Algeria is a country in North Africa. It is the largest country on the continent. It borders Morocco, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Libya and Tunisia. The northern coast of the country is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Why go?
It is not a popular tourist destination, with street riots and kidnappings of foreigners common in the last two decades. It is much safer to visit neighbouring Morocco and Tunisia, which are focused on tourism and beach holidays.
The bravest and most experienced travelers sometimes decide to travel to Algeria: at least to add another country to their collection. They discover the stunning diversity of the Sahara landscapes and monuments of ancient civilizations.
The main thing about the country
- The capital and largest city is Algiers.
- Official languages: Arabic, Berber.
- Time zone UTC+1. Time is 2 hours behind Moscow.
- Form of government: democratic republic.
- The cost of the trip is about 10-15 thousand rubles per day, excluding tickets.
- The majority of the population is Muslim, but there are small numbers of Jews and Christians.
- Algerians can be intrusive and even dangerous towards tourists; foreigners should not walk down the street alone or in small groups.
- The country’s economy is based mainly on hydrocarbon production; seafood production and agriculture are also developed.
- 80% of the country is occupied by the Sahara, the world’s largest hot desert.
- The relief is varied, represented by folded ridges, massifs and intermountain plains.
- The climate is subtropical Mediterranean in the north and tropical desert in the Sahara.
Customs
Customs regulations are standard: weapons, explosives and drugs cannot be brought across the border. In addition, materials that could offend local morals and customs are prohibited from being imported. Any currency and jewelry made of precious metals must be declared.
When to go
You can relax on the coast all year round: even in January, the average daily temperature does not fall below +11 °C. The warmest month is August with an average temperature of +27 °C.
The southern rations of the country are located in the desert climate zone, where the constant summer temperature is about +40 °C, and precipitation is almost absent. Therefore, it is reasonable to choose the periods from March to May and from September to November to visit the Sahara.
Most of the year it is comfortable to wear light summer clothes. A windbreaker or jacket is only needed in winter, mainly in the evening. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential attributes for a holiday in North Africa.
Holidays and non-working days
- New Year – January 1;
- Labor Day – May 1st;
- Independence Day – July 5;
- The anniversary of the revolution is November 1;
- Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar calendar;
- Eid al-Fitr is a holiday marking the end of the fast;
- Eid al-Adha – Day of Sacrifice;
- Mawlid an-Nabi is the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.
Also, all Fridays and Saturdays are days off in Algeria.
Currency
The currency is the Algerian dinar. Circulation of other currencies is prohibited. Credit cards are accepted only in the capital, and not everywhere. It is legal to exchange currency only at bank branches and official exchange offices. It is best to travel with US dollars and euros.
ATMs are ubiquitous. Sometimes they ask for a 6-digit PIN code. In this case, you just need to enter the first two zeros, then the usual 4-digit code.
Prices
The cost of living in Algeria is slightly lower than in neighboring Morocco. Some examples of prices:
- meals for 2 people in a mid-range restaurant, three courses – 1100 ₽;
- Coca-Cola in a 0.33 l can – 37 ₽;
- bottled water 0.33 l — 13.5 ₽.
Beaches
Algeria can hardly be called a paradise for a beach holiday. Despite the coastline of almost 1000 m, it is difficult to find a hotel with good service and a decent beach. Swimming and sunbathing are more comfortable in Morocco and Tunisia.
But you can also admire the beautiful views of the water in Algeria: on the Turquoise Coast (Cote Turqoise) and Cape Sidi Fredj.
Resorts
The most visited city in the country is the capital Algiers, located on the Mediterranean coast. Other resorts and simply interesting cities in terms of tourism: Annaba, Bejaia, Oran, Setif.
Attractions
The pride and “tourist mecca” of the country is, of course, the Sahara. Local travel agencies offer excursions there lasting from several hours to 2 weeks.
On the coast of Algeria, it is definitely worth visiting the ruins of ancient civilizations: Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine. The most impressive historical sites in the vicinity of the capital are Djemila, Timgad, Tipassa.
