ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Representative appearance and external indicators (from the chosen accommodation to the brand image) are taken into account. Business cards are common. It is advisable to make an appointment in good time. For foreign visitors, you are prepared to be punctual. Nodding your head can mean ‘no’ and shaking your head can mean ‘yes’.
Opening hours
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. (authorities and banks until 12 p.m.). Long lunch breaks are held in trade and industry. Shops usually close earlier on Fridays. Private shops are open at the traditional times between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Authorities are closed on the weekend.
Economy
Dhoma e Tregtisë (umbrella organization of the Albanian Chambers of Commerce and Industry)
Rruga Kavajes 6, AL-Tirana
Tel: (042) 302 84.
Internet: www.cci.al
Business contacts
Dhoma e Tregtisë (umbrella organization of the Albanian Chambers of Commerce and Industry)
Rruga Kavajes 6, AL-Tirana
Tel: (042) 302 84.
Internet: www.cci.al
COMMUNICATION
Phone
Area codes: Tirana (04), Durrës (052), Elbasan (054), Gjirokastra (084), Kavaja (0554), Korça (082), Shkodra (022).
Cellphone
GSM 900 cellular network. The main providers are Telekom Albania (Internet: telekom.com.al) and Vodafone Albania (Internet: www.vodafone.al). The reception / transmission area covers over 90% of the country. In remote and mountainous parts of the country there is often no reception. Roaming contracts exist.
Internet
There are internet cafés in all major cities. Some hotels, especially in Tirana, offer broadband internet access and some internet access via Wi-Fi.
Post Office
The delivery times have become much shorter. It is recommended that all items be posted by registered mail. There are main post offices in Tirana, Durrës and other major cities. Post office opening times: Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into Albania duty-free:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos (no more than 3 g per piece) or 250 g tobacco (people aged 15 and over);
1 l of spirits (over 22% by volume) or 2 l of alcoholic beverages below 22% by volume and 2 l of wine (people over 18 years of age);
250 ml eau de toilette or 50 ml perfume.
Medical products for personal use.
Gifts and items for personal use must not exceed the total value of 30,000 Lek or 15,000 Lek for persons under 15 years of age.
Prohibited imports
There is a ban on the import and export of weapons, ammunition, drugs, narcotics and pornography.
SHOP
Overview
As a country located in Europe according to medicinelearners, Albania has old handicraft traditions in the weaving of carpets (called qilim, also known as kilim, from table runners to the largest formats such as tapestries) and fabrics, filigree work in silver and copper, wood carving and ceramics, embroidery and sewing. Most of the craft shops and glass factories have stopped working. In all tourist places, in front of the hotels and excursion restaurants, artisans or children offer handicrafts (from musical instruments to carvings to crocheted borders). There are utility ceramics in every market.
The best place to buy handicrafts is Kruja, about an hour’s drive from Tirana. Felt makers, carpet weavers and antique dealers sell their goods in the local bazaar. Many shops in Kruja offer souvenirs such as Albanian flags, copper plates and ashtrays in the shape of a bunker. There are several other souvenir shops in Tirana, an artisan cooperative in Gjirokastra and a souvenir stand at Butrint.
Even tourists are not offended when haggling over an acceptable price, but their ignorance is often exploited. Street vendors also offer antiques (see Duty Free). Beware of tempting offers and business proposals.
Opening times of the shops: The shops are generally open. General Open Mon-Sat 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Many shops are also open on Sundays. Bazaars, stalls along the country roads and hawkers in the cities have their own sales hours.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +355 Area (sqkm) 28748 Population 3029078 Population density (per sqkm) 105 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 127
