Saranda Albania: Pros AND Cons Revealed! What to EXPECT!
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- čas přidán 8. 06. 2024
- If you are planning to visit or live in Saranda, watch this video. We reveal our Pros and Cons of living in Saranda. After visiting Saranda 3 times, and recently living there for 3 months, we share our thoughts on the Pros and Cons of this lovely city. This is an honest approach to discussing the realities that we see in this city, both positive and negative.
#travelvlog #travel #albania
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If you have been to Saranda, let us know what you think of Pros and Cons of this city. If you haven't been before, how do our Pros and Cons make you feel about visiting or moving to Saranda? Let us know!
Everything was spot on. About the aeroport there will be another one in Gjirokaster too. Not as big as Vlore and Rinas, which next year will have direct flights to Noth America. New York for sure but it is very likely to Toronto too. Gjirokaster currently has a fild for small private planes.
I would send this video to Edi Rama, the Prime Minister. He is proactive with these things. Tourism industry is his priority.
Thanks for the insight. I have no idea how to send it to Edi Rama to see it. Not sure he would want to?!
@@georgiacampbell4399 what was the hot chips comment? I missed it.
you nailed it for the most part - loved the comments on the driving it is crazy, but more crazy are speed signs where the speed limit changes every 10 metres or so in places
@@jusuftheeagle6772 all the traffic related stuff in Albania is merely suggestions. From children hanging out of car windows with no seatbelts, to people riding scooters while smoking, using a cellphone and trying to deliver pizza. It's chaos!
Really good video from you both. Very informative and helpful. Just a note. Sound quality was excellent as was the video quality. 👍
Thanks Fred. This was the first video I shot in 4K, and I was also using my shotgun microphone which helps. There was lots of audio editing involved to match Sarahs volume to mine. I shot another video recently that is not published had some audio problems hopefully is fixed now.
I don't like to film our walking vlogs in 4K for a few reasons. The video is too sharp, I prefer 1080p 30fps, it looks more natural... the other reasons are simple... 1) 4K heats up cameras big time especially in hot climates. 2) 4K drains battery like mad and I use normally 2 batteries in a long form 1080p shot.. and 3) Uploading 4K to CZcams without wicked fast internet is crazy. That video took 8 hours to upload.
Great video guys! As someone who hasn't been there yet I feel like you gave a complete picture and I would know what to expect when I DO get there. Appreciate you both, can't wait for your future travels! ❤
Glad we can help paint a picture! More travels coming, we have lots in the future for sure!
Good list. For eating, Tirana has everything. Bulk of tourists want cheap pasta dishes or byreks or pizza. It’s supply and demand.
If you go looking for Indian, Chinese, Sushi, Vietnamese in Tirana, there is very little. It's based on what the locals eat, nobody there want's to eat that stuff... at least, not yet. It will take a long time. Nobody is immigrating to Albania and bringing their cuisine with them to setup shop.
@@JayandSarah Chinese garden, Mimi's, Kung Foo noodle bar, are good but Sushi Co also good however a little pricey. Spices of Malaysia opened recently.
Hi Guys ...Yes, I totally agree with all your points. We have lived here nearly 2 years now, and for all its faults, we love it here.
We bought an apartment just past Mango over the Bistrica river, which gives you auto residency with very little red tape as UK citizens.
Coming back on the bus today with shopping was murder. New big modern bus today ! but packed like sardines. We tend to stay away from town in July and August and just go to Planet here, local restaurants, and the little beach below us
Season has started earlier though. Saranda is heaving guys, you left at the right time.
Roll on October, Saranda is at its best October to May, perfect 👌
Looking forward to following your travels. Great vids 👍
Thanks! We know roughly where you are up that way, you probably shopped at the local planet market near us. Not sure if there was one further up your way.
We were happy to be leaving when we did. You can see the influx, and the infrastructure does not exist to handle it. We were right next to the Dorchester hotel which was essentially vacant for 80% of our stay, but the few times they were open and had people it was noisy as can be. I can't imagine it with a full hotel and people out on their balconies, it would be hell.
