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Introduction
Algeria (in Arabic, الجزائر, al-Yazā’ir; officially, Algerian People's Democratic Republic, الجمهورية الجزائرية الديمقراطية الشعبية, al-Yumhuriyya al-Yazā'iriyya ad-Dīmuqrāţiyya ash-Shaʿbiyya) is a country located in the north of Africa. It is the largest country on the continent and borders Morocco northeast, with Tunisia Y Libya to the east, and with Mali, Niger Y Occidental Sahara southwest and Chad to the southeast.
Understand
Located between the Sahara desert and the Mediterranean Sea, the remnants of Algeria's past dazzle its tourists: from the Roman ruins in Batna and the Berber architecture of M'zab even the French air of the streets of Algiers Y Oran. Algeria had a long history of colonization by the French. It won its independence in the famous revolution of November 1, 1954, a rather bloody war that left scars. Despite the brutality of the fighting and French attempts to suppress the independence movement, Algeria and France still maintain close ties, with many Algerians and people of Algerian descent in France and French is still commonly spoken as a second or third language in Algeria. today.
Algeria has a coastline of the Mediterranean Sea in the north. It is bordered by Morocco to the northwest, Tunisia to the northeast, Libya to the east, Niger to the southeast, Mali to the southwest, Mauritania and Western Sahara to the west. It is the largest country in Africa and also the most developed country in continental Africa according to the United Nations Human Development Index.
Electricity
Officially, 220 V 50 Hz. The plugs are of the European standard CEE-7/7 "Schukostecker" or "Schuko", or the types compatible, but not always grounded, CEE-7/16 "Europlug". Canadian and American travelers should pack an adapter for these plugs if they plan to use North American electrical equipment in Algeria.
Regions
| Algiers and surroundings | |
the metropolitan area around the capital: Algiers Bejaia Blida Tizi Ouzou Tissemsilt | |
| Northeast area | |
 | the vast mountains and high plains east of Algiers: Annaba Azazga Batna Constantine Dellys Guelma Setif Skikda |
| Northwest zone | |
 | the mountainous coastal area west of Algiers: Oran Saïda Tiaret Tipaza Tlemcen |
| Atlas Mountains | |
 | the mountain range of the interior of the highlands: Béchar Djelfa Laghouat M'Sila |
| The sahara | |
 | the vast desert in the south of the country: Ghardaïa Hoggar Illizi M'zab Tamanrasset Tassili n'Ajjer Tindouf |
To get
There are ferries that from Spain They allow to arrive at the ports of Algiers and Oran, mainly. It can also be reached by air to Algiers airport, which is the main one in the country. Access by land is especially discouraged (except perhaps for Tunisia), given that the southern border of Algeria borders areas that are beyond the control of other states and that are governed by terrorists. The land border between Algeria Y Morocco is closed.
| Visa restrictions: Due to the Arab League boycott of Israel, the entry will be denied to the citizens of Israel and for those who show Israel stamps and / or visas. See also: Visa problems |
Entry requirements
Visas are required for most nationalities, except for citizens of Libya, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Western Sahara, Seychelles, Tunisia and Yemen. The issuance of a visa seems to be unpredictable, it could be granted easily, but also it could take several weeks or even be rejected. It is highly recommended to submit your application to a visa agency that has some experience with Algerian consulates. In general, it is necessary to present proof of income, medical insurance, flight and hotel reservations, etc. The Algerian government does not make it easy for travelers who want to travel on their own. However, if you get a visa, you can easily travel to any other place not mentioned in your visa application without any problem. Furthermore, there seems to be no problem traveling south only (except perhaps the border regions and the far south), even though consulates clearly state that travel to the south must be requested and accompanied by an authorized travel. agency.
By plane
1 Houari Boumediene Airport (ALGIATA). Most major European airlines, such as (Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, Iberia, Alitalia, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines) fly daily to Algiers, but there are also some long-haul routes, such as (Beijing, Montreal , Doha)
From the United Kingdom, flying via Barcelona or Madrid can be cheaper than flying direct.
From the United States, the cheapest way to get to Algiers is via London (British Airways), Paris (Air France) or Frankfurt (Lufthansa).
