Order anything by pointing in Albanian
I would like, this one, how much, the bill: survive any counter or menu. Play the ten Albanian words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 11 Albanian phrases in this lesson
- Do të doja...do te DO-ya
- I would like...
- KëtëKE-te
- This one
- Sa kushton?sa koosh-TON
- How much is it?
- Faturën, ju lutemfa-TOO-ren yoo LOO-tem
- The bill, please
- Me kartëme KAR-te
- By card
- Me parame PA-ra
- In cash
- UjëOO-ye
- Water
- Kafeka-FE
- Coffee
- Çajchai
- Tea
- BirrëBEER-re
- Beer
- Pa...pa
- Without...
The polite "I would like": "do të doja një kafe". In a busy cafe, "dua" (DOO-a), I want, is normal and not rude.
Point and say it. "Këtë, ju lutem" is the full polite version.
Ask before you commit if there is no menu with prices. Albanians are honest with tourists and will appreciate that you asked rather than complained at the bill.
You may need to ask for the bill proactively as staff do not always bring it automatically. Tipping around 10% is increasingly expected in Tirana and coastal cities.
Card payment is accepted in most city restaurants and supermarkets, but smaller towns and markets are still cash-first. Always ask before assuming the terminal works.
"Para" means money. Carry small notes as change can be scarce at markets and roadside stalls. ATMs (bankomat) are widely available in towns and cities.
Tap water is generally safe in cities but many Albanians drink bottled water. Say "ujë i ftohtë" (oo-ye ee FTOH-te) for cold water if you need to specify.
Albania runs on espresso, drunk slowly in cafes for hours. Ask for "kafe turke" if you want the older Turkish style.
Mountain tea, çaj mali (chai MAH-lee), is the classic home remedy.
The double r is rolled. Local lagers are cheap and everywhere.
"Pa sheqer" (pa she-CHER), no sugar; "pa akull" (pa A-kool), no ice.