Albania Top Most used SIM Cards

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.

Albania Top Most used SIM Cards

The top three most used SIM cards by tourists in Albania for calling and data are:

  • Vodafone Albania

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

  • Vodafone Network Coverage In Albania

Vodafone Albania offers extensive network coverage throughout the country, ensuring reliable connectivity in most areas. Tourists can expect good data speeds and call quality.

Vodafone Network Coverage In Albania

  • Validity of Vodafone In Albania

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.

  • Location to acquire Vodafone SIM Card in Albania

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

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

  • One Telecommunications Network Coverage In Albania

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.

Information about One Telecommunications SIM cards in Albania:

  • 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 SIM card can be purchased at most mobile phone shops and supermarkets in Albania. You can also buy them online from One Telecommunications' website.
  • One Telecommunications SIM card has a validity of 30 days. However, you can top up your SIM card with credit to extend its validity.
  • One Telecommunications offers a variety of prepaid SIM card plans, including:
    • All Inclusive – 3 Javore: This plan includes 15 GB of data, 500 minutes, 10 international minutes, and 100 SMS for 21 days.
    • Super S: This plan includes 100 minutes, 100 SMS, and unlimited internet for 7 days.
    • Super Start: This plan includes 150 minutes, 150 SMS, and unlimited internet for 3 days.

One Telecommunications offers a variety of prepaid SIM card plans

  • ALBtelecom

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

  • ALBtelecom Network Coverage

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 Network Coverage

ALBtelecom's network coverage in different parts of Albania:

Region

Network Coverage

Urban areas

98.5%

Rural areas

92.5%

Main highways

99%

Comparison of Best SIM Cards in Albania

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

Packages offered by Albania SIM Cards 

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

Reasons of Choosing these SIM Cards

Travellers choose these SIM cards in Albania for several reasons:

  1. Extensive Coverage: Vodafone Albania and Telekom Albania are known for their wide coverage across the country, ensuring tourists can stay connected in most areas.
  1. Reliable Services: Vodafone, Telekom, and ALBtelecom have established a reputation for providing reliable and stable mobile services, making them a preferred choice for tourists who need dependable communication.
  1. Tourist-Oriented Packages: These SIM card providers offer tourist-specific packages, including data allowances and calling options tailored to the needs of travellers, making it convenient for them to stay connected during their visit.
  1. Competitive Rates: The SIM cards from Vodafone Albania, Telekom Albania, ALBtelecom, and Plus Communication offer competitive rates for data usage, voice calls, and text messages, allowing tourists to communicate affordably.
  1. Additional Services: Some providers may offer additional services such as access to free Wi-Fi hotspots or discounts on local attractions, enhancing the overall travel experience.
  1. Established Operators: Vodafone Albania, Telekom Albania, and ALBtelecom are well-established and reputable telecom companies in Albania, giving tourists confidence in their services.
  1. Affordability: Plus Communication, while a smaller operator, provides affordable SIM card options that cater to tourists' budget-conscious needs.

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.

Albania e-SIM Card

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.

Network Coverage and Data speed

  • Network coverage: Albania has good network coverage throughout the country. The three main mobile operators, Vodafone Albania, One Telecommunications, and ALBtelecom, all have 4G/LTE networks that cover most of the country.
  • Data speed: Data speeds in Albania are generally good. In urban areas, you can expect to get download speeds of up to 100 Mbps. In rural areas, speeds may be slower.

Here are some of the factors that can affect network coverage and data speed in Albania:

  • The location: Network coverage and data speeds are generally better in urban areas than in rural areas.
  • The time of day: Network coverage and data speeds can be affected by the time of day. During peak times, such as during the workday, network traffic can be heavy, which can slow down data speeds.
  • The weather: Network coverage and data speeds can be affected by the weather. In heavy rain or snow, network coverage may be affected, and data speeds may be slower.

FAQS

What are the different types of SIM cards available in Albania?

There are two main types of SIM cards available in Albania:

  • Prepaid SIM cards: Prepaid SIM cards are the most common type of SIM card in Albania. They are sold at most mobile phone shops and supermarkets. You can top up your prepaid SIM card with credit at these same stores, or you can do it online.
  • Postpaid SIM cards: Postpaid SIM cards are less common in Albania. They are offered by some mobile operators, but they are not as widely available as prepaid SIM cards. With a postpaid SIM card, you pay for your calls, text messages, and data usage at the end of each month.

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.

To obtain a Albania eVisa

  • 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.

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