, for the most up-to-date and detailed information on ALBtelecom's network coverage, I recommend checking with the company directly or referring to recent sources for the latest coverage maps and updates.
ALBtelecom's network coverage in different parts of Albania:
Region |
Network Coverage |
Urban areas |
98.5% |
Rural areas |
92.5% |
Main highways |
99% |
When visiting Albania, staying connected is crucial for tourists, and choosing the best SIM card is essential. Some of the top options include Vodafone Albania, known for its reliable coverage and flexible data packages; TelekomAlbania (formerly AMC), offering various data plans and calling options; ALBtelecom, a well-established provider with reasonable data and calling rates; and Plus Communication, a smaller operator with affordable data and calling features.
Provider |
Network Coverage |
Price |
Data Allowance |
Included Minutes & Text Messages |
Vodafone Albania |
Best overall |
€10 |
10 GB |
100 minutes, 100 SMS |
One Telecommunications |
Competitive prices |
€10 |
5 GB |
100 minutes, 100 SMS |
ALBtelecom |
Good network coverage in most parts of the country |
€10 |
3 GB |
100 minutes, 100 SMS |
Albanian SIM cards offer a variety of packages to meet the communication needs of both locals and tourists. These packages typically include data, voice call minutes, and SMSallowances at different price points. Popular packages may offer generous data allowances for internet usage, along with flexible calling and texting options. Providers often design specific packages catering to tourists, offering them ease and convenience during their visit.
Here is a table of the packages offered by Albania SIM cards:
Provider |
Package |
Data Allowance |
Included Minutes & Text Messages |
Vodafone Albania |
Tourist SIM |
10 GB |
100 minutes, 100 SMS |
Vodafone Albania |
4G Start |
5 GB |
50 minutes, 50 SMS |
Vodafone Albania |
Gigamax |
15 GB |
100 minutes, 100 SMS |
One Telecommunications |
All Inclusive – 3 Javore |
15 GB |
500 minutes, 10 international minutes, 100 SMS |
One Telecommunications |
Super S |
100 minutes, 100 SMS, unlimited internet |
|
ALBtelecom |
Super Start |
150 minutes, 150 SMS, unlimited internet |
|
ALBtelecom |
Super Package 1300 |
13 GB |
500 minutes, 500 SMS |
ALBtelecom |
Unlimited Super 1300 |
Unlimited data |
Unlimited minutes, SMS |
Travellers choose these SIM cards in Albania for several reasons:
Overall, tourists choose these SIM cards in Albania due to their combination of reliable services, competitive rates, tailored packages, and widespread coverage, which collectively ensure a seamless and cost-effective communication experience during their stay in the country.
With multiple eSIM providers available, tourists can compare prices and features to find the most suitable option. Activating and using eSIM cards is simple, and they work across various devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Benefiting from Albania's widespread network coverage, eSIM users can expect reliable data speeds. The advantages of using eSIM cards include convenience, as there's no need to physically swap SIM cards, flexibility to switch between plans, and often affordability compared to traditional SIM cards.
Here are some of the factors that can affect network coverage and data speed in Albania:
What are the different types of SIM cards available in Albania?
There are two main types of SIM cards available in Albania:
How do I activate a SIM card in Albania?
To activate a SIM card in Albania, you will need to provide your passport or other identification document. You can activate your SIM card at most mobile phone shops and supermarkets.
Where can I buy a SIM card in Albania?
You can buy a SIM card in Albania at most mobile phone shops and supermarkets. You can also buy SIM cards online from some mobile operators.
Step1: Complete the online application by providing your passport details.
Step2: Submit payment online using a credit card.
Step3: Monitor your email for confirmation of payment and receipt of your eVisa, which will be sent electronically.