In the southern part of the country lies the Tassili National Park, with hiking trails, campsites, unusual rock formations and caves covered with prehistoric paintings.
Entertainment
Foreign tourists in Algeria are offered:
- city sightseeing tours;
- desert tours on camels and 4WD vehicles;
- diving and snorkeling;
- sea trips and fishing;
- surfing, water skiing and motorbikes;
- trips to national parks.
Water parks are also popular here. The most interesting of them is Piscine Aquafortland. Also, while in Algiers, it is definitely worth visiting the Ben Aknoun amusement park. For fans of nightlife, there are bars and clubs.
Shopping is also worth mentioning separately: the colorful Algerian markets and shopping centers are a prominent attraction of the capital.
Kitchen
Algerian cuisine has its roots in Maghreb culinary traditions. Popular national dishes include:
- lamb shorba (soup);
- dawara – stewed offal with vegetables;
- tagine – an omelette filled with potatoes and meat;
- reshta – homemade noodles with chicken and beans;
- shakshuka – a salad of vegetables and eggs;
- meshui – grilled lamb or beef steaks.
French baguettes are common everywhere, and in the southern regions they eat tagella, a flatbread baked directly in the sand. Among the sweets, one can note kalb el loz (almond heart) and dozens of varieties of baklava. It is customary to finish the meal with sweet green tea or strong Arabic coffee.
Souvenirs
Travelers often bring back from Algeria embossed copper and bronze items, all kinds of ceramic vessels, leather and wood souvenirs, and straw items. The Berber heritage deserves special attention: these include carpets with national ornaments, massive silver jewelry, and cosmetics created according to unique ancient recipes.
Transport
Algeria is the only African country, besides Egypt, that has a metro. However, it has only a few lines. There are also buses, trams, minibuses and taxis in the capital.
It is convenient to travel long distances around the country by plane or train.
Safety
Algeria still faces a terrorist threat. On the roads of some regions of the country, tourists risk encountering terrorist groups and even being attacked by them.
The north of the country is considered relatively safe. However, travel to the southeastern provinces of Tamanrasset, Janne and Illizi is strongly recommended to be avoided. In case of urgent need, these places can be visited only with permission from the authorities and accompanied by armed guards.
Excursions and tours around Algeria should preferably be booked through official travel agencies, a list of which can be found at the National Tourism Office of the country. You should not drink tap water, it is better to buy bottled water.
Medicine
Infections, including sexually transmitted diseases, are common in the country. Gastrointestinal diseases associated with high mineralization of water are common, as are colds. Scorpion bites are regularly recorded.
When planning a visit to the Sahara, take into account your health: the desert climate is difficult to bear even for a healthy person.
International medical insurance is absolutely necessary: without it, they simply won’t issue a visa.
Traditions
Algeria is a fairly conservative country where Islamic traditions prevail. Drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited, revealing clothing is also not welcomed. In addition to Arabs, there are Berbers here – an indigenous North African population that has largely preserved its way of life and customs.
Men are distinguished by a hot and explosive character: a tourist should not attract attention to himself and stare at passers-by. You should not take pictures of the local population: at best, an Algerian will turn away, and at worst, he will get into a fight. Moreover, you should not try to capture women and ask them anything, especially if you are a man.
Internet
Large Russian mobile operators operate in roaming in Algeria, but it is usually more profitable to buy an international or local SIM card. The most popular and well-covered Algerian mobile operators are Mobilis and Nedjma. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, but it is not always stable.
Useful facts
- Almost all roads are of decent quality, but drivers often break the rules and there are almost no traffic lights.
- Hotels are equipped with standard European sockets and plugs with two round contacts (types C and F).
- There is a tipping culture in the country: in restaurants it is customary to leave 10% of the bill. In hotels it is at the guest’s discretion.
Local laws
In the country, it is forbidden to take photographs of any government buildings or security facilities, including police checkpoints.
When buying souvenirs in Algeria, you need to obtain the appropriate documents for everything that looks antique, otherwise tourists may be detained at the airport upon departure and prohibited from leaving the country with this souvenir, since smuggling antiques in Algeria is a criminal offense.