Living as a Digital Nomad in Albania - What it's really like.

Summary

Daniel shares his experience living as a digital nomad in Tirana, Albania, offering insights into the city's internet quality, cost of living, and safety. He debunks common misconceptions about the internet speed and explains that Tirana offers reliable connectivity. With a budget of $1,200, one can live comfortably, but options vary depending on amenities. Daniel addresses concerns about racism, noting that the city is generally safe and welcoming. While there are fewer coworking spaces, cafes like Antigua serve as good alternatives. He recommends visiting Albania in spring or fall to avoid extreme temperatures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Albania offers a great living experience for digital nomads, with reliable internet speeds in the capital city of Tirana (up to 60 Mbps upload and 15-20 Mbps download).
• 😀 The cost of living in Albania is affordable, with monthly expenses ranging from $1,200 to $1,500, depending on lifestyle, and apartments ranging from $200 to $500 a month.
• 😀 If you're looking to live like a local, you can find budget apartments for as low as $200 a month, but they may lack some modern amenities.
• 😀 Despite some early misconceptions, Albania is safe for people of color. While there may be occasional curiosity or stares, it's not necessarily out of racism, and the country is generally safe, even for late-night strolls.
• 😀 There are limited co-working spaces in Albania, and some are fully booked for long periods. However, coffee shops like Antigua Specialty Coffee in Tirana are popular among digital nomads for working remotely.
• 😀 While the general atmosphere in Albania is friendly, the country doesn't have the same level of infrastructure for digital nomads as larger cities like Mexico City. You may need to adjust to local ways of doing things, such as using WhatsApp for transport services.
• 😀 Fun activities in Albania are limited, mostly revolving around dining out, drinking, and socializing. There aren't many tourist activities available on a regular basis, though special events like the Tirana Jazz Festival do occur occasionally.
• 😀 The best time to visit Albania is between late March to early June or September to November, avoiding the extreme cold winters and intense summer heat.
• 😀 The summer months, especially July, can get extremely hot (over 100°F/37°C), which may not be ideal for those not accustomed to high temperatures.
• 😀 Albania is considered one of the safest countries in Europe, offering a calm and secure environment for both locals and tourists alike, with no major safety concerns.
• 😀 If you're thinking about immigrating to Albania or have questions about visas, it's recommended to connect with an immigration consultant or relevant business professionals for expert advice.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video covers the experience of living in Albania, particularly for digital nomads, and provides insights on the cost of living, internet quality, safety, and the general lifestyle in Tirana, Albania.

How does Daniel describe the internet quality in Tirana?

Daniel mentions that contrary to reports suggesting poor internet quality, the internet in Tirana is actually good, with speeds of 60 Mbps upload and 15-20 Mbps download, which he finds sufficient for remote work and business activities.

What is the estimated cost of living in Albania for a digital nomad?

The cost of living for a digital nomad in Albania, especially in Tirana, ranges from $1,200 to $1,275 per month. This budget allows for a comfortable lifestyle, including accommodation and basic expenses. Apartments typically cost between $200 and $500 a month, depending on the area and amenities.

What is the availability of co-working spaces in Albania?

Daniel notes that while Albania, and Tirana in particular, does not have a wide range of co-working spaces, there are coffee shops that serve as informal workspaces. He mentions Antigua Speciality Coffee Shop as a popular spot for digital nomads. However, traditional co-working spaces are limited and often booked months in advance.

What does Daniel say about the experience of being a person of color in Albania?

Daniel shares that being a person of color in Albania is generally a safe experience. While the older generations might give curious stares, this is usually out of surprise or interest rather than racism. He emphasizes that Albania is considered one of the safest countries in Europe for travelers of all backgrounds.

How would Daniel rate Albania in terms of safety for travelers?

Daniel rates Albania highly in terms of safety, stating that it is considered one of the safest countries in Europe. He mentions walking around Tirana late at night without feeling unsafe, indicating a low crime rate and a generally secure environment for travelers.

When is the best time to visit Albania according to Daniel?

The best time to visit Albania is from late March to early June and between September to November. Daniel suggests avoiding the peak summer months, especially July, due to the extreme heat, which can reach over 36°C (96°F).

What type of fun and entertainment options does Albania offer?

Daniel rates Albania's entertainment scene as moderate, with fun primarily revolving around socializing in bars, cafes, and enjoying local food. Special events like jazz festivals occur occasionally, but there aren't many other options for entertainment in Tirana, particularly in the summer when it can be too hot to do much outdoors.

How would Daniel rate the friendliness of Albania towards visitors?

Daniel gives Albania a solid 6-7 out of 10 in terms of friendliness. While the locals are generally warm and welcoming, the country’s infrastructure may present some challenges, such as the lack of ride-sharing apps and limited visitor-friendly amenities. However, Daniel finds it an interesting place to navigate as a traveler.

What does Daniel think about the overall living experience in Tirana for digital nomads?

Daniel describes the living experience in Tirana as positive for digital nomads, particularly in terms of internet quality, accommodation options, and safety. While there are fewer co-working spaces, the city offers comfortable living and is a great base for those working remotely in the Balkans.