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Africa › Algeria

Algeria

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Mediterranean charm meets Saharan adventure

Algeria spans over nine million square kilometers making it the largest country in Africa and one of the biggest on the continent. The landscape shifts from coastal plains along the Mediterranean to high plateaus, rugged mountains and vast desert regions that include part of the Sahara. Cities such as Algiers serve as political and cultural hubs while historic sites preserve centuries-old traditions. The mix of Arab-Berber heritage shows in daily life, food, music and architecture across towns and villages throughout the nation.

Country
Climate zone: Hot desert

Hot desert: Extremely arid climates with very high temperatures, minimal rainfall, strong evaporation and sparse vegetation, typical of subtropical deserts.

See climate table
Price level: $$$
$Cheap
$$Medium
$$$Expensive, upscale
$$$+Very expensive, luxury

Note: There can be large regional differences in price levels within a country. Be sure to check the price data of individual cities or regions to get a more detailed view.

See price details
Safety: 5.5
General Safety:6
Health & medical:5
Accessibility:3
Tap water:6
Read details
Tourist English: 1/5
English proficiency is generally limited in Algeria. French is widely spoken as a second language, especially in urban areas and by educated Algerians. In tourist areas, some basic English may be understood, but French is much more useful.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Algeria Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work
Known for vast deserts and historic cities. Explore Sahara dunes, visit Roman ruins, wander old medinas and experience North African culture.
Place score
6.2
Best at:
Deserts
7
Less touristy
7
Historic sites
7
Natural sites
7
Large cities
6
Personal score
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Log in to see how this place matches your personal travel interests.
Suited for
👶 6
Families
🧓 5
Seniors
❤️ 7
Couples
♻️ 7
Sustainability
Algeria – Quick facts
Power Grid: 230 V, 50 Hz
Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
Diagram of a Type C power plug
Type F:
Diagram of a Type F power plug

Read about power adapters
Currency: Algerian Dinar (DZD)
£1 ≈ DZD 180.09
Cashless info: Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in major cities, but cash remains dominant.

Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers: Best value: Saily
Flexibility: Airalo
Read our in-depth comparison
Tipping: Tipping is common in restaurants, typically around 10%, though it is not obligatory.
Public drinking: Public drinking is prohibited in Algeria and can lead to fines or legal consequences.
Public smoking: Smoking is common in outdoor public spaces and some indoor areas.
Revolution Day
(November)
Parades, closures.
Eid al-Fitr
(Varies)
Celebrations, closures.
Emergency contact: Emergency Numbers: 17 (Police), 14 (Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps: Yassir, Uber
Other: Algeria offers vast deserts, historical Roman ruins, and Mediterranean coastlines, though some areas may be difficult to access.
Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Algeria, Algeria
⛅
Jan
⛅
Feb
⛅
Mar
🔥
Apr
🔥
May
🔥
Jun
🔥
Jul
🔥
Aug
🔥
Sep
🔥
Oct
⛅
Nov
⛅
Dec
High season: Jan. - April, July - Aug., Oct. - Dec.
Shoulder season: May - June, Sep.
Crowdedness: 3 (Few tourists)
Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info
Climate varies by region: Mediterranean north best for sightseeing April to June and September to October and beaches July to August, Sahara best October to April and dangerously hot in summer
Travel in the Sahara (Tassili, Hoggar) usually requires a local agency, a guide and permits
Ramadan: daytime food options limited, many restaurants closed until sunset

Why travel to Algeria?

Algeria's appeal lies in its remarkable diversity of landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The country boasts stunning Mediterranean beaches, impressive Roman ruins like Timgad and Djémila and the breathtaking Sahara Desert with its iconic sand dunes and ancient rock art. Beyond the natural and historical wonders, you'll find vibrant cities with distinctive architecture blending Moorish, Ottoman and French colonial influences, alongside warm hospitality and delicious cuisine that reflects the country's diverse cultural influences. However, travelers should be prepared for certain challenges. While major tourist areas have improved infrastructure in recent years, facilities in more remote regions can be basic. The weather varies dramatically between regions, with coastal areas enjoying mild Mediterranean conditions while the Sahara can experience extreme heat exceeding 40°C. The sirocco, a dusty desert wind, can occasionally blow with gale force, particularly during transitional seasons. Additionally, some regions have security concerns, so it's advisable to check current travel advisories before planning your trip.

