Mobile Internet in Albania – Operators ONE and Vodafone

Mobile internet in Albania is provided by two telecom operators: ONE and Vodafone.

A tourist has three options to get mobile internet:

• Buy an Albanian SIM card (from ONE or Vodafone);
• Use free internet in hotels or cafes;
• Use a virtual eSIM.

Which option is the best for a tourist?

Let’s consider all the options.

Albanian SIM Card (SIM Card)

A tourist can buy a local SIM card (SIM card) either immediately upon arrival at the airport or later in the city, after checking into a hotel.

What is required to buy a SIM card:

• A passport is required to purchase a SIM card in Albania (for Russians, a foreign passport).
• A SIM card can only be purchased, and a contract can only be signed at the official store of the telecom operator.
• Usually, payment for communication services is made in cash, using lek.

In Albanian cities, in addition to official stores, there are private payment points. These are used to pay for both utility services and telecom operator services.

In such places, you cannot buy a SIM card. You can only top up your account balance, but nothing more.

Personal accounts are opened in official company offices with a contract.

Free Internet in Albania: Cafes in Cities

For tourists staying in one place, free Wi-Fi internet is a good option. It is available in the vast majority of hotels and cafes, especially along the coast.

All you need to do is order a cup of coffee and ask the waiter for the Wi-Fi password. They will gladly provide you with internet access. The cost for you is just the symbolic price of a cup of coffee.

The internet quality is quite sufficient to work on a laptop or chat with someone over the phone.

Advantages:

• You work outdoors in close proximity to the sea;
• No need to buy a local SIM card.

In summer I like to use the bars on the top floors of hotels near the sea for work. In winter in Albania I usually work from home.

For example, the bar on the 6th floor of the Belvedere Hotel in Vlora.

Hotel coordinates: 40.423798, 19.490118

Using an International SIM Card

Today, most people use a messenger like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Viber for communication.

However, a cafe with free Wi-Fi is not always nearby.

In this case, the solution is to buy a local SIM card or an international virtual eSIM (without a physical SIM card).

Virtual Card: Bytesim eSIM

Advantages of the Bytesim eSIM Virtual Card:

• The card is issued online without visiting a mobile operator’s office.
• Coverage in about 200 countries.
• Network in Albania: Vodafone
• Connection: 4G/LTE
• Data: 300 MB/day
• Speed: up to 225 Mbps
• Price: $3.16

A virtual card is a modern option for mobile internet (without a physical SIM card).

This type of virtual SIM card is suitable for those who frequently visit different countries for short periods.

The Bytesim eSIM card solves the problem of constant (uninterrupted) connectivity when crossing different countries’ borders by instantly switching to a partner operator in another country.

Mobile Operators in Albania

There are two main mobile operators in Albania – Vodafone and ONE.

Mobile Operator Vodafone

Vodafone Albania is part of Vodafone Group Plc and has been providing services since August 3, 2001. Today, the company is one of the industry leaders, serving about 1.8 million customers.

The company has a wide network of stores (146 service points). Stores sell mobile phones, accessories, and telecom services.

Vodafone is a representative of a major international company. It holds a strong position in the Albanian market, offering high-quality services across a wide range of communication needs.

Mobile Operator ONE

Since November 1995, ONE was a state-owned company in Albania. Under the name AMC in May 1996, it became the first mobile operator in Albania.

By December 2009, the company was serving about 1.9 million numbers.

Since 2015, under the name Telecom, the company has covered 96% of Albania’s territory, providing 4G+ internet with speeds of up to 225 Mbps.

As of January 1, 2023, ONE Albania became a single operator, completing a merger with Albtelecom.

ONE is a major local telecom operator. ONE collaborates with leading international companies and plans to offer the fastest 5G internet across all regions of Albania.

Choosing a Mobile Operator in Albania

Depending on your needs, you can choose the appropriate plan and operator.

Both major Albanian operators, ONE and Vodafone, provide high-quality services. However, internet speed depends on various factors for both operators.

If you have an international SIM card, there is no need to worry. International operators closely cooperate with local providers.

The quality of a virtual SIM card will be the same as that of ONE or Vodafone.

Mobile Internet in Albania can be purchased from both Vodafone and ONE. The service quality is good for both operators and the prices are roughly the same.

Average service cost: 1500 lek (15 euros) per month.

The pricing levels are similar: both operators offer nearly identical rates.

So, the choice is yours.

You can support the author and the project by donating via PayPal: