Albania for Brazilian Drivers — Same Side, but a 40 km/h Town Limit

Two things that trip up many foreign drivers in Albania won’t bother a Brazilian at all. The country drives on the right, exactly like Brazil, so there’s no side switch to relearn. And its alcohol limit — a near-zero 0.01 — sits comfortably with the no-drinking habit that Brazil’s Lei Seca already builds in. The adjustment that does matter is the one nobody warns you about: the gap between the speed signs and the actual road.

The road is rougher than the number

Away from the handful of new motorways, Albanian roads are uneven, lane markings fade, and you’ll meet potholes, livestock and the occasional unlit vehicle after dark. The posted rural limit is 80 km/h, but the sensible speed is often well under that — drive to the surface, not the sign. Coastal and mountain routes reward patience; overtaking is unpredictable and blind bends are common. None of this is dangerous if you slow down, but a Brazilian used to well-graded toll roads should expect the free roads here to feel a generation older.

A 40 km/h town limit that’s camera-enforced

Built-up areas are capped at a strict 40 km/h — lower than most Brazilian cities and genuinely enforced. Fixed and mobile cameras both operate, and 10 km/h over typically costs around ALL 5,000 (≈ €45), usually paid on the spot, so carry a card or cash. If a fine instead arrives via your rental company after you’ve gone, our guide on who pays driving fines abroad sets out how that lands on your card. Use the Speeding Fine Calculator to gauge a penalty before you travel.

Paperwork, fuel and the basics

Your Brazilian licence is valid for stays of up to 12 months, and an IDP is recommended — rental desks and roadside police expect it, so carry the permit, your licence and passport together. Sort the IDP in Brazil before you fly; you can’t get one in Albania. The car must carry a warning triangle, reflective vest, first-aid kit and fire extinguisher, all standard in a rental. Fuel runs about $1.52/litre, cheapest at supermarket stations, and 112 reaches all emergency services. For the full rules, see our Albania driving guide before you book.