Moving to Albania? Is it safe?

Blog by Suzi

The first thing people will usually say to you when you tell them you are going to Albania is ‘Are you crazy? Something will happen to you!’ We have all heard it, and of course some doubt starts to creep in to our rational mind.

As a solo female traveler a few years back, I booked my first trip to Albania with much excitement until the night before my flight. Then people’s comments were starting to question my logic. Will someone really kidnap me? Is the movie Taken based on real experiences? Is it safe for me to get into a taxi? What have I done?!!

Entering Albania was the complete opposite to what I could have ever imagined. From the moment I arrived at the airport, I had an elderly man pay for my luggage trolley as I didn’t have local currency. He wanted nothing in return, he simply wished me luck and welcomed me with a genuine smile.

The main thing I heard from all locals here was only “how can we help?” They are very curious about tourists and newcomers ~ Who are we? Why are we here? How can they make our stay better? (Usually with an offering of raki)

My taxi experience from the airport was also great, we talked the whole time and no, I didn’t get kidnapped nor did we stop for a drug deal as some people led me to believe would happen.

Walking along the streets of Tirana was like any other city though I felt safer here than I had in say, Paris or Rome.

I discovered I never felt the need to watch my bag or face uncomfortable situations, even late at night. There was no pick pockets or any shady individuals around, only groups of people having coffee at the MANY cafes I passed, minding their own business. Actually, no, I lie. Albanians are known for staring a little (curiously) so at times, they are minding their own business while staring harmlessly in your direction

Even while exploring different parts of the city by foot, I didn’t feel like I was entering an unsafe neighborhood like in other parts of the world where you are warned to stay away.

My experience in the North on the way to Theth was the only time I questioned my safety for a split second, and now I laugh at it. As I was driven along bumpy mountain roads by a non-English-speaking driver with a heavy Northern dialect, thoughts of the movie “Taken” came to mind.

I had no idea what was happening or where exactly I was going to start my hike, but I was finally taken to meet my guide in the mountain and no, I was not kidnapped! I just had to deal with an awfully long rocky road while bouncing in a 4WD, watching a crucifix swing into the windscreen every few seconds.

So…is Albania safe?? Yes! Absolutely! I felt compelled to share this for those who have questions about visiting or moving here as this wonderful country has so much beauty to offer.

I hope we can slowly change the sterotype, though I think over the time I have been living here, it has started to change in a positive way whilst we welcome a flood of tourists and expats.

Look forward to welcoming you