Car Rental in Tirana Without Credit Card or Deposit

Rental car pickup at Tirana International Airport (TIA) with no deposit and no credit card options for tourists in 2026.

By Peter | November 27, 2025 If you are looking to rent a car in Tirana with no deposit, you have come to the right place. While exploring Albania by car is the best way to see the country, many travelers struggle with the high security deposits and strict credit card rules imposed by big international […]

Albania Car Rental Insurance FAQ: 14 Real-World Questions Answered

Albania Car Rental Insurance FAQ image showing mountain road conditions with parked rental cars, illustrating why full coverage is recommended for routes like Llogara Pass.

After three Albanian road trips (and one costly lesson about misleading “full coverage”), I put together this Albania car rental insurance FAQ to help you avoid the same mistakes. Some answers might surprise you — especially if you think all insurance policies are created equal. Mapping out an unforgettable drive through Albania’s rugged beauty? Smart […]

Is SH21 to Theth Safe to Drive? (You Might Be Surprised)

The SH21 to Theth at Thore Pass (1685 m), offering breathtaking views over the Albanian Alps.

By Peter | Updated: October 23, 2025 Editor’s Note (October 23, 2025 Update): This guide has been comprehensively updated with firsthand insights from our recent SH21 road trip to Theth in September 2025. We’ve added our new video of the drive, personal photos confirming the road conditions, and crucial, up-to-date driving techniques (like engine braking […]

Best car for the Albanian Alps (Shkoder, Theth & Valbona)

Best car for the Albanian Alps – crystal clear water at Theth Blue Eye spring with mountains in the background

Best car for the Albanian Alps (you’ll also see the region referred to as the Accursed Mountains/Prokletije in Northern Albania): in summer a compact or small crossover is enough on the paved SH21; in shoulder months pick an AWD crossover; in winter only a 4×4 with winter tires. Aim for 160–180 mm clearance (180–200+ mm […]

Car Rental Scams in Albania: Recognizing Red Flags & How to React [2025]

Silver Kia Rio rental car parked in a shaded campsite among pine trees in Albania, highlighting common scenarios where travelers should be aware of potential car rental scams in Albania.

When the Albanian Adventure Feels… Off Renting a car can be a convenient way to explore the country, but unfortunately, car rental scams in Albania are increasingly reported by tourists here. This guide provides actionable tips to help you stay informed and safe. Whether you’re looking to understand how to avoid fraud during your car […]

Car Rental Insurance Exclusions in Albania 2025: What’s Not Covered?

Explore Albania's breathtaking landscapes with a rental car, but always be aware of potential challenges and car rental insurance exclusions in Albania that might affect your journey.

Beyond the Basics – Why Insurance Fine Print Matters in Albania Car rental insurance exclusions in Albania are rarely top of mind — until you’re staring at a €300 bill for a chipped windshield or a flat tire. I learned this the hard way when the “full coverage” I thought I had suddenly had limits […]

Vlora Boat Trip to Sazan Island and Haxhi Ali Cave — Personal Experience

A sea cave entrance surrounded by steep limestone cliffs, viewed from a boat during a Vlora boat trip in Albania.

If you would like to discover the natural sights of Albania, a Vlora boat trip is the perfect choice. The abandoned Sazan Island, the Haxhi Ali cave, and the private beaches of the Karaburun peninsula offer an unforgettable experience. In this article, we share our personal impressions and practical tips for organizing a full-day boat […]

EV Charging Stations in Albania – How Far Can You Go in 2025?

Volkswagen ID.3 interior with digital display during EV travel — part of the EV charging stations in Albania experience

Public chargers are popping up in cities, hotel driveways, and even mountain roadsides — but the EV charging stations in Albania still tell a mixed story. This makes it essential to understand where EV charging stations in Albania are available — and where they’re still missing. While Tirana and the coast are quickly adapting to […]

Electric Car Rental in Albania [2025]: Everything the Ads Won’t Tell You

BYD Atto 3 electric SUV – a Chinese EV model increasingly available for electric car rental in Albania in 2025, known for its sleek grille-free design and suitability for city and regional travel.

Electric car rental in Albania has gone from niche to near-normal — especially in 2025, when EVs are finally finding their place on Albanian roads. But does the promise of lower running costs and quieter travel hold up when you’re driving through the mountains, coastlines, and unpredictable side roads of the Balkans? In this post, […]