Albania is not a country of the European Union and a single European currency does not operate on the territory of the country, the national currency of the country is the lek, but Russian tourists often call it the Albanian ruble. Please note that banknotes of the same denomination can differ significantly from each other, so before traveling it is advisable to get acquainted with what Albanian banknotes look like.
I am sure that you will be told that in shopping centers and other places you can pay in dollars and euros. Maybe this is so, but the main calculations in the country are carried out using the national currency. If you put dollars and euros on one hour of the scale, then preference should be given to dollars, they are more profitable to accept in local banks and exchangers. The ruble is also accepted for exchange, but not everywhere, and the exchange rate leaves much to be desired.
Regarding currency exchange, I can say that it is not worth changing all the money at once, and not only because it is not very convenient, but also for the reason that the export of the national currency outside the country is prohibited. As a result, the leks remaining at the end of the trip will have to be changed back, and this, in turn, will lead to a loss on the difference in rates.
You can change currency in Albania at banks, exchange offices, hotels, airports, train stations. Often there are “changers” familiar to us who offer an unofficial exchange (without checks, receipts), but at a more favorable rate and, moreover, without commissions. Whether to contact such people or not is debatable, but the likelihood of being deceived in this case becomes much higher.
As for payment methods for goods and services, here Albania can be called a conservative country. New trends related to cashless payments do not take root very well, bank cards are accepted mainly in large hotels, shopping centers and branded boutiques, and otherwise only cash. No, of course you can take one or more bank cards with you, but you must understand that you always need to have enough cash with you.