Tirana, the capital of Albania, was built in the 1600s and houses proud historical monuments and Soviet-era buildings. It is a city with new projects hinting towards the dawn of the modern-day, and it is bordered by lush natural beauty that invites explorers to the east.
Every building in the city tells a tale. Tirana is tinted with emotional and historical undertones, but the sharp and crisp modern structures aren’t missing either. Want to learn everything you need to know about visiting Tirana? Read on.
Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers in Tirana - FAQs
Medical emergencies are stressful at home. When they occur in a foreign country, that stress only multiplies when you realize that your domestic health insurance won’t be accepted. You must get travel medical insurance, or be forced to pay your entire treatment cost yourself.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Tirana?
Albania has no law that requires you to have travel medical insurance. But keep in mind that you are taking a serious financial and physical risk if you choose to visit without it. The public hospitals in Tirana may not be able to provide the level of care you need, and private facilities are extremely expensive. Unless you can afford to shell out the money to pay for major surgery from your own pocket, make sure to have travel medical insurance.
Why buy travel medical insurance before traveling to Tirana?
Would you travel without your passport, or without your phone charger? No, right? Similarly, traveling to Tirana without proper travel medical insurance makes no sense either. It is as necessary as anything else.
When in Tirana, your local health insurance won’t offer coverage, but you could still get hurt or become sick. When that happens, you’ll have to empty your pockets.
For help paying those hefty hospital bills, buy travel medical insurance.
Use this site to compare and contrast your options before selecting a policy.
Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers in Tirana - FAQs
Cancelled trips already mean you are losing out on experiences. Don’t lose money, too. Stay protected from the financial perils of not being able to go to Tirana with a trip cancellation insurance policy.
Why should I get trip cancellation insurance for my Tirana travel?
Suppose you were to get seriously sick, have a family member pass away, or suffer some sort of emergency right before your trip to Tirana. What can you do now? Your prepaid travel expenses like airline tickets and hotels, are nonrefundable. You could be forced to pay for a trip you cannot take.
If you have trip cancellation insurance, you can sit back and relax. Your insurer can reimburse you for your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses, so long as your trip is cancelled for a covered reason.
What should I look for in my Tirana trip cancellation insurance?
Your Tirana trip cancellation insurance should offer cancellation coverage, as well as the following coverages:
- Travel delay
- Emergency medical care
- Trip interruption
- Lost or stolen luggage
- Delayed luggage
- The option to cancel for any reason
Tirana’s Most Popular Places for Travel
If nature lovers, history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and fans of finger-licking local cuisine were to go on a trip together, Tirana would be a perfect choice. It has something to appease every type of traveler.
Piramida
The Piramida is a culturally important building that was completed in 1987. After the fall of communism, it has become a topic of debate. Should it be torn down, or used as a monument? Until a decision is made, it stands there idle. Visit this place, marvel at its structure, and get a glimpse of Tirana’s recent past. Rumor is it may soon become an IT center for young computer programming and robotics students.
Dajti Ekspres
The Dajti Ekspres is a 15-minute, 800-meter journey to the tourist center on a mountaintop. Enjoy a stellar view of the city there, and also experience fine dining in the hotels or restaurants.
National Historic Museum
Albania has had a long, complicated past. If you want to understand the country and the capital as it is today, The National Historic Museum is the best place to start. All the information you need about the past and the present is available here. It has over 600 exhibits from ancient times, up to the 21st century.
Dajti Mountain National Park
Mountain ranges border Tirana on the east, and you can trek and hike on those ranges in the Dajti Mountain National Park. If you dare to hike to the top, you’ll be rewarded with a splendid view of the city and Lake Bovilla.
Bunk’Art
Bunk’Art is an underground bunker with over 100 rooms spread across five stories, and a meeting hall with the capacity to seat over 200 people. It was built to protect communist-era politicians and top military officials in case of a nuclear attack. A display of the country’s past, it is surely an attraction for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Tirana
One of the safest cities in Eastern Europe, Tirana does not have many dangers for tourists. However, stay equipped with common sense to avoid hassles.
Avoid Border Regions
Albania’s border with Kosovo is the only place in Tirana to avoid. The rest of the city is safe for tourists, and you can explore the city without any issues.
Unreliable Transport
There is a public transport schedule in Tirana, but expect to wait for the buses and trains, as they usually don’t run on schedule.
Pickpocketing Problems
Pickpockets operate on public transport. Don’t flash valuables, and do your best to keep your possessions hidden from the public eye. Mobile phone and wallet snatching can happen if you aren’t careful.
Seismic Activity
Tirana lies in a zone with seismic activity, so slight tremors are possible. Make sure you adhere to the guidelines of local authorities.
Tourist Scams
Tourists in Tirana are overcharged, just like anywhere else. Make sure you negotiate everything in advance and check your change so that you don’t accidentally overpay.
Before You Travel to Tirana - Do This
- Carry cash. Credit cards are not accepted everywhere. Some shops only take Albanian lekë, so make sure you have the local currency.
- Learn the language of the land. The Albanians are very proud of their language. Knowing the language will help you understand the locals better, and of course, get around more easily.
- Don’t skip insurance. While you cannot 100% avert the financial risk of a trip to Tirana, you can be as prepared as possible with travel medical insurance or travel insurance.