Everyday practical information for Albania

The head shake, again

• Albanians shake their head for yes and nod for no, as Bulgarians do.
• It is inconsistent when speaking to foreigners, which makes it more confusing rather than less.
• "Po" is yes and "jo" is no. Use the words.

Language

• Albanian is an isolate - its own branch of Indo-European, related to no living language. You will not guess a single word.
• English is widely spoken by younger people, Italian by many older Albanians who grew up watching Italian television.
• "Faleminderit" is thank you, and attempting it is disproportionately appreciated.

Power

• 230 V, 50 Hz, sockets type C and F.

Manners

• Hospitality is a serious cultural obligation. An invitation is meant.
• Coffee is a long social event.
• Both mosques and churches are used - Albania is unusually relaxed about religion and unusually proud of that fact.