The Hidden Cons of Moving to Albania
How to Emotionally Thrive Through Them
Albania is captivating. With its turquoise coastlines, low cost of living, and generous visa policies, it’s no wonder more expats, retirees, and digital nomads are drawn here. But behind the Instagram-worthy views and budget-friendly lifestyle lies a more complex truth. It is one that many newcomers only discover after arrival.
I’ve lived in Albania since April 2022, and I’ve felt the full emotional arc of relocation: excitement, grief, loneliness, awe, confusion, and quiet joy. Reinvention abroad is beautiful, but it’s also vulnerable. Most people don’t talk about the adjustments necessary to find comfort in your new home. I am here to help you manage your expectations, understand what you are really getting into, and support you along the way. I am not here to discourage you in any way from taking the leap into your next adventure. Just keeping it real!
When I first arrived in Tirana, I carried with me a suitcase full of expectations, most of them shaped by curated Instagram feeds, glowing YouTube vlogs, and travel blogs that painted the city as the perfect place for me to start my nomad adventure. I even took a five-day scouting trip before my move, convinced I had seen enough to know what life here would feel like. But as the weeks unfolded and the novelty wore off, the rose-colored filter faded. I began to see Tirana not just as a destination, but as a real place with quirks, contradictions, and complexities that no weekend visit or online highlight reel could fully capture.
That shift in perspective was humbling, emotional and necessary. It’s one thing to visit a place, but it’s another thing entirely to live in it, day after day, without the buffer of vacation-mode optimism or the job-related support of a company to help you out. As I settled into daily life in Tirana, I began to notice the nuances that don’t show up in travel videos: the logistical hiccups, the cultural contrasts, and the emotional waves that come with starting over. These weren’t deal-breakers, but they are real and often overlooked. So let’s talk about them. Here are some of the less-talked-about challenges of moving to Albania, and how you can navigate them with clarity, resilience, and support.
The Less-Talked-About Challenges
Here’s what expats consistently report—and what I’ve personally experienced:
1. Infrastructure Gaps
Roads in rural areas can be rough, and even in Tirana, traffic congestion and erratic driving are common. Public transportation is limited, and internet reliability varies outside major cities.
2. Lack of Delivery Services
One of the most frustrating surprises for many expats is the absence of reliable delivery systems. Addresses are often informal or inconsistent, and many online retailers won’t ship to Albania. Even local delivery can require multiple phone calls and detailed directions. I’ve had packages go missing, arrive weeks late, or require me to meet the driver at a random street corner. It’s a small thing that can feel disproportionately exhausting when you’re already navigating so much change.
3. Trash & Pollution
Albania’s natural beauty is undeniable, but littering is a real issue. Beaches and hiking trails can be marred by plastic waste, and environmental awareness is still evolving.
4. Bureaucracy & Scams
Setting up life here can be confusing. Expats often face inflated rental prices, unclear visa rules, and inconsistent service. Navigating bureaucracy without fluent Albanian can feel overwhelming.
5. Smoking Culture
Smoking indoors is still common in many cafes and restaurants. For those used to smoke-free environments, this can be a jarring and persistent discomfort.
6. Limited Dietary Options
Traditional Albanian cuisine is meat-heavy. Vegetarians and vegans may struggle to find consistent options, especially outside Tirana.
7. Healthcare Concerns
Basic care is affordable, but many expats opt for private clinics or travel abroad for more serious needs. Language barriers and limited specialists are common concerns. Check out my guide on health care called What Americans Need to Know about Health Insurance in Albania
8. Emotional Isolation
Albanians are warm, but forming deep friendships takes time. Expats groups are available in most major cities, but may not be your “cup of tea” due to the transient nature of many participants. Solo expats often report feeling disconnected, especially in quieter towns. Integration can be slow, and the emotional toll is real.
The Emotional Weight of Reinvention
Moving abroad isn’t just a logistical shift. This move can be a complete identity shift. You’re not just changing your location; you’re reimagining who you are in a new context. That’s deep work. And it can stir up anxiety, grief, and self-doubt.
As a certified Coach with a Master’s in Social Work and 20 years of experience supporting military spouses, civilians, and dependent children through major life transitions, I know how vital emotional support is during this time. I’ve lived this transition myself. I’ve cried in grocery stores, felt invisible in crowds, had a melt down at the local hospital trying to explain what I needed, and questioned whether I made the right move. However, I’ve also found joy, clarity, and a deeper sense of self than I ever expected. It just took me longer than it would have if I had been supported by an experienced mentor or coach.
While I eventually found my footing, emotionally, spiritually, and with a renewed sense of purpose, I know that many others haven’t. I’ve watched fellow expats, close travel companions, and even family members leave Albania, and other countries they once dreamt of living in, not because they didn’t love the place, but because they felt completely overwhelmed. The lack of emotional support, the mental exhaustion, and the slow erosion of hope became too much. Some returned home feeling more disillusioned, financially strained, and emotionally depleted than when they left. What was meant to be a fresh start became a painful detour. That’s exactly why I do this work, so no one has to navigate that kind of unravelling alone. I use my experience, education, and compassion for others to help them feel empowered, secure, and ultimately, thrive.
How I Can Support You
Whether you’re already in Albania or still exploring your options, I offer coaching and resources designed to help you feel grounded, clear, and emotionally supported:
Thrive After You Arrive Coaching Packages
For expats ready to move beyond survival and build a life that feels aligned and nourishing. Choose from self-guided, downloadable workbooks, Live Question/Answer sessions, single session clarity assistant, or small and large full-service coaching packages.
Ask Me Anything
A new offering where you can ask questions about life in Albania, emotional integration, or relocation strategy. No judgment, just clarity. Free 25-Minute Session. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this is a gentle place to start. We’ll explore your needs, wants, and expectations and begin crafting a plan that honors your whole self.
The Complete Relocation Workbook
A guided workbook to help you plan, reflect, and emotionally prepare for your move abroad. It’s a practical and soulful companion for every stage of your relocation journey. Download it today!
Strategic Decision Planning
Not sure if Albania is your forever place? I’ll help you map out your options and make informed decisions that reflect your values and lifestyle. Here are some helpful tools to get you started planning. Am I a Nomad, Slow-mad, or Expat? Lifestyle Assessment and Getting Started on Your Ultimate Next Chapter
You Deserve to Feel at Home—Wherever You Are
Albania offers so much possibility, but it also asks you to be resilient, patient, and emotionally present. If you’re craving clarity, connection, or just someone who gets it…..I’m here for you!
Let’s make sure your next chapter feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.
👉 Book your free 25 min session here
👉 Explore Resources and Essential Tools
👉 Download The Complete Relocation Workbook
