A rarely visited country but with a lot to offer. You won’t bump into many tourists here but that makes it all the more exciting. Algiers is an interesting capital, unlike any others. Constantine and Djemila are real gems if you can get there. Short flight times and direct access from London and Paris make Algeria surprisingly easy to catch, once you get over the challenge or procuring your visa.
Community Tips For Algeria
- This is a cash society and you need to bring enough for your trip. Any major currency will do. Everyone exchanges it on the black market but you need to know what you want before you arrive as you will be pounced on quickly. At the time of writing, if you are getting close to 30 dinars to the pound, you are doing well.
- Do not expect to see any tourist restaurants or places to find booze. They are available in top hotels but elsewhere they are very difficult to find. Best advice is to fit in, eat local and find a nice juice or ice cream bar.
- The visa is expensive and you normally have to go in person. But it is relatively straight forward to complete.
- You need to generally travel round by private taxi/car outside of the main cities. This can normally be organised via your hotel and needs to be negotiated.
- Upon arrival in Algiers, expect to be approached by many bootleg cab drivers. The only way to avoid them is to book a car in advance, which is likely more expensive.
- Ramadan is a factor but due to the lack of tourists anyway, this does not need to be a major distraction for your visit.
- Great to buy items locally and at the airport as prices are very good. Your local currency will be worthless outside.
- French is spoken everywhere.
- Visiting the Sahara is also an incredible experience but needs some planning and time.
- See a recent Algerian post from one of our catchers.
