Having lived in Algeria, my friends and the people I meet while traveling ask me “What is Algeria like?” “Is it safe to visit?”.
These questions are quite ambiguous, as many people tend to have misconceptions about Algeria. I always say that Algeria is unfairly overlooked and is a great place to visit if you want to live a real adventure.
As I field questions about my home country, I thought I’d put together an Algeria travel guide and share all the travel information about this offbeat destination.
I’ve summarized everything you need to know before and during your Algeria trip to provide you with a comprehensive guide. I also give you my personal tips for your time in Algeria.
Without further ado, here’s your local’s ultimate Algeria travel guide.
Click on a section in the list to jump down the page.
- Quick facts about Algeria
- Is it safe to visit Algeria?
- Do I need a visa to Algeria?
- Who is Algeria perfect for as a destination?
- How to deal with currency in Algeria?
- What’s the cost like in Algeria?
- How to get around Algeria?
- What languages do they speak in Algeria?
- Best months to visit Algeria
- Arriving into Algeria
- Internet coverage in Algeria
- What to wear Algeria
- Algeria travel guide: Must know information
- Algeria Travel Guide: Must Read
Quick Facts About Algeria
- Algeria is the largest country in Africa, the Arab world, and the Mediterranean basin.
- The official name of Algeria is People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria
- Algeria is a liberal Muslim country
- Algeria includes three different natural regions: the Mediterranean sea on the north, the mountains in the interior body, and the Sahara desert in the south.
- Algerian food is known for its range of flavors and spices. Popular dishes include couscous, chakchouka , Rechta, tajine, and much more. Algerians are very particular about bread. They eat it at every meal and with almost everything
- The history of Algeria is a rich and long one. the country had been ruled by a succession of different empires and people such as the Ottomans, Romans, French, Spanish, Arabs, and Berbers.
- Traveling from region to region might seem like traveling from country to country. The landscape, language, people, cuisine, clothing, and cultural diversity is fascinating.
➵ Read: 11 Reasons Why You Must Visit Algeria now
Algeria Travel Guide: Things To Know Before Travelling To Algeria
Is It Safe To Visit Algeria?
The most common question people ask me when I tell them I’m from Algeria is: is it safe? In a word Yes. Algeria is a safe country. For several years, the country was off the tourist map, due to the ten-year civil war, which ended in 2002. Unfortunately, many people still think that it’s not a safe destination due to a lack of updated information on the internet.
Also, many governments advise exercising caution when traveling to Algeria and avoiding border areas. You shouldn’t forget that Algeria borders unsafe countries such as Mali, Niger, and Libya. But Algeria is a huge country and geographically, the tourist destinations are not near the border, so avoiding these areas is easy.
If you are a solo female traveler, note that traveling alone as a female in Algeria is unfathomable to many Algerians. People are not used to seeing tourists, let alone solo female travelers, so expect some attention. Also, catcalling is sadly an inevitable aspect of Algerian women’s daily life, even though it’s illegal. The best piece of advice to avoid having a bad travel experience is to make friends with locals or get a personal guide.
➵ Read: 2-week Algeria Itinerary
Do I need a Visa To Visit Algeria?
Everybody that wants to visit Algeria must apply for a visa. The only exceptions are citizens of Tunisia, Morocco, Malaysia, Maldives, Seychelles, and visitors or refugees from Libya, Syria, Mali, and Yemen.
Based on my husband’s experience, applying for a visa can be a discouraging process and stressful experience. First, you will need to fill in a form and gather the documents required which are:
- Flight and hotel reservations
- Prove of income
- Invitation letter from a family member, friend, or tour agency,
then submit your application at the Algerian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. You may find that you cannot even apply for a visa in your country of residence because there is no Algerian embassy there. In that case, you will have to send your application via a diplomatic bag to the embassy that is accredited to your country of residence.
Apply at least 5 weeks before your arrival. Usually, processing applications take up to 4 weeks after all documents have been received. A 30-day visa will cost you €40- €80 (depending on your nationality) and is valid from the date of issue.
Who Is Algeria Perfect For As A Destination?
Algeria is a destination for adventurous people. If you don’t like traveling off the beaten path, then go elsewhere. Those who are seeking incredible landscapes or interested in culture, food, architecture, history or politics will have a great time.
You can take a guided group tour or travel independently. It all depends on the experience you’re looking for.
Tip: Make friends with locals. That’s not only a safety tip, but it’s also a tip that’ll help you get the best time and experience you’ve ever had anywhere.
How To Deal With Currency In Algeria ?
The Algerian Dinar (DZA) is the official currency of Algeria. €1 is worth about 132 DZD (as of October 2019).
ATMs that accept Visa cards and Mastercards are found everywhere. Even so, I recommend you bring all the money you plan to spend into the country in cash and use your Visa or Mastercard as a backup.
