Kosovo uses the euro as its currency despite not being part of the European Union or eurozone. The country unilaterally adopted the euro in 2002 when it was still under United Nations administration. ATMs dispense euros and are widely available in Pristina, Prizren, Peja, and other major towns. Credit cards work in hotels and larger restaurants in cities, but cash remains necessary for small shops, taxis, and rural areas. Exchange offices exist but serve primarily to convert other currencies into euros for travelers arriving from neighboring countries using different currencies.
Pristina's Adem Jashari International Airport sits 15 kilometers southwest of the capital. The airport opened in 1965 and underwent renovations in 2013. It handles flights from European cities including Vienna, Basel, Istanbul, Ljubljana, and several German airports serving the diaspora population. No direct flights connect Kosovo to the United States. A taxi from the airport to central Pristina costs 15 to 25 euros and takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Some hotels arrange pickup services. Public bus service exists but operates infrequently. The airport serves approximately 2 million passengers annually.
Buses provide the primary intercity transport within Kosovo and connect to neighboring countries. The journey from Pristina to Prizren takes approximately 90 minutes and costs 3 to 5 euros. Pristina to Peja requires roughly two hours. Multiple private bus companies operate on main routes with varying schedules and vehicle conditions. International buses run daily to Tirana in Albania, Skopje in North Macedonia, and less frequently to Montenegro and Serbia. Travel to Serbia from Kosovo presents complications because Serbian authorities do not recognize Kosovo identity documents or vehicle registrations. Travelers entering Serbia from Kosovo must typically do so through a third country or hold alternative documentation.
Kosovo has no functioning railway passenger service as of 2025. The railway infrastructure suffered damage during the 1998-1999 conflict and received minimal investment afterward. Some railway lines exist physically but carry no scheduled passenger traffic. Plans for railway rehabilitation have been discussed but not implemented. This absence distinguishes Kosovo from most European countries where rail provides a primary transport option.
Renting a car in Kosovo requires an international driving permit alongside a national license for most visitors. Rental agencies operate in Pristina and at the airport. Daily rates start around 25 to 40 euros for basic vehicles. Road conditions vary significantly. Main highways connecting Pristina to Prizren and Peja have received upgrades and generally maintain decent surfaces. Secondary roads and routes in mountainous regions often feature potholes, narrow passages, and inadequate signage. Winter driving in mountain areas requires experience and appropriate tires. Kosovo drives on the right side of the road. Fuel costs approximately 1.30 to 1.50 euros per liter.
Mobile phone coverage reaches most populated areas but weakens in mountain valleys. Three main operators provide service: Vala, IPKO, and Kujtesa. Prepaid SIM cards cost 2 to 5 euros and tourist packages with data typically run 5 to 10 euros for several gigabytes valid one month. Purchasing a SIM requires presenting a passport. Free WiFi functions in many cafes, hotels, and restaurants in cities. Internet cafes have largely disappeared as smartphone adoption increased. Mobile data speeds reach 4G in urban areas but drop to 3G or lose signal entirely in remote locations.
Tap water in Pristina and other major cities generally meets safety standards, but infrastructure problems cause occasional supply interruptions. Some locals and hotels prefer bottled water. A 1.5-liter bottle costs 0.30 to 0.50 euros in shops. In rural mountain areas, water sources vary and travelers should verify safety. Kosovo's climate brings hot dry summers and cold winters with snow in mountains. Pristina's summer temperatures regularly exceed 30 degrees Celsius while winter temperatures drop below freezing. The Accursed Mountains receive heavy snowfall making some roads impassable from December through March.
Kosovo's healthcare system includes public hospitals and private clinics. The University Clinical Center in Pristina functions as the main public facility. Private clinics in cities offer faster service and better equipment but charge fees. Pharmacies stock common medications and antibiotics without prescriptions in many cases. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is advisable given limited advanced care facilities. Malaria and yellow fever do not occur in Kosovo. Routine vaccinations suffice for most travelers.
Hotels in Pristina range from international chains like Swiss Diamond Hotel to smaller family-run establishments. Prices start around 30 euros for basic rooms and reach 150 euros or more for upscale options. Prizren offers boutique hotels in restored Ottoman-era buildings with rooms from 40 to 100 euros. Guesthouses in mountain villages near Peja and Rugova Canyon charge 15 to 30 euros per night. Booking ahead helps during summer months and around the Dokufest film festival in Prizren each August. Some rural guesthouses arrange homestays where families provide meals and lodging for 20 to 35 euros including food.