Are you going to Albania and need a Vodafone SIM Card or eSIM for your phone? Vodafone Albania is one of the main suppliers that helps domestic tourists and travelers. This detailed guide will give you everything you need to know about using a Vodafone SIM card and eSIM when visiting Albania.
Table of Contents
1. Quick Facts about Vodafone Albania
Here are some quick facts to know about Vodafone in Albania:
- Vodafone Albania is a mobile network operator in Albania.
- It is a subsidiary of Vodafone Group, one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies.
- Vodafone Albania was founded in 1998 and has since become the largest mobile network operator in Albania, with over 2 million customers.
- The company offers a wide range of mobile services, including voice, data, and SMS.
- Vodafone Albania is also a major provider of fixed broadband services in Albania.
- The company is committed to providing high-quality, affordable mobile services to its customers.
2. Why Vodafone When You’re Exploring Albania – Coverage and Speed
When choosing a network provider in a foreign country, two of the most important factors are coverage and data speeds. Here’s an overview of how Vodafone fares in these areas across Albania:
2.1. Vodafone Coverage in Albania
According to the October 2023 Mobile Network Experience Report from Opensignal, Vodafone Albania provides a good overall mobile network experience in Albania.
- Vodafone’s network also provides a good mobile gaming experience, with a score of 63.1 points. This is 7.8% lower than ONE’s score of 71 points, but it is still a good score that places Vodafone in second place for Games Experience.
- Vodafone’s coverage and consistency are good. The network is available in 97.3% of locations tested.
Overall, Vodafone provides a good mobile network experience in Albania. The operator offers fast download and upload speeds, and a good mobile gaming experience. However, ONE is the clear leader in Albania, with faster upload speeds and a better mobile gaming experience.
2.2. Vodafone Albania Speed
In terms of data download and upload speeds, Vodafone Albania performs quite well based on multiple independent tests and user reviews.
- The Opensignal report found that Vodafone tied with ONE for first place in Download Speed Experience, with both operators scoring 37.5-37.7Mbps.
- Vodafone also came in second place for Upload Speed Experience, with a score of 10.2Mbps, which is 1.7Mbps (16.7%) below ONE’s score of 11.9Mbps.
3. Vodafone Connectivity Options for Travelers to Albania
Vodafone Albania provides both prepaid Vodafone Albania SIM cards and eSIM plans for tourists traveling to Albania. The main connectivity options available are:
| Item | Details |
| Prepaid SIM cards | The most popular option for travelers, as they offer the best value for money. Vodafone Albania offers a variety of prepaid SIM cards, including the Tourist SIM Card, which is specifically designed for travelers. |
| Data packs | If you only need data, you can purchase a data pack. Vodafone Albania offers data packs in a variety of sizes, from 1GB to 10GB. |
| Roaming | If you have a Vodafone SIM card from another country, you may be able to roam on Vodafone Albania's network. Roaming rates will vary depending on your home country and plan. |
| eSIM | Vodafone Albania also offers eSIM connectivity for certain mobile devices. An eSIM provides a digital SIM profile that can be installed directly on your device without having to use a physical nano-SIM card. |
For most visitors, getting a local Vodafone SIM or eSIM in Albania is recommended for the best rates and service. But roaming with your home SIM card is an option too.
4. Best Vodafone Albania SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost
Vodafone Albania has tourist prepaid SIM card options designed for visitors to Albania. A Vodafone Albania SIM card costs ~ 5 USD. The main packages include:
| Vodafone Tourist Pack | Price (USD) | Data | Local Calls | Messages | Validity | Total Cost (USD) |
| 3 Day Package | ~$3 | 300MB | 300 mins | 30 SMS | 3 days | ~$8 |
| 10 Day Package | ~$7 | 1.5GB | 300 mins | 30 SMS | 10 days | ~$12 |
| GIGAMAX Package | ~$15 | 15GB | 500 mins | 100 SMS | 21 days | ~$20 |
| Tourist Pack | ~$23 | 40GB | 1000 mins | - | 15 days | ~$28 |
| Tourist GIGA Pack | ~$29 | 100GB | Unlimited | - | 21 days | ~$34 |
The Vodafone Tourists are likely the best options for short holidays. Topping up data bundles or credit is easy as needed.
5. Does Vodafone Support eSIM in Albania?
Yes, Vodafone Albania does offer prepaid eSIM service for compatible phones and smartwatches.
A Vodafone Albania eSIM cost 500 leke (~ 5 USD).
Vodafone’s prepaid eSIM pricing and bundles are similar to its regular SIM cards. You can top-up data and credit, check usage, and manage your eSIM plan through the MyVodafone app. Consider the tourist pack mentioned above.
Using a Vodafone eSIM in Albania provides the same great coverage and speeds as a nano SIM card. It just offers added convenience if your device supports eSIM.