We've been a few times of the year, agreed on October.. we enjoyed our October stay last year. As you say, you have to look past the faults, and we have no problems with that - we are VERY easy going people and stuff that would bend others out of shape is like water off a ducks back to us.
We would consider residency, we just need to understand that taxation consequences. There are virtually no tax treaties, and tax on worldwide income for residents in the range of 20%. I'm not paying double tax to live in a place where we are spending lots of money to be there into their local economy.
@JayandSarah Yes same Planet that we shop at.
We are early retired just living off savings interest until our pensions ' finally ' kick in 🙄 so no tax for us.
It was a no brainer for us really looking to get out of the UK in our 50s. Brexit shafted us everywhere else. We did live in Spain for 7 years a while back but too many hoops to jump through now after Brexit took away our European passport 😠
So here we are, lol 😆 and we love it. Our building is quiet only 20% occupied. Tourists here in July/August, but we are so far out of town that it's never crazy here.
Albania and UK have no tax treaty. My understanding is that investment income is taxed at 20%. What has your experience been on filing returns? There is no mention of tax relief if you have paid tax on those earnings overseas where you earned them. Every resident in Albania is subject to worldwide taxation according to their tax code which was just revised and in effect Jan 1 2024.
I've recently found you through "retire overseas with Patrick". I will save this video for after watching all of your videos in Saranda. I have visited every year since 2006 with the exception of the last few years. It will be interesting to watch! Thank you for making videos in/about lovely Saranda.
Absolutely! We love making videos of our lives wherever we travel. We are currently in Montenegro. Yes I found Patrick online as he was getting ready to retire and move to Albania and started following his journey as well. Thanks for watching and subscribing!
That was really helpful Sarah and Jay. Thanks for the video.
Glad you found it helpful!!! You are welcome and thanks for watching.
A few more cons to consider are the inability to drink the tap water, power outages, water turned off, stray dogs and cats a plenty, bank fees, fees for using the beach (lounger/umbrella rentals). An additional pro is the ferry service to Italy from Sarande. Wondering if you've spent much time in Vlore. Am keen to know your thoughts on it. Love your videos and hope to one day meet you both in person! Cheers
You make some very good points about additional cons. We could have listed another 10 pros and 10 cons I think. We have not spent much time in Vlore. Know many people who have. Some like it, most do not in comparison to the vibe in Saranda... but that also is not in peak season. Those who we know who live there year round really detest the peak of tourist season. Yes would be nice to meet! We have met several other CZcams people which has been interesting, and we have had many people approach us in Saranda "Oh CZcams!!" and "We see your videos and this is why we came here..." this sort of thing, it's been fun.
Banks 🏦 fees are the worst of them 😅.
Lots of people complain about the ATM fees of banks in Albania. We have not found them much different in other countries in the Balkans. Maybe slightly higher than many other major countries. After 3 months in Albania, the total cost of our ATM service charges was really inconsequential as relative to our total budget.
@@JayandSarah 🙏👌
Why can’t you drink the tap water? I have drunk it for three years now.
Hi thank you for the informative pros and cons! We will be in Sarande for only 5 days end of September. I am pleased to hear that the public transportation is available for day trips. We are staying in a hotel on the boardwalk, very central. Always a pleasure to watch your travels.
Glad you like them. Yes the bus will be perfect for you in town to do Butrint and Ksamil. I would say you should also maybe try a day trip to Gjirokaster, we did a video exactly on that day trip so you can see what it entails. Thanks for watching!
Very useful video full of practical tips - appreciate it very much ! Hope you will continue doing such pros and cons videos for other places.
Will you be doing cost of living videos too? 😊 Combined, these 2 types of videos will give a more complete picture :)
Anyway, I really appreciate your channel (as-is) which is a breath of fresh air that stands it apart from other YT channels. Keep it up
Btw, do you still hv the link to your AirBnB in Saranda ?
Thanks for your kind words! We were just talking the other day about a cost of living video for there, and that is something we will do in the next short while. We will continue to do these for all the places we stay.
For the Airbnb link I will have to look and see what I can find. I would not promote it on YT, but if you go to our main YT page in our details you will see another social media option, you can use messege on there to reach us and I will give you the Airbnb link.
