Albania, situated on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe, features a diverse landscape of rugged mountains and a stunning Adriatic and Ionian coastline. Its capital, Tirana, is the country’s political and economic heart. With a population of approximately 2.8 million, Albania’s economy is supported by tourism, agriculture, and mining. Key industries include food processing and textiles, while major exports consist of crude oil, minerals, electricity, and footwear, driven by increasing European trade.
Money Transfer Locations
Western Union
Western Union has an extensive presence in Albania through Union Bank and various independent agents.
- Western Union Tirana
- Western Union Durrës
- Western Union Vlorë
- Western Union Elbasan
- Western Union Shkodër
- Western Union Korçë
- Western Union Fier
- Western Union Berat
- Western Union Lushnjë
- Western Union Sarandë
- Western Union Gjirokastër
- Western Union Kavajë
MoneyGram
MoneyGram services are widely available through AK-Invest and various retail locations.
- MoneyGram Tirana
- MoneyGram Durrës
- MoneyGram Vlorë
- MoneyGram Shkodër
- MoneyGram Elbasan
- MoneyGram Fier
- MoneyGram Korçë
- MoneyGram Kamëz
- MoneyGram Lezhë
- MoneyGram Kukës
Ria Money Transfer
- Ria Tirana
- Ria Durrës
- Ria Vlorë
- Ria Shkodër
- Ria Fier
- Ria Elbasan
- Ria Berat
Local Bank & Exchange Partners
Remittances are frequently processed through the following major financial institutions:
- Banka Kombëtare Tregtare (BKT)
- Raiffeisen Bank Albania
- Credins Bank
- Union Bank Albania
- Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania
- Posta Shqiptare (Albanian Post)
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I send money to the Philippines from Albania?
You can send money home to the Philippines from Albania through licensed remittance providers such as Western Union, MoneyGram, Ria, Wise, Remitly, and PNB Remittance. Major Philippine banks (BDO, BPI, Metrobank, Landbank) accept inbound transfers via SWIFT and partner corridors, and digital wallets like GCash and Maya support direct cash-in from many providers in Albania.
How long does a remittance from Albania to the Philippines take?
Most digital transfers from Albania to the Philippines arrive within minutes for cash pickup and 1–2 business days for bank deposit to BDO, BPI, Metrobank, Landbank and other Philippine banks. Bank-to-bank SWIFT wires can take 2–4 business days. Weekend transfers usually post on the next Philippine banking day.
What ID does my family in the Philippines need to receive the money?
Recipients in the Philippines must present a valid government-issued photo ID (PhilSys/National ID, passport, driver's licence, UMID, or PRC ID), the sender's full name in Albania, the exact amount, and the reference/MTCN number. Some providers also require the recipient's mobile number for OTP verification.
Which providers offer the best exchange rate from Albania to the Philippines?
Rates change daily, but Wise, Remitly, and Ria typically post mid-market or near-mid-market PHP rates from Albania, while Western Union and MoneyGram trade rate for wider Philippine cash-pickup networks. Always compare the all-in cost (fee + FX margin) on each provider's quote before sending — savings of 2–4% are common on OFW corridors.
Is it safe to send remittances from Albania to the Philippines in 2026?
Yes — sending money from Albania to the Philippines is safe when you use a provider licensed in Albania on the sending side and a BSP-registered receiving agent in the Philippines. Verify your recipient's full legal name as printed on their ID, share the reference number privately, and avoid social-media middlemen. Report any issues to your local financial regulator in Albania and to the BSP Consumer Affairs Group for the Philippine end.