The national airline, Air Algerie, flies to many destinations in Europe, especially France, but also some cities in Africa and the Middle East. All destinations served by Air Algerie from Algiers: Abidjan, Alicante, Bamako, Barcelona, Basel, Beijing, Beirut, Berlin, Brussels, Cairo, Casablanca, Dakar, Damascus, Dubai, Frankfurt, Geneva, Istanbul, London, Madrid , Milan, Montreal, Moscow, Niamey, Paris, Rome, Tripoli, Tunisia. Edit
By train
The Algerian train company is called SNTF and tickets can be bought at train stations. Online booking no longer seems to be possible; schedules are subject to change; the best way is to ask at the train station. The network in the north is dense. You can get to Algeria by train from Tunis, although you will have to change trains at the border post. All border points with Morocco are closed.
If you can, try to take the newer trains as they are more comfortable and climate controlled.
By car
| Libya "temporarily" closed its land border with Algeria on December 16, 2012. It is unclear when the border will reopen. |
Boat
Prices are usually cheaper than flying, so if you can and don't have a car, take a plane. Most connections are provided by Algerie Ferries.
From / to Spain:
- Alicante to Algiers and Oran
- Almeria to Ghazaouet
- Barcelona to Algiers and Oran
From / to France:
- Marseille to almost all Algerian ports (Annaba, Skikda, Bejaia, Jijel, Algiers, Oran)
From / to Italy:
- Naples to Tunis and take a highway for 1 hour
- Rome (Civitavecchia) to Tunis and take a highway for 1 hour
Travel
Algeria is a country enormous and traveling between the main cities can take a lot of time and nerves too, while the distances in the more populated north are not that great and a trip from east to west can be done in one day traveling to Sahara cities are more difficult already that the south is hardly connected with good roads, trains and buses.
By plane
Almost every major city in Algeria can be reached from Algiers by plane, and a flight is highly recommended when traveling on longer routes and into the cities of the Sahara. Houari Boumediene, in Algiers, is the only modern airport in the country; the other airports are more like airfields and lack infrastructure.
Air Algérie It is the national airline with many flights to almost all Algerian cities with airports. Prices vary according to the length of the route flown; air tickets to the little ones and to the Sahara ci: applicants must provide with their application an invitation from their host in Algeria and notarized at the town hall of the Algerian host's place of residence. The Embassy will not accept invitations sent by fax or separately.
Spouses of Algerian citizens must present a copy of their spouse's valid consular registration card and a letter of sponsorship signed by the Algerian spouse.
Passport return: Applicants can pick up their passports at the Embassy or send a prepaid self-addressed envelope. The Embassy is not responsible for the loss or delay of documents by the post office or other visa services.
Important:
- Full documentation is required. Any incomplete documentation can extend the processing time or be returned to the applicant at a cost. - The processing of an application may be delayed if the prior agreement of the Algerian authorities is required. In addition, the Embassy reserves the right to request additional documentation from any applicant. It is not the responsibility of the Embassy if there is any delay in the processing of the visa application. - Applicants must organize their trip to Algeria based on the date of entry indicated on their visa. Applicants must not arrive in Algeria before that date; they will not be allowed to enter. In case of change in travel plans, applicants must obtain a new visa.
Cities tend to be more expensive than between larger cities (like Oran to Algiers). The airline uses Houari Boumediene Airport as its hub, and almost all flights start or land there. There are seven daily flights to Oran from Algiers and five daily flights to Annaba and Costantine. Other destinations served from Algiers daily or several days a week are Adrar, El Oued, Tebessa, Batna, Biskra, Sétif, In Ames, Tindouf, Timmoun, Tlemcen, Tamanrasset, Tiaret, Tebessa, El Goela, Ouaragla, Hassi Mesaoud, Bejaia , Ghardaia, Tlemcen, Illizi, Djanet, Touggourt and Béchar.
In taxi
It is common to take a taxi to travel between nearby cities or in cities, the prices are quite moderate but when traveling between larger cities with long distances, taxis are the same or more expensive than flying. Try to avoid unofficial taxis, as the driver will most likely rip you off. Most taxis do not have a meter, so it is a good idea to set the price in advance. Many drivers will try to take advantage of your lack of knowledge, but they will never pay more than 30 DA per km, regardless of what they tell you. Tipping is not required, but can be rounded up to the next 10 DA.
By car
The road network is well developed in the north, the Algerian government has made many improvements in recent years regarding road construction, new roads were built to replace the already deteriorated roads. The most important road is the N1 (east-west route) 1200 km long from Annaba to Oran, almost all the largest cities in the north are connected to this highway, including Algiers.