Also thank you so much about your comment on our channel. Can you articulate for me what you think stands it apart? I know we do daily life stuff, which not everyone really does... is it that? Is it the boots on the ground info in the videos? We want to make sure we deliver something that is different, so knowing what you see will help me focus on what that is.
@@JayandSarah Most channels focus on highlighting the positive attributes of the place, such as places of interest, food options, etc. That is, how much they are enjoying themselves there. But that is not real life ….
I have watched a few of your videos, including your March video in Saranda and your 1st day in Bijela. Watching these videos, you are like my “front” scout out there doing a recce of the unfamiliar terrain 🙂. Pros and cons videos and Cost of Living videos will further complete the picture :)
Thanks again ! Hope this helps
This affirms what we are doing, boots on the ground real life. Thank you so much. Yes, tourism videos are not real life... everyone talks about how great stuff is but it's not authentic. Ours is authentic life.
Great video. Thanks for sharing! I'm heading to Albania in Feb and March, trying to decide btwn Vlore Sarande. Leaning towards Vlore as it has the ferry from Brindisi and a bit more variety overall and I'm assuming a little more going on in winter. Agree?
Thanks again. Safe travels!
Most people like Saranda. Of all the people I know who have gone to Vlore we’re glad they went but wouldn’t want to stay there long term.
I moved to Vlora from Saranda. It is more all year living and cheaper and better shopping.
@@jusuftheeagle6772 Thanks for that! Did you use an AirBnB or realtor to find a place? I've read that it's best to just get something for a few days and then find a realtor once you're there. Thanks again!
@@wildearthfarm4632 We purchased the first Vlora property we saw as it was all we could afford. Then started renovating it part time whenever we visit. Down near the Vlora port the Aulona Century 21 people were very good and not pushy. They are near the KFC. We own an apartment in Saranda but waited 10 years and no ownership certificate so it was cheaper to buy a second property than bribe an official (just kidding but some suggested it). Our extended stay is through property ownership and they started pushing back at renewal time because we did not have the legalisation documents for Saranda. The more we visit Vlora the more we like it and its all year round not just summer. It is also very big and beach scene very different to the old town. Once you know Saranda back to front it starts getting boring..
@@jusuftheeagle6772 for sure it will be less cost and more all year round. Depends what you are looking for. It doesn't have the same expat community as Saranda... not even close.
After Montenegro, I changed my mind about visiting Tirana and Saranda as I already had enough of having to withdraw cash so often (where I get penalised for doing so), lack of public toilets for tourists, poor public transportation, poor food choice and no seagulls. There's something missing for a solo traveler in these parts. It can't be one way street all the time. A smile on their faces is heartwarming but isn't enough.
Thanks for watching and commenting. We completely understand your sentiments. In our time in Albania we met many people, from tourists to longer term stay folks like ourselves. The responses are so varied, everyone has different perspectives on what makes a good place for them. We have had everything from "Love it, will be back", "Would love to live here", to "This is not a great place at all" and "I will not return to this country."
Thanks 🙏 for your feedback and experience. I’m a solo traveler 🧳 and I felt the agony of loneliness and lack of English there and I had to run out. Thanks 🙏.
A lack of English can be isolating for sure. In Saranda this is not really a problem, there are so many people there long term that are Americans. But yes, we understand. We are in Montenegro now and just last night was the first time we have had a reasonable English conversation for any period of time in a week... with 2 people from the UK. They said they too hadn't had anyone to speak English to in about a week.
In Albania, Credins Bank (one of the major ones) charges $0 for ATM transaction fees so the only thing you lose in the process is that banks always have unfair conversion rates. Most people carry US or EURO cash and then just convert it at local currency exchange shops. But I also know some people that were staying there long term would also just send themselves money via Western Union through their online banking. Anyway, Saranda is limited with credit card payment options, but I feel like once you know Tirana, you can navigate with using just your visa / mastercard if that's what you prefer. Almost all big supermarkets like Spar or Big Market take credit cards, as do most stores in malls and an increasing number of restaurants.
