The Hidden Cons of Moving to Albania

When I moved to Albania, I thought I had done everything right. I researched the culture, watched countless videos, even visited Tirana for a weekend to “test the waters.” But once I settled in, the reality was far more layered than the travel blogs had let on. The charm was real, but so were the challenges. I watched others around me struggle under the weight of disillusionment, mental fatigue, and unmet expectations. Some left feeling more stressed, less financially secure, and deeply discouraged.

This article is both a truth-telling and a lifeline for anyone considering a move, already abroad, or simply wondering why reinvention feels harder than expected. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.