Albania is a beautiful country that has a lot to offer. But there are challenges you should be prepared for if you decide to do van life there. Here are five reasons why it might not be the dreamy road trip you’d hoped for.

Barking dogs at night

When living van life in Albania, stray dogs are everywhere. But they are the friendliest and sweetest of strays you’ll probably ever come across. And most of them look healthy and seem happy.

But if they are sweet and friendly – and quiet– during the day, they turn into dogzillas at night with their non-stop barking. At least if you’re in a rural area.

They also seem to be popping out of nowhere. Even if you’re parked up for the night, and there is only one dog, chances are more dogs will be joining in for that nighttime choir.

And don’t be surprised if you’ll hear a dog bark even if you haven’t seen it during the day.

Albanian stray dogs – lovely by day, dogzillas at night.

Bad cell phone service

There are few things in life that I’m addicted too. But I’m definitely addicted to WiFi and mobile data. That’s why my current cell phone contract includes 100 GB of mobile data per month in all the EU- and EES-countries.

Problem is, Albania is not one of them. So when doing van life in Albania, make sure to make your way into Tirana or any bigger city where you can get a pre-paid simcard. One tip is to check out Vodafone, a network provider that offers a pre-paid tourist deal, which costs 2000 LEK.  

But even with a local network, once you’re back on the road mobile data and cell phone service is very sporadic. You might have cell phone service when you pull up and park, only to lose it a few minutes later.

Often you only need to move a few hundred meters for it to be gone. And if you want it back, it will take some serious wiggling of putting your phone all kinds of weird places inside the van. And then you got to remember not to move it.  

If you’re like me, and work online, your best bet is to stay in a camping with WiFi. Although the WiFi most likely will come and go there too, it will be somewhat more reliable.  

No big supermarkets

I’m sure big supermarkets do exist in Albania, it just wasn’t anything I was able to find on my driving route. Despite typing in “supermarket” on Google Maps, it will take you to a smaller “around the corner”-kind of supermarket.  

Be prepared that most food shopping that you do will be in smaller shops with a limited selection and that it can be pricey.

And make sure to always carry cash as most places in Albania doesn’t accept cards.

Aggressive drivers

There are a few things that you might wish for once you enter Albania with your van. If you arrive late, you’d probably wish for more streetlights. And that people walking on the street carries reflexive gear. And while we’re at it, maybe just better infrastructure in general.

But even so, Albania in general is an easy drive. However, if you do get into some sort of traffic jam the other drivers will get pushy and aggressive. They will try and get ahead without leaving any margin to the other cars.

Best thing you can do is to travel during day light and when traffic is light. And if there is an accident or something similar causing a traffic jam, just calmly make your way through it.

Litter is everywhere

Albania is a developing country so the standards is not the same as what you might be used to at home. And litter is everywhere.

Best thing you can do is to make sure to lead with a good example. Whether you’re parked up at the beach, in the mountains or a parking lot – make sure to clean up after yourself. As always, leave no trace.  

Still want to do van life in Albania? Okay, then you need to know how to get there.