@@dxa17 Credits bank USED to be 0 for ATM charges. That was the situation on our first two visits. This is no longer the case, Credins charges just like all the other banks now. That has been since some time in 2023. The option always exists to withdraw in LEK and not allow the foreign bank to do any conversion. We use WISE cards, the only fee we pay to Albanian banks is their service charge in LEK, the rest is all handled by Wise wit full transparency on fee and exchange. This has been the best option we have found. We have a video coming up which breaks down how much we paid monthly in banking fees to live in Saranda. As you say, the big shops like supermarkets all take credit card so that is a non issue. Most restaurants that we would eat at are only cash so far in our times there. Hopefully this will increase, it is a major pain in Albania to have to use cash especially when it spits out 5000 LEK notes that many places do not want to accept and provide change.
Amen. I totally agree with your take on Saranda. I will be living there when I don't do other travels. It's a very easy city to live in and Ican usually find everything I want.
Yeah for sure! There are some things that you just can't find, even in Albania as a matter... but you can accept this and work around it or find alternative things for what you require. Thanks for watching!
Good listen. We are from the UK and did a month in Saranda in September 23. We loved the place and will go back at some point
Nice! We love it as well. Our 3 months there was great and we will go back in the future for sure for another 3 months.
Why do 🇬🇧 UKroids always announce they’re from UK. UKroids 😂
Great video -- as an Albanian Vancouverite, it's nice to see people from so far enjoying life in Saranda and living like two locals. I did want to say that I've used my Canadian passport and maxed out the days I'm allowed to stay as a 'Canadian' so many times. I feel like if an Albanian border guard sees a Canadian passport, they will literally not care if it shows in the system that you've overstayed your visa. It would, of course, be a different story if you guys were say, Egyptian or Syrian. Also, my American friend moved to Albania and was living there for 3 years without getting out of the country. He eventually married an Albanian to get his Albanian permanent residency (and ultimately, citizenship). He ended up getting it. Still lives in Albania. I don't think anybody made it an issue that he had essentially disregarded all rules that say you have to leave...
Yes this might be true, I don't think the controls are very strict - but getting banned for a while to return is not something we would want to do. Thanks for watching and commenting!!!!
Great video thank you
In your view what’s the best city for families to live? Safty and affordable, good hospitals and schools are our priorities. Our kids are 7 and 9 😊
To me the only choice would be Tirana. Where are you coming from and what is the reason to move there? I think you children will be very isolated.
This was really interesting, so thanks so much for that 😊. I'm thinking about moving permanently to Sarande, so this information was very useful. I'm vegetarian and sometimes that's a challenge but I've already discovered a specific shop and restaurant in Sarande. I love Falafel, as well as humous and pizza, so I'll be fine. Stuff I can't get in Sarande I can likely get from Corfu. I lived in Spain for many years and constant construction work was a problem. Now I live in Romania, which is equally beautiful, and though construction work is not problematic, the situation regarding roads and sidewalks is pretty similar. Cars have priority but, mostly, pedestrians don't, and whenever work is in progress public safety's not a priority. Your advice about cash machines and large notes was invaluable so thank-you very much. One final note, I prefer Spain and Romania during the quiet months. I also love walking on the prom, but especially in winter, when the sea is changeable.
Thanks for watching and sharing! It's Nice to hear what others are up to!
Vlora is a good option having generally lower prices on food and goods.
I request 4000 Lek at ATM to force 2000 Lek notes being issued
We take out 50,000 lek at a time. Taking 4000 at a time would mean 12 atm fees to get the same amount of cash. Makes no sense, you service charge at the Albanian atm is the same for 4000 as for the max. Why pay 600 lek to take our 4000 lek? That’s 15% right there.
@@JayandSarah
I take out 60,000 from my overseas account (in your case canadian). I choose do not convert to my local dollars as it ends up costing more in fees altogether. My Oz bank waives international fees. But you open a local albanian bank account and use their ATMs and not incur any fees for 4000 or 9000 lek as an example. Raiffeisein as an example has lots of ATM locations. Thanks for your videos
@@wanderingaussies8172 Most welcome, thanks for the input and feedback! We will keep bringing videos!
