Business travel

Includes information on business habits, travel advice, visa requirements, currency, language, health, local time, business hours and holidays, acceptable business etiquette, clothes, business cards, gifts, temporary entry of materials and personal effects, etc. Customs and business Albania is a relationship-oriented society that favors friendship, hospitality and trust. Business meetings are usually preceded by a series of questions regarding the health, family and general well-being of the parties. Business meetings often take place in front of a café and the time spent attending them is also considered important for business relationships, which should not be taken for granted. Albanians often exchange gifts. Appointments must be made prior to a business visit and business cards are exchanged. Most Albanian businessmen speak at least one foreign language, the most common are English and Italian. Computer use is extensive and most business people use both e-mail and the Internet. Summer holidays generally take place in the months of July and August and during this period it can be difficult to reach company staff. Work clothing is recommended when meeting government officials. Smart business casual is suitable for meetings with businessmen and visits to local companies. Travel tips Business travelers to Albania should remember that the country’s transport network is limited. Despite recent infrastructure improvements in major traffic corridors, roads in rural areas are often in poor condition. Drivers are aggressive and often ignore traffic rules. It is not recommended to travel outside urban areas at night due to poor road conditions and lack of adequate street lighting. Rail service is extremely limited and not recommended, as the rails are in poor condition. Tirana International Airport serves the entire country.