Unmetered Taxi Overcharges
Meter Refusal Scam
In Albania, taxi drivers frequently refuse to use the meter, particularly when picking up tourists at airports, bus stations, or ferry ports, and instead quote inflated prices in Albanian Lek (ALL). For instance, a standard 10-minute ride in Tirana or Durres might be quoted at 1500-3000 ALL (about 12-25 EUR) instead of the fair metered rate of 500-1000 ALL, by claiming the meter is broken or suggesting a 'flat fee' deal.
- Insist on seeing the meter activated before entering; if refused, walk away and use a licensed taxi with official markings.
- Opt for ride-hailing apps like Bolt or official airport transfers, which charge fixed rates such as 800-1200 ALL for airport to Tirana center.
- Negotiate fares in advance using simple Albanian phrases like 'Sa kushton?' (How much?) and confirm with local advice from hotel staff.
Fake Police Bribe Demands
Scammers posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists in public areas like streets or parks across Albania, accusing them of minor offenses such as counterfeit money or improper documentation, and demand on-the-spot bribes in EUR or ALL, typically 2000-5000 ALL (16-40 EUR), to avoid 'arrest'. This is more common in less touristy areas but can occur nationwide.
- Politely ask for official identification and insist on going to a real police station; genuine officers will comply.
- Keep photocopies of your passport and avoid carrying large amounts of cash; report incidents to tourist police immediately.
- Be cautious in crowded spots and use the emergency number 112 if approached suspiciously.
ATM Skimming Frauds
Skimmer Device Installation
In Albania, criminals install skimming devices on ATMs in busy locations like Tirana's main squares or Durres' coastal ATMs, capturing card details and PINs; victims later find unauthorized withdrawals, often for amounts like 5000-10000 ALL (40-80 EUR) from their accounts.
- Inspect ATMs for any loose parts or skimmers before use, especially in standalone machines, and prefer those inside banks.
- Cover the PIN pad with your hand and use ATMs during daylight in well-lit areas; withdraw smaller amounts like 2000 ALL at a time.
- Monitor your bank statements online and enable transaction alerts via apps, as Albanian banks like Raiffeisen offer this service.