The currency of Albania is the lek. Usually the coins and notes have a distinguished national character in the foreground. The notes are in both large and small amounts, and the coins are for smaller amounts. In 1990, the Albanian Economic Expert institutionalized new coinage, including a new manner to value the money. Now, money is quoted in two values: new and old. When you buy something, do not be surprised if you hear "new money." One hundred new lek is equal to one thousand old lek. In official economic arenas, such as in the media, people are obligated to use new lek values. Meanwhile, in the markets and shops, goods are discussed and prices quoted in both new and old lek. Pay attention to which of the values are being used, old or new. Albanian citizens are used to this system, but as a tourist, you must handle the amounts of the notes and be sure to ask to buy with new lek. You don't want to get confused with the real values of the products that you are interested in buying. You can also buy and with euro or dollar in some cases when traders are willing. This can happen especially in cases when someone is interested in buying home-made products.