🏯Places worth seeing
  • 1 Roman ruins of Timgad
  • 2 Tipaza
  • 3 Casbah
  • 4 Djémila
  • 5 Casbah of Algiers
  • 6 Notre Dame d'Afrique
  • 7 Kalaat Beni Hamad
🎡Places for activities
  • 1 Sahara Desert
    This vast desert spans northern Africa, featuring dramatic sand dunes, ancient rock art and extreme temperatures. Its landscape is defined by endless horizons, sparse vegetation and a rich history of nomadic cultures that have thrived here for millennia.
  • 2 Atlas Mountains
  • 3 Tamanrasset
  • 4 Bay of Algiers
  • 5 Tlemcen National Park
🏞️Natural landmarks
  • 1 Hoggar Mountains
  • 2 Assekrem
  • 3 El Kala National Park
  • 4 Chott Melghir
  • 5 Tassili N'Ajjer National Park
  • 6 Parc national de Gouraya
  • 7 Chrea National Park
  • 8 Tikjda
  • 9 Djurdjura National Park
🛍️Shopping
  • 1 المدينة الجديدة
  • 2 DIDOUCHE MOURAD ( MESSONIER )
  • 3 Centre Commercial Bab Ezzouar
  • 4 Market
🎈Events
  • International Festival of Timgad
  • Algiers International Film Festival
  • International Festival of Djémila
  • Saharan Festival of Tamanrasset
  • Eid al-Fitr Celebrations
  • Eid al-Adha
  • Mawlid (Prophet's Birthday)
  • Cherry Festival of Tlemcen
  • Date Festival of Biskra
  • International Arab Film Festival of Oran

Knowledge before you go

  • Join organized tours. Independent travel requires permits and security escorts.
  • Dress conservatively, especially women; cover shoulders and knees to respect local customs.
  • Carry cash everywhere; ATMs scarce outside Algiers, cards rarely accepted anywhere.
  • Visit Roman ruins at Timgad or desert oases with licensed guides who handle police checks.

How to travel to Algeria

Most international visitors arrive in Algeria through Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers, with additional international airports in Oran, Constantine and Annaba. Ferry services connect Algiers, Oran and Annaba to Marseille, Alicante and other Mediterranean ports. As of March 2025, most nationalities require a visa to enter Algeria, which should be arranged well in advance through Algerian embassies or consulates. The application process can be lengthy, so planning ahead is essential.

Access summary

  • Algiers: Fly to Houari Boumediene (ALG) from major European/Maghreb hubs.
  • Oran/Constantine: Direct flights from Europe or short domestic flights via Algiers.
  • Air Algérie flag carrier based in Algiers; not in global alliances.

Where to stay in Algeria

Algeria offers accommodations ranging from international hotel chains in major cities to basic guesthouses in smaller towns. Algiers, Oran and Constantine have the widest selection of hotels, while desert regions offer unique experiences in traditional desert camps. Coastal areas feature beach resorts, particularly around Oran and Annaba. While luxury options exist, many hotels may not meet international standards expected at their price points. Advance booking is recommended, especially during summer months and festivals.

How to get around Algeria

Getting around Algeria varies by region. In cities like Algiers, Oran and Constantine, public transportation includes buses, trams and taxis. For intercity travel, trains connect major northern cities, while buses reach most towns and cities at affordable prices. For exploring remote desert regions, organized tours with 4WD vehicles are recommended. Domestic flights save time when traveling between distant locations, especially between northern cities and southern Saharan destinations.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-74 %
Daily expenses in Algeria are around 74% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-3 %
Your exchange rate (GBP to DZD) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

Backpacker Mid-range Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation
£22
£49
£145
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person
£11
£29
£83
🍝 Food per day
£10
£19
£56
🚕 Transportation per day
£1
£1
£6
Food & Drink
🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person
£8
🍛 Lunch Set, per person
£2.10
🍟 Fast food combo
£3.20
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day
£3.80
☕ Cappuccino
£0.70
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l
£1.40
Transportation
🚌 Public transport ticket
£0.19
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi
£3.80
⛽ Petrol, 1 l
£0.24
Other
🎞️ Cinema ticket
£3.20
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult
£11
🤧 Cold medication
£3.30
💇 Basic haircut
£2.10

Safety information overview

General safety
6
Algeria has varying safety levels depending on region. Major cities and tourist areas are generally safe, but some border regions have security concerns. Check current travel advisories before visiting. Exercise normal precautions in urban areas where petty theft can occur.
Health & Medical
5
Medical facilities are adequate in major cities but may be limited in rural areas. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. Pharmacies are widely available in urban centers. Heat-related illnesses are a risk, especially in the Sahara region.
Accessi­bility
3
Accessibility is challenging throughout Algeria. Even major cities have limited infrastructure for mobility-impaired travelers, with uneven sidewalks and few ramps. Historical sites and natural attractions present significant barriers and public transportation rarely accommodates wheelchairs.
Tap water
6
Tap water quality varies across Algeria. In major cities, it's generally treated but many locals and visitors prefer bottled water, which is widely available and inexpensive. In rural and desert regions, always stick to bottled water.

Packing recommendations for Algeria

Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.

📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🕶️
Sunglasses
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
🧼
Hand sanitiser
🩱
Swimwear
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
especially for women
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Translation app or phrasebook
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Show more

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