6. Where can You Buy a Vodafone Albania SIM card and eSIM?
It’s easy to purchase a Vodafone Albania SIM card or eSIM in Albania. Here are the options:
6.1. Where to Buy Vodafone SIM for Albania?
To get a Vodafone Albania SIM card for use in Albania, you have several choices:
- Vodafone Stores – Available in most cities; best selection of plans
- Other Retailers – Newsstands, supermarkets, phone shops; may have limited options
- Airport – At Tirana Airport and other major airports in Albania
- Online – Not available for delivery outside Albania
In Tirana, there are multiple Vodafone stores such as at the Toptani Shopping Center. Stores also exist in Durres, Vlore, Sarande, Shkoder, and other popular destinations.
Buying directly at a Vodafone shop ensures you get the plan you want plus assistance to activate your Vodafone Albania SIM card. Know your passport will be required.
6.2. Where to Buy Vodafone eSIM in Albania?
Currently, you can only sign up for a Vodafone eSIM in the Vodafone stores. eSIM profiles can’t be purchased online or from other retailers yet in Albania.
Purchase your Albania eSIM now to receive it instantly by email. Digital SIM cards provide fast 4G data for just $11. Scan and you’re connected within minutes of landing. Stay in touch with WhatsApp without changing numbers. Get connected right from the get-go in Albania – fast, affordable data is just a click away!
7. How to Activate a Vodafone Albania SIM card/eSIM in Albania?
Activating a new Vodafone Albania SIM card or eSIM profile on your device is quick and easy when you follow these steps:
7.1. How to Use Vodafone Albania SIM Card in Albania?
To start using your Vodafone nano SIM in Albania:
- Insert SIM in your unlocked phone
- Power on the phone and connect to the Vodafone network
- Follow the prompts to configure the SIM
- Enter PIN if prompted and follow the setup wizard
- A text will confirm SIM is active
- Top up your SIM as desired and start using
If you need assistance, Vodafone shop staff can help activate and set up your new SIM card.
7.2. How to Activate Vodafone Albania eSIM?
Getting started with a Vodafone eSIM for Albania is quite easy as follows:
- Install the eSIM
- Activate the eSIM
- Set up the eSIM
- Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using its services.
And that’s it! Your Vodafone eSIM will be ready to use within minutes.
Please check your detailed instructions below:
8. Vodafone Albania Call & SMS Rates
Here are the latest prepaid call and text rates for Vodafone Albania SIM cards/eSIM as of November 2023:
| Destination | Call Rate | SMS Rate |
| Vodafone to Vodafone | 0.05 ALL/min | 0.05 ALL/SMS |
| Vodafone to other networks | 0.10 ALL/min | 0.05 ALL/SMS |
| EU and EEA countries | 0.15 ALL/min | 0.20 ALL/SMS |
| Other countries | 0.50 ALL/min | 0.20 ALL/SMS |
| Prepaid | 2 ALL/MB | N/A |
| Postpaid | 1 ALL/MB | N/A |
So for affordable local and regional calls and texts, a Vodafone Albania SIM is a great choice. International calls are more expensive so use VoIP services like Skype where possible.
9. Useful USSD Codes for Vodafone Albania SIM/eSIM
Here are some helpful USSD codes to use with your Vodafone Albania SIM card or eSIM:
- SMS with blank text to number 131
- Dial #123#
- My Vodafone applicatiom
Enter these codes directly on your phone keypad and hit call/send to check balances, top up, or get assistance.
10. How to Top-up Vodafone Albania SIM/eSIM
There are several convenient ways to top-up or recharge your Vodafone Albania SIMcard/eSIM when needed:
- Vodafone shops – Purchase top-up voucher at any shop
- Online – Recharge via MyVodafone app or website
- ATMs – Some banks support mobile top-ups at ATMs
- Agents – Find authorized top-up agents across Albania
When topping up, you can add a set ALL amount to your overall balance or purchase specific data packages as needed.
Input the recharge code carefully and check your new balance using the *100# USSD code. For easy top-ups, use the MyVodafone app on your phone.
11. FAQs about Vodafone Albania
Do I need to show ID to buy a Vodafone SIM?
Yes, you need to show your valid passport at Vodafone shops to purchase any SIM card.
Can I top-up Vodafone Albania online?
Yes, you can easily top up your Vodafone prepaid SIM or eSIM using the MyVodafone app or website.
Does Vodafone have stores in Tirana airport?
Yes, there are Vodafone shops at Tirana International Airport’s arrival hall.
How long does a Vodafone SIM card last without top-up?
Vodafone SIM cards expire and deactivate if not topped up within 6 months.
Can I use my Vodafone SIM in Kosovo or North Macedonia?
Yes, Vodafone has roaming agreements that allow use of their Albania SIMs in most neighboring countries.
How do I check my data usage on Vodafone?
Dial *123# to check your remaining data balance. You can also monitor usage in the MyVodafone app.
12. Final Words
Hopefully, this guide provided all the key information you need to use Vodafone Albania SIM cards and eSIM during your upcoming trip.
Vodafone Albania provides high-quality, budget-friendly cell phone service for tourists visiting this up-and-coming destination. Their prepaid SIM cards and eSIM plans offer excellent coverage, good speeds, cheap local rates, and easy top-up options across Albania. By following the steps in this guide, you can quickly get connected with Vodafone and focus on enjoying your Albanian adventures.