A car is not absolutely necessary due to the smooth running of the public transport system, but it can sometimes be helpful in reaching more remote areas. Keep in mind that driving habits are completely different compared to western norms and that the rules and prohibitive signs are seen more like guidelines, even by the police! It would be a good decision to let a local Algerian drive for you for the first few days to get an idea of the driving style, if this is not possible it is recommended to stay on the roads.
Do not Try to reach the Sahara areas with a car other than a 4x4, the occasional dunes on the roads and extreme temperature changes will pose a challenge for the driver and the car.
Starting in 2018, fuel will cost no more than 50 DZD per liter.
By train
Algerian railways are operated by SNTF; trains and lines are being modernized. Ten comfortable high-speed trains called Autorail were bought, two of them are in operation. Tickets cannot be purchased online, only in train stations, prices are quite moderate but more expensive than buses or taxis but in return you will have more comfort and enjoy wonderful landscapes.
Main routes:
- Algiers to Oran, the train takes 4 hours and leaves every day at 15:00 from Algiers central station and arrives in Oran at 19:30, second class: 1000 DA, first class: 1500 DA.
- Algiers to Annaba, on this route there is only one slow and less comfortable night train, which leaves every day at 8:45 pm and takes all night for the way to Annaba. Alternatively, you can take the day train to Constantine and from there take a cheap taxi to Annaba.
- Algiers to Constantine, who departs daily at 06:45 and arrives in Constantine at 13:30, be sure to get a window seat because the train will take you through the picturesque Kabilyan mountains and wonderful landscapes, 2nd class: DA 1200, 1st. Class: DA 1800.
Talk
All the people speak Arabic, which is the first official language of the country. Berber is also spoken in much of northern Algeria. Regarding Latin languages, around 70% of the population also speaks French, because until 1962 the country was the French region of Algeria.
There are half a million French still in the country.
The Arabic that is spoken in the Maghreb region (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia) is quite different from the Arabic that is spoken in other parts of the Arab world, so don't be surprised if you don't understand anything that is said to you, even if is competent. in standard Arabic. Algerian Arabic contains many French words. All Algerians learn to speak standard Arabic at school, but it is not used as the main language of communication; If you don't understand someone, just ask the person to speak standard Arabic (al-arabiyya al-fus'ha). Egyptian Arabic is also widely understood due to the popularity of Egyptian cinema.
Berber is also spoken by many people in Algeria, mainly in rural areas, the largest of which is the historic Kabylie region, which includes much of central and northeastern Algeria, close to the capital.
French, the colonial language, is not the main language of communication, but it is widely spoken and understood, as Algerian schools teach it from the third grade onwards.
Generally, only the younger generations in Algeria can understand and speak some English (starting from the first year of high school, some students can speak and understand English very well), but most people can communicate in French.
Some common phrases in Algerian Arabic:
- Washrak: How are you?
- Mlih - Good
- Shukran - Thank you
- Y'Semoni or wasamni .... - My name is ....
- Shehal - How much? or how much does it cost?
To buy
Money
| Algerian dinar exchange rates As of January 2020:
Exchange rates fluctuate. Current rates for these and other currencies are available on XE.com |
Traditional Berber carpet designs The Algerian currency is the Algerian dinar , denoted by the symbol " د.ج "or" GIVES "(ISO code: DZD ). There are DA5, DA10, DA20, DA50 and DA100 coins. Banknotes are issued in DA100, DA200, DA500, DA1000, DA2000, DA5000 denominations.
Money can be exchanged at banks or post offices. Make sure the exchanged bills are in good condition; people tend to be picky when it comes to accepting old and torn bills. Be careful with currencies other than euros or US dollars; it may be difficult to find a bank that exchanges less common currencies.
A better exchange rate can usually be found by exchanging money through unofficial money changers on the corners. There are places where this is an incredibly common practice. The exchange rate offered is generally much better than the official rate. It appears to be a very safe practice and is often done in full view of the police, who do not seem concerned.
ATMs are widely available and can be found in all larger post offices or banks where you can withdraw Algerian dinars with any credit card and Maestro cards. If a 6-number pin is required, just enter two zeros before the pin. Many Algerian brand ATMs do not work for foreign cards (even when they show that they accept Mastercard or Visa). You may be lucky with Societé Générale ATMs.
Generally speaking, Algeria is a very cash-based society and most establishments do not accept credit cards. Some hotels do (particularly the larger ones), but some don't. Bringing a large amount of euros in cash can result in much cheaper travel by taking advantage of the much better exchange rates offered by the unofficial exchange market as mentioned above.
