Want to drive in Algeria? You’re right! Touring Algeria by car is the best way to enjoy the country and its beautiful landscapes. However, driving in Algeria can be intimidating given the reputation of Algerian drivers. That’s why I put together the following tips to help you have the best self-drive Algeria trip.
This post will also include an overview of applicable laws you need to be aware of and some general information on the roads.
Let’s get started with my guide to driving in Algeria.
Click on a section in the list to jump down the page.
- Age limits
- International driving permit
- Driving in Algeria: Basic rules and useful info
- Road speed limits in Algeria
- >Buying Petrol / Gas in Algeria
- Self-Drive In Algeria: Renting a car in Algeria
- What kind of vehicle should I use to drive in Algeria?
- Self-Drive In Algeria: What to do if you get stopped by a Police or military checkpoint?
- Parking in Algerian cities
- Self-Drive In Algeria:Final tips for driving in Algeria
Driving in Algeria: tips, advice, and information
Age limits
As a visitor to Algeria, if you are wanting to drive then you will need to be at least 18, and you’ll need to have a full license.
International driving permit
Technically, you don’t need an international driving permit. If you get stopped by a police officer, you probably won’t be asked for it. Or you might be! Really, it depends on the police officer and his/her mood. Though most likely he/she will simply ask for your driving license and car documents, I encourage you to get an international driving permit.
➵ Read: The ultimate Algeria Travel Guide
Driving in Algeria: Basic rules and useful info
- Algerians drive on the right side of the road
- While driving in Algeria, some useful words to know include à droite (right), à gauche (left), Kbala (straight), Kherdja (exit).
- All road signs are in French and Arabic only
- All highways in Algeria are toll-free.
- The roads are generally in very good condition
- You must stop at all STOP signs and red traffic lights
- Obey all directions given by police officers.
- The driver and the passenger sitting in the front seat must wear a seat belt.
- It is illegal to have a mobile phone in your hands whilst driving. Cellphones can only be used with a Bluetooth hands-free device. If you use a cell phone while driving, this bluetooth hands free device works with many of today’s smartphones.
- The black-out windows are illegal in Algeria.
- Google Maps works most of the time
Road speed limits in Algeria
Algerian roads have speed limits indicated by a white and red circle with the number (by kilometers, not miles, per hour). Speed limits vary depending on the road you are driving on. You can resume the national speed limit – 80 km/h on normal roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. Also, note that speed cameras are in wide use on the roads in Algeria and Military checkpoints are usually set up a few kilometers away from the speed cameras to stop drivers who don’t respect the speed limit. For minor violations, the driver will face fines and a license suspension.
Buying Petrol / Gas in Algeria
In Algeria, there is only one brand of gas station known as Naftal. There are 5 types of fuel – Sans Plomb (Unleaded petrol), Super (Premium), Essence Normal (Regular gas), diesel, and GPL (LP Gas). Fuel is sold and priced by the liter.
All gas stations have filling station attendants to pump fuel so you don’t need to do anything. You should always carry cash with you as most of the gas stations don’t accept cards.
Self- drive in Algeria: Renting a car in Algeria
To rent a car in Algeria you will need a full license in your name. As well as a driver’s license, you will normally need a passport or an ID that matches the information on your driver’s license.
If you want to rent a car, you can wait until getting to Algeria to rent it. If you book before your trip, it’s often easiest by phone or by email. You can also book a car online but you probably won’t get the best price.
Also note that the majority of cars in Algeria are manual, not automatic. That means automatics often have a limited availability, and usually cost more.
In terms of age, most car hire companies have the same rules. Whilst the legal age to hold a license in Algeria is 18, most rental companies don’t accept to rent to drivers under the age of 24. Also, drivers need to have at least 2 years licensed driving experience.
➵ Read: A 2-week Algeria Itinerary
What kind of vehicle should I use to drive in Algeria?
You don’t need a 4×4 or anything crazy to drive in Algeria. You can drive any vehicle, just make sure that your vehicle is in good mechanical order.
Self-Drive In Algeria: What to do if you get stopped by a Police or military checkpoint?
When driving in Algeria, expect to be stopped by the police. The police officers can stop any vehicle for any reason- that can be for a random check or just to entertain themselves. When you are asked to pull over, they will likely ask you to show your driving license, carte grise (vehicle registration certificate), insurance certificate, contrôle technique (vehicle inspection report), and vignette.
If you are driving an LPG car, you will be asked to produce the authorization report.
It is also worth noting that most police officers don’t speak English but they are friendly and helpful.
Parking in Algerian cities
Parking in most Algerian cities can be a problem. Whatever you do, don’t park along red and white painted curbs- it’s a surefire way to get clamped. Often you’ll find parking attendants who will show you where to park. They will charge you a few Dinars (around 100) on your return. These aren’t official parking attendants and are disliked by locals but they often pay them.
Self-Drive In Algeria: Final tips for driving in Algeria
Traffic in big cities is intense! It’s always congested, people honk if you drive too slow and some drivers don’t hesitate to overtake on the left and right. My recommendation is to avoid driving in Algiers and other big cities.
My final tip is to get a local Sim card before starting a road trip. (Mobilis has the best coverage)
I hope you found this post useful. Enjoy Algeria and drive safe.
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