The Albanian currency lek got its name as a result of the reduction in the name of the legendary commander of antiquity Alexander the Great. In a similar way, the people of this country decided to declare to the whole world their involvement in this outstanding historical figure. However, until 1926, the Albanian state did not have its own banknotes. In the territory of this country, the currency of Austria-Hungary, France and Italy was used.
Appearance story
Ahmet Zogu became the first king of Albania, during the reign of which the Albanian national monetary unit came into circulation. This currency has become the gold franc. An interesting fact is the fact that this monetary unit was minted in the mint of Rome. The gold franc was designated using the Latin letter R. These banknotes were used in Albania until 1947, after which the state introduced a new Albanian currency, the lek, which is used in the country today.
Banknote design
The design of the Albanian lek banknotes has changed several times. The banknote acquired a modern look in 1996. The issue of the monetary unit is carried out by the Albanian State Bank. One lek Albanian currency includes one hundred kindaroks. But this loose change is not currently in circulation. In purchase and sale operations, banknotes of two, five hundred, one thousand and five thousand lek denominations are used. In addition, one, five, ten, twenty, fifty and one hundred lek coins are in circulation. Albanian banknotes bear images of outstanding historical figures who have made a huge contribution to the establishment and development of a sovereign Albanian state.
A good example is the largest bill in denominations of five thousand lek. This Albanian currency on the obverse contains an image of the national hero of the nation, George Kastrioti Skanderbeg. For a quarter century, the leader of the Albanian people fought for the independence of their state from the Ottoman Empire. On a banknote of five hundred lek you can find the image of the country's first prime minister, Ismail Kemale. In addition, significant historical figures are also present on Albanian coins.
Thus, a hundred-lek coin contains the image of the Illyrian Queen Teutu. She, like Skanderbeg, fought for the sovereignty of Albania. True, not with the Ottomans, but against the Roman Empire.
It should be emphasized that in 1996 not only the visual appearance of Albanian banknotes was updated, but the entire financial system of the state. So, the famous Austrian Raiffeisenbank today has branches and branches in almost any more or less significant settlement of Albania. In addition, it is important to note that in this state the Albanian currency, whose name is lek, and US dollars, and euros, is in free circulation.
Albanian Currency Rate
Banknotes of other states can be freely exchanged for leki at bank branches, exchange offices or hotels. Plastic cards are not accepted at all retail outlets. Therefore, it is recommended that you always carry cash lek, US dollars or euros. Today, the ratio of the euro and the Albanian lek is about 1 to 137, and for one American dollar, 122 lek can be gained. The Albanian currency to the ruble has a rate of 1 ALL = 0.51 RUB.
Finally
In conclusion, it should be noted that when planning a trip to Albania, it is better to take care in advance and purchase Albanian lei, as well as take Euros or US dollars with you. Even if you fail to pre-acquire the local national currency, you can always exchange the main world currency units for lei already upon arrival in Albania. By the way, in this country, the local population is very friendly towards Russian-speaking tourists.