There are two reasons why I recommend bringing cash.
The first reason is to avoid running out of money in case your card gets rejected. I’ve heard mixed things about people trying to use their Visa or Mastercard to withdraw money in small towns.
The second is because you get the best exchange rate when exchanging money on the grey market. The hotel staff is usually not allowed to exchange money for clients, but they can tell you where to go.
If exchanging money on the grey market, Euro, USD, and other tradable currencies are offered at “almost” double rate.
Credit cards are not widely accepted but can be used in major hotels and businesses in large cities.
Get live Bank exchange rate here
Get live grey market exchange rate here
Important to know: Algerians tell the price in cents
If you want to buy something but the price you are given seems too high, don’t think that the vendor is trying to rip you off. Actually, many Algerians tell the price in cents, not in dinars, which means that they add two extra zeros to the end of numbers. For instance, if someone says that a bottle of water costs 3000, it actually means that the bottle costs 30DZA.
What’s The Cost Like In Algeria?
A trip to Algeria can be as expensive or as cheap as you want it to be, depending on where you get your Dinars from. As I mentioned above, if you choose to exchange hard currency on the grey market, Algeria will be very cheap. However, if you use your Visa or Mastercard to withdraw cash from ATMs you should budget a little more.
Overall, Algeria is an affordable country to travel in. Here are estimated prices for accommodations, meals, alcohol, and transportation. (Cut the prices in half if you change money on the grey market)
Accommodation
Accommodation prices in Algeria vary on the time of the year and the places you visit. Although the prices are quite higher compared to neighboring countries, it’s still affordable and has not reached Western countries’ prices.
The first thing to note is that there is a lack of accommodations in Algeria. The second is that there aren’t any super cheap options for accommodations. You won’t find dorm rooms or guesthouses in Algeria. You will, however, find several Couchsurfing hosts.
Aside from Couchsurfing, there are budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels. Alternatively, there are apartments offering short-term rentals on Airbnb.
- Budget hotels €25 – 50
- Mid-range hotels €60 -120
- Luxury hotels up to €250
- Airbnb: €25 – 70
Good to know: not all hotels are listed on booking or Agoda. Sometimes it’s just better to show up and find a room upon arrival.
Meals
Dining out in Algeria is cheap, but it can also get quite expensive if you are looking for a restaurant where alcohol is available.
- Algerian street food: less than €3
- Fast-casual places: €4-€7
- Restaurant: €10-30
- Fine dining: €35-60
Alcohol
Alcohol in Algeria is cheap but is not found everywhere. it’s usually available in fine dining restaurants and hotel bars.
If you are looking for a more authentic experience, there are some local hidden bars where men gather to drink alcoholic beverages and play board games or watch football. It can be fun to visit if you are a man.
You can also buy alcoholic beverages in specialist shops.
One beer costs around €1.5. Expect to pay double in hotel bars and restaurants.
Transportation
Getting around Algeria by bus is possible but it takes quite a few long rides and it’s not the most comfortable way to travel, Moreover, there are no official timetables and tickets are not available online. That being said, a bus ticket costs around €1-15, depending on the distance.
The train is a popular way to travel around the northern part of the country. it’s cheap and quite comfortable.
Flying in Algeria is also cheap. It’s the most popular way to travel from northern cities to the Sahara. Depending on the route, a one-way ticket costs around €20- 150.
The best way to travel around Algeria is by car. You can travel at your own pace, stop to take in the view, and get to some places that are difficult to reach with public transportation. Car rentals in Algeria cost around €20-40 a day depending on the type of car you get. Besides, petrol is cheap and the country has very good motorways and roads.
Good to know: Driving and finding parking in central busy locations can be a nightmare. I don’t recommend driving in major cities.
What Languages Do They Speak in Algeria?
People in Algeria speak Algerian. it’s basically an Arabic dialect that most Arabs don’t understand. But depending on what region you are in, they may predominately speak Tamazight.
French is widely spoken in Algeria. Although not everyone is fluent, most people can understand.
Now, only a few people speak good English. In the cities, you will certainly find people who try to speak to you in broken English and are often keen to engage you in conversation. In rural areas, English is less frequently spoken. Communication isn’t impossible, just be patient and try to use body language.
➵ Read: Useful Algerian Phrases And Words
Best Months To Visit Algeria
Algeria is a year-round destination but the best time to go depends on what you want to do and where you want to stay. My favorite seasons are spring and autumn when the weather is optimal. Less ideal times to visit Algeria, in my opinion, are the summer and winter with exceptions. here’s why:
Spring
I love spring because the weather is warm and dry. It’s the perfect season to visit Algiers and other coastal cities such as Oran and Annaba. Spring is also a perfect time for hikes.