😂😂"...the 1st time I wished I were an American bc I'd have a longer visa stay". I appreciate that comment. I'm a US citizen but deeply appreciate Canada and its infrastructure.
Haha! Yeah it was really how I felt at the time for sure. I am glad I'm a Canadian, the passport is very strong.
We are from BC as well and also retired early to travel. Who do you use for your travel medical insurance? Also, could you do a video with prices for groceries and eating out. (CAD or US conversion)
We are doing a cost of living in Albania video soon. Everything here is way cheaper than at home. In terms of healthcare, we use BCAA for now and will probably continue to do so. Beyond their limits, we will self insure. The North American perspective is that healthcare is some massive insurance requirement. We do not feel this way after doing visits for medical, dental and the like. Everyone's situation is different, but the fear over coverage is overblown.
I’m an Albanian Canadian , living in Canada , and many times I’m thinking of retiring in Albania .. i mean the weather and the beach …
Well exactly.. you can retire in Canada with a high cost of living and not very good weather, or you can go to Albania and have nice weather and lower costs... and quite frankly, a higher quality of life. Not a higher standard, but higher quality.
Perfect.Why stay in. Freezing cold country with high cost of living when u retire
I'm glad I found your channel! I already miss you, hopefully we meet again someday!
It was lovely to meet you Henri! Maybe we will meet again! You never know, the world is small my friend.
@@JayandSarah It was lovely to meet you too! Tru, you never know!
Likewise and your lovely partner! We enjoyed out time in Saranda and miss so much about it. We will go back!
@@JayandSarah Maybe we will see there!
Also "Saranda" m3ans 40, in Greek...
Thanks for watching!
Are euros accepted for cash payments ?
In some instances perhaps, but I would not rely on using euros to pay for stuff. We have done all sorts of business in Saranda and everyone is paying in LEK. In tourist season in tourist places of course you probably can, but be prepared to not get the best rate. Just get LEK, that is the local currency, not the EURO.
Saranda Gjirokastra are not Greek indigenous with status this is a lie by Annavsmith.
All the places that say exchange will change your big bills and there are a lot.
Not for free they won't.
Yes i agree how an north american sees albania. There is not a lot a food apart of Mediterranean, ugly architecture apart of city center or turistic areas .and in usa are some areas worst then albania but in general in albania is ugly architecture
Exactly. What food there is, is okay... but it's limited. To an Albanian who's never been outside of the country in their life, they would be very shocked at what other food exists. They say that the Albanian beef is so good. Uhm... no, it's not good by comparison to beef around the world. And yes, the architecture is brutal. The remnants of communism, what can you do... but new construction? Nasty. What is being built in Saranda is so unfortunate... it is a lovely city, but if you arrive there on a cruise ship, that has to be one of the ugliest ports of call around.
@@JayandSarah😢😢😢
Sounds like it’s pain in the butt over there😂I’ll skip
It's not for everybody that is for sure... but there is no denying it's increasing popularity as a place to visit, and it will only improve - over a long period of time. You must consider where this country has come from to appreciate where it is at today. It is a fun place to be, because of its flaws. We don't enjoy polished predictable places. And our expectations are aligned with the cost of living. It would not be worth being there if the prices were three times what they are today.
@@JayandSarahPeople moving around even to Russia,Bulgaria,Portugal and Greece
@@Fegga1955 there's always places to move and different ways to get and stay there. I wouldn't put Russia on the list of places to move to.
Saranda, Argyrokastro are INDIGENOUS GREEK TOWNS and are supposed to enjoy an independent Greek status in Albania...
Thanks for watching!
Karin karin
Once the borders on the country were set those are now the final borders. Albanian borders were reinforced by one of our presidents. Albania is a member of nato in case the Greeks want to dispute this. Saranda and gyrocaster are Albanian even if one hundred percent of the natives are Greek. We have towns in America that are 90 percent Palestinian where a mosque sound out the call to prayer five times a day. But they are American towns and the Palestinians therein are American citizens