Money and payments
Cards and cash
Although ATMs are widely available, you likewise will not want to use ATMs.
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Africa · Northern AfricaOutline guideCountry in North Africa
Photo: Peter Fitzgerald, Gvf, Escondites, Golbez, Chabacano, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Algeria (Arabic: الجزائر, al-Jazāʾir; Algerian Arabic: الدزاير, al-dzayir; Berber: ⴷⵣⴰⵢⴻⵔ, dzayer; French: Algérie) is the largest country in Africa. Overlooked by many travellers, the country is bursting with beauty waiting to be discovered. From the bustling markets of Algiers to the pristine beaches of its Mediterranean coast, from the jaw-droppingly beautiful mountains of the north to the mesmerising deep reaches of the Sahara desert to the south, there is something for almost everyone to explore. Enjoy traditional cuisine, explore the ancient ruins, take in the breathtaking views, and then breathe in a world where few travellers tread. Algeria, and in particular Algerian hospitality, will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Algeria.
Cards and cash
Although ATMs are widely available, you likewise will not want to use ATMs.
Arabic
The official languages of Algeria are Arabic and Berber. Many Algerians are multilingual.
In September 2025, a SIM card with 100 GB of data was sold by Ooredoo for DA2500.
Mobile networks
Buy bottles of water instead of drinking tap water: they are cheap at DA40 for 1.5L, so 5L of good water costs less than US$1.
Although Algeria has a universal healthcare system that covers all citizens and provides free medical care at public facilities, the public healthcare system is notorious for being poorly maintained; the system has been…
Algerians share a common culture with other North Africans and Arabs in the Gulf; therefore, much of what is considered good manners in the Arab world applies to Algeria.
Covered in the guide
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
The capital of Algeria, and the nation's political and cultural center. It is a vibrant and multicultural city, with a mix of French, Arab, and African influences. The city is well known for its beautiful architecture, stunning beaches, and lively nightlife.
a town with 200,000 inhabitants in the east of the country next to the border of Tunisia.
the main city and commune of Batna Province, Algeria. With a population of 340,000, it is the fifth largest city in Algeria. It is also one of the principal cities of the Chaoui area and is considered the capital of Aurès.
small city in the Sahara, not far from the Moroccan border.
Algeria's 3rd largest city with a canyon going down through it. Also known as "city of bridges" for having a lot of impressive and beautiful bridges.
Algeria's 2nd largest city after Algiers, also called "second Paris" or "Rai city " by Algerians, with many impressive buildings from colonial times and also being popular for making quality rai songs
the trade capital of Algeria, Setif El-Ali (The High) is the capital of high plateaus, with quite moderate temperatures and occasional snow falls in the winter.
largest town in the south and starting point for expeditions to the Sahara and the Hoggar Mountains.
Roman ruins
Annaba is a coastal city in Northeast Algeria.
fantastic architecture
a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Sahara desert
Timgad was a Roman city in the Aurès Mountains of Algeria
Places in Algeria on the World Heritage List.
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Starting point for travel in Algeria. Consists of bustling metropolitan areas within the rich cultural region of Kabylie, and the capital, Algiers
Mountainous and hilly, the region is home to several important historical sites.
The mountainous coastal area west of Algiers
The mountain range inland of the high plateaus
The least populated area and home to many deserts. Offers the traveller the opportunity to explore a slice of the Saharan desert.
Public transport and paid services in Algeria.
By bus
Companies providing bus services are ETUSA and SNTR. Cost for buses between major cities vary between DA500-2,000. Local buses are not well-marked.
By train
Algerian railways are operated by SNTF; the trains and lines are being modernised. Ten comfortable high-speed trains named Autorail were bought, and two of them are in operation.
By plane
Due to the country's immense geography, the most convenient way of travelling long distances is by plane. That said, schedules are more guidelines in Algeria; expect delays.
By taxi
It's usual to take a taxi to travel near or in cities. The prices are pretty moderate but when travelling between bigger cities with large distances taxis are the same or more expensive as flying.
By ride-hailing service
Most well-known ride-hailing services such as Uber don't operate in Algeria. Instead you can use:
By car
The road network is well developed in the north. The Algerian government has made much improvements regarding road building; new highways were built to replace the older roads.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Algeria.
Finding apps for Algeria…
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Algiers · International · ALG
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Algiers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 13° | 14° | 17° | 20° | 24° | 30° | 34° | 34° | 29° | 25° | 18° | 14° |
| Avg. low | 5° | 5° | 7° | 10° | 13° | 17° | 21° | 21° | 18° | 14° | 10° | 6° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 89 | 69 | 69 | 64 | 46 | 14 | 5 | 13 | 39 | 58 | 92 | 83 |
| Humidity | 79% | 77% | 75% | 71% | 65% | 56% | 49% | 52% | 62% | 65% | 74% | 79% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$40
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$100
Per person, per day
Luxury
$255
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $20 | $55 | $150 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $20 | $45 |
| Local transport | $5 | $10 | $20 |
| Activities | $5 | $15 | $40 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 2 of 4Exercise increased caution
Exercise increased caution in Algeria due to terrorism and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Terrorism remains a possible threat in Algeria. Terrorist attacks have historically targeted Algerian security forces. Attacks are possible in both rural and urban areas despite a heavy and active police presence. Kidnapping for ransom events in Algeria’s deep south have targeted foreigners in recent years. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens outside Algiers province. This is due to the size of the country, as well as the Algerian government’s travel restrictions on U.S. government employees. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Algeria. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas. Kidnapping and hostage taking Foreigners may be targeted for kidnapping or hostage taking by criminals and terrorists in Algeria. This is most likely to occur in the southern desert regions near the borders with Mali, Niger, or Libya and areas near migration networks. Do Not Travel to: Areas near the eastern, and southern borders, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, Illiz, In Guezzsam, In Salah, Tamanrasset, the mountainous areas of the Wilaya of Tebessa, and Tindouf due to terrorism and kidnapping. Remote areas in the Sahara Desert without the support of an organized tour group due to terrorism and kidnapping.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel Algeria border areas FCDO advises against all travel to within 30km of Algeria’s borders with: Libya Mauritania Mali Niger Tunisia – in the provinces of Illizi and Ouargla and in the Chaambi mountains area Rest of the Algeria-Tunisia border FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 30km of the rest of Algeria’s border with Tunisia. Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Algeria.
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