Algeria has had a parallel foreign exchange market for several years, eg. Eg with exchange rates in August 2018 of DA215 per euro in the parallel market, compared to around 140 per US dollar in the official Forex market. Thus, travelers willing to exchange euros will have approximately 50% more purchasing power. However, be careful if you make changes to the parallel market, both for your safety and because of the possibility of false invoices.
Costs
Living in Algeria is very cheap compared to western conditions; for example, the DA300 will provide you with a full meal or a bus trip from Algiers to Oran (400 km). Renting a medium-sized apartment will normally cost around DA 60,000 per month, payable 6 months in advance; a metro ticket is DA50.
Eat and get out
Food
The best place to eat in the capital Algiers is the Draria neighborhood, where apart from making different types of Arabic food there are also foods from other countries. Algerian food is delicious. Note that some French dishes are variations of this.
- Fettate (specialty of the Sahara, in Tamanrasset)
- Taguella (sand bread, nomadic specialty)
- Couscous (steamed semolina with sauce containing meat and / or potatoes, carrots, zucchini and chickpeas)
- Buseluf (cooked lamb's head)
- Dowara (stomach and intestines stew with zucchini and chickpeas)
- Chorba (a meaty soup)
- Rechta (handmade spaghetti, usually served with a clear chicken broth, potatoes, and chickpeas)
- Chakchouka (usually has green peppers, onions, and tomatoes; egg can be added)
- Mechoui (grilled lamb)
- Algerian pizza
- Tajine (stew)
- Mhadjeb
Desserts and snacks
- Qalb El Louz (dessert with almonds)
- Baklawa (honey dipped almond cakes)
- Ktayef (a kind of baked noodles, stuffed with almonds and dipped in sugar, syrup and honey)
Drink
Algeria produces a selection of wines (not in large volume) and also beer. Algeria was once famous for its high-quality wines. The new production is also of very high quality, especially the red wine. The locally produced beer is also of a very high standard. Algeria is a Muslim-majority country, so alcohol is not sold everywhere, but it is not difficult to find. Wine and alcoholic beverages are sold in the few bar-restaurants in the big cities, better hotels and night clubs. Some bars / restaurants can be found in nice parks, so if you are in a nice wooded park, look for the restaurants. Fast food restaurants that are open and affordable to the public do not sell beer and coffee shops do not sell alcohol. If you visit Algiers or coastal cities, there are fish restaurants in almost all the fishing ports, the fishing is traditional and the fish sold is very fresh; These restaurants usually sell alcohol but you have to ask (don't expect to see it, sometimes it's on the menu, sometimes not).
Finally, you can buy your own bottle of Algerian wine to take home in discreet shops that sell alcoholic beverages. Better to buy it at Algiers airport, even if you expect to pay € 15 per bottle. In smaller cities, buying alcoholic beverages can be a challenge; you usually find them on the outskirts of cities in sketchy areas and the conditions in which the alcohol was stored are sometimes questionable. Some Muslims drink but consider it a sin. It is privately but socially. If someone invites you into their home and doesn't offer you alcohol, they hope you're not drunk or smell alcohol, and they don't expect you to bring your own bottle or even talk about drinking alcohol in front of your wife and kids.
Non-alcoholic
- Mediterranean juices (grenadine, orange)
- Very sweet green tea
- Strong coffee
Sleep
For housing, the truth is that it is not difficult, since there are luxury and cheap hotels throughout the country. The price of a beautiful luxury room for a couple costs between € 150-250 per day, as there are rooms from € 10 to € 45 for low-budget tourists. Many services are available in luxury hotels, such as cafeteria, bar, restaurant, nightclub, swimming pool. During the summer season from June 15 to August 31, many owners rent houses and cabins on the Mediterranean Sea from Port Say (Marsa Ben M'hidi) in El-Kala. Prices vary depending on the number of pieces, normally between € 700 and € 3,000 per month, electricity included, but it is better to book in advance through an acquaintance or a travel agency. In addition, many Algerians use advertisements on the Internet: the bids are sometimes interesting, but it is always better to send a loved one to visit the place before paying. There is also the Meskoutine Hammam complex (spa, pool, etc.) which is located near a waterfall from which a source of hot water at 98 ° C (208 ° F) flows. This is the second hottest in the world after the Icelandic geyser. The price, depending on the number of rooms in the bungalow, varies between 1500 and 3000 DA per day.
See also
Wikipedia has an article on Algeria.w: Algeria
Wikimedia Commons houses multimedia content about Algeria. Commons