➵ You might like: Algiers Travel Guide
Summer
There is no bad season in Algeria since the country offers a variety of natural sights and has 1600 km of coastline.
Nonetheless, it’s very hot and humid, and the beaches tend to be crowded.
Also, depending on where you go, free access beaches are frequented by conservative locals, and it’s not recommended for women to wear swimwear.
On the plus side, most cities may be emptier because of the heat.
Autumn
Early autumn is a good time to visit Algeria. The weather is still nice with gentle heat and skies are usually clear. It’s a welcome change after the hot temperatures that make everyone irritable.
Late September is a great time to visit if you want to enjoy beautiful weather and pleasant temperature.
October is a great time to visit if you want to see the Sahara.
Winter
Winter on the Coast is generally mild with only a few days of rain.
Winter is the peak tourism season in the desert. Most travel agencies and tour operators offer holiday packages to the Sahara.
Also, the Sahara desert is a popular place to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
If you are into hiking, you will find plenty of snow at higher elevations. Also, some cities like Constantine get covered in snow.
Arriving Into Algeria
Algiers Airport (Houari Boumediene International Airport) is Algeria’s biggest airport, but there are many other international airports such as Oran, Constantine, Annaba, and Bejaia airports.
There are various routes via Europe and the Middle East. Air Algerie, Air France, Iberia, Lufthansa, and some other airlines offer direct flights from many European countries while Emirates, Qatar Airways, and other Middle Eastern airlines offer various connections with a change in the Arab Region.
Airfares get expensive in summer. In general, the further ahead you book your flight, the better chance you have of getting a good deal.
Getting to Algeria by ferry is possible from Spain and France. You can also travel overland from Tunisia.
Algeria is also bordered by Morocco. Unfortunately, the land border between the two countries is closed.
Internet Coverage In Algeria
Most hotels and restaurants in Algeria offer free Wi-fi. In some places, the internet can be slow, but it’s enough for checking emails and social media. Simcards with a 4G connection are easily available. To stay connected, I recommend you to get a Jezzy, Oredoo or Mobilis Simcard. It should not cost more than 3000 DZA.
Algeria Travel Guide: What To Wear In Algeria
Algerians dress pretty much as they please. A lot of women choose to wear hijab, whilst the rest of the Algerian women wear what they want whilst being culturally correct.
Jeans and t-shirts/tank tops are common dress for women. Knee-length dresses are also worn by women living in major cities. Shorts and miniskirts are mainly used for the beach.
Speaking of the beach. Whilst at the beach (the paid ones) or in your hotel, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear swimwear.
➵ Read more : What to wear in Algeria
Algeria Travel Guide: Must-Know Information
- Vaccinations and travel health: There are no health concerns or risks when traveling in Algeria. The biggest risk is probably diarrhea. There are no vaccinations needed in addition to those required in western countries.
- Electricity Socket: Algeria uses the socket type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
- You should schedule a minimum of 10 days in Algeria, or ideally 2- 3 weeks if you want to visit both the coast and the Sahara desert.
- Tipping is not expected in Algeria though it’s appreciated.
- Tap water is safe for locals to drink. But as a visitor, it’s best to drink bottled water.
- Drones are banned in Algeria unless you have official permission.
- Photography: It’s illegal to take pictures of areas with military bases, defense facilities, government buildings, police, and army officers.
Algeria Travel Guide: Must Read
I hope you enjoyed my Algeria travel tips. If you found any part of this Algeria travel guide to be useful, I’d appreciate a pin to Pinterest or share on social media.
Have you been to Algeria? Let me know how your trip went in the comment section.
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Algeria Travel Guide
Mohamed says
thank you for your work and your efforts to make known our country which is Algeria it is a very beautiful country which really deserves to be known not all in the world, for my part I have published on my site some posts on Algeria https://www.discoverytheworld.com/tag/algeria/
Jim says
Hi, I love your article/guide. Planning to travel to Skikda probably this June/July to meet a friend. You mentioned Malaysia as exempted from acquiring a visa. Just wondering if I’ll stll need an invitation letter. Very excited & a bit nervous 😁
Nesrine says
Hi Jim, you do need an invitation letter, but it’s a good idea to have proof of accommodation from the person hosting you just in case! Enjoy your vacation and I hope you will have a memorable experience 🙂
Yasi says
So helpful! We are planning a trip to northern Algeria next year and this was all very useful information
Nesrine says
Oh! I’m glad to hear that
Joyce nyambura says
Well understood, thanks for the guidance
admin says
Pleased to hear that : ) you are very welcome
Samia berkous says
A safe country, people are friendly, traditional foods are great, nice cities, big and nice sahara. About accomodation is ima lil bit hard to find so I recommend to check https://algeriahome.com for long and short renting terms