Algeria Travel Notes: Essential Travel Tips

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Access to your government’s embassy while travelling

Australia www.dfat.gov.au
New Zealand www.mfat.govt.nz
Canada www.travel.gc.ca
United Kingdom www.gov.uk
America www.usembassy.gov

Time Zones

Algiers, Algeria is GMT +1 hour. Algeria does not operate daylight savings.
To obtain the current local time and date in the cities and countries you are travelling to, please visit: www.timeanddate.com

Electricity and Plugs

Algeria uses 240 volts. Plugs are of the two-round-pronged European type (type F) – www.korjo.com/adaptor-guide

Language

The official language is Arabic (Algerian dialect), however as this was a French colony most people still speak French. English is not common.

Currency

To obtain the most up-to-date exchange rate you may wish to visit: www.xe.com/currencyconverter

The official currency of Algeria is the Algerian Dinar (DZD) and equals 100 centimes. There are banknotes to the value of 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 and Dinar coins are (1, 2, are rarely used) 5, 10, 20, 50. Centime coins are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50.

You cannot purchase Algerian Dinar prior to arrival. The best place to change money is at the airport upon arrival and at good hotels. Foreign currency (Euro/ USD/ GBP) can be exchanged at larger hotels and we advise you to take crisp, new banknotes in smaller denominations. (no larger than US $50.00)

On an ASA Tour, Euro’s, US Dollars, and British Pounds can be changed with the National Guide who will accompany the whole tour.

Cash is King! You can only use local currency and there are very few ATM machines that accept internation cards. If you find an ATM that accepts your card it may not have any cash.

Credit cards are generally only accepted in big hotels. You’ll need dinars for day-to-day expenses, although tourist-oriented businesses (hotels, airlines, tour companies etc) will often accept euros.

Visa

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Algeria. You need to apply via the Algerian Consulate in your country of residency. Check with your Algerian Consul to obtain the relevant forms and information for your visa to be processed.

Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.

Telephone & Communication

Mobile Telephones

Check with your local provider regarding ‘Global Roaming’ and coverage in the places you are visiting. If you are planning to purchase a local sim card, please check with your local provider prior to departure to make sure your phone is unlocked and will accept another sim card. Remember outside of large towns and cities coverage will be poor but getting better all the time.

WhatsApp Messenger is an economical way to stay in touch with friends and family. WhatsApp is free and offers simple, secure, reliable messaging and calling service.

ASA tour leaders use WhatsApp to communicate with tour participants while travelling, so the app should be downloaded to your mobile device prior to joining the program.

Internet

Wi-fi access is sparse in Algeria. Some international hotels offer access; some charge while others have free Wi-fi zones. Should you wish access best to purchase a sim card on arrival, please remember however when out of large towns and cities you are not likely to have access. Mobilis see to have lightly better coverage.

Personal Safety

Algeria is generally a safe country, especially in the tourist areas. Police and gendarmerie forces are all around, they have zero tolerance when it comes to violence. What’s more, they take extra care of tourists and all foreigners, especially “Westerners”. Tourists are not allowed to go to areas which are not protected.

Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur. Keep expensive jewellery at home and have an awareness of where your bags and possessions are at all times.
Do not leave any personal items unattended.
Take extra care in crowded places and avoid keeping your wallet or phone in your hip pocket.
Do not walk alone at night – better to be with a couple of other people and stay in the main areas.
We strongly recommend the use of a money belt to keep your cash, cards and travel documents safe. This should be kept under your clothes at all times. This is a precaution that should be taken anywhere due to the difficulties that can be experienced when trying to replace stolen items.
Take photocopies or photos of all important documents (passport, credit cards, E-tickets, insurance).
It is generally helpful to take a business card from the hotel you are staying at. This can assist hugely if you get lost or if there is a language barrier. If you have a key card for your hotel, make sure you keep these two cards separate.

Australians Studying Abroad takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and every measure is taken to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

Australia Smart Traveller
New Zealand Safe Travel
Canada Canada Travel Information
United Kingdon UK Foreign Travel Advice
USA US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Health

It is advisable to consult with your doctor or local travel clinic in the weeks leading up to your departure, allowing enough time to obtain any relevant vaccinations or travel medication that may be required.

We recommend you drink only bottled water. Tap water is not recommended. ASA provides bottled water for all day excursions.

Travelling with Medication

Not all medications available in your home country, over the counter or by prescription, are available in other countries. Some may be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by a doctor. If unsure, travellers should check the regulations on importing or transporting medicines to their chosen destination by contacting the relevant embassy or high commission for clarification.

All medication should be carried in their original packaging and in your hand luggage. If you are taking medication whilst travelling, please make sure you have enough for the duration of your trip.

Carry a letter from your doctor stating:

what the medication is and what it is for
your required dosage
that it is for personal use

For more information, contact the Consulate-General of Algeria in your country.

Australia www.dfat.gov.au
New Zealand www.mfat.govt.nz
Canada www.travel.gc.ca
United Kingdom www.gov.uk
USA US Department of State

What to Pack

Clothing (general)

The time of the year you visit this destination will dictate the type of clothing it is appropriate to bring. For daytime activities, we suggest a wardrobe that is versatile, casual and comfortable. It is recommended that “layered” clothing might offer the best comfort in a variety of conditions. Always expect the weather to be changeable.

Men:

Long trousers only. As Algeria is a Muslim country shorts are not considered appropriate apparel and are not permitted for entry into religious sites.

Ladies:

Due to the nature of the terrain covered on this tour you will find it more comfortable to wear trousers during the day. This also applies to managing toilet facilities where squat toilets are common.
For convenience skirts are only appropriate in the evening and must be well below the knee.
Long sleeved cotton over‐shirts are very useful, especially at the outdoor sites.
T‐Shirts are permitted apparel when entering churches, monasteries and mosques however they must cover your shoulders. (No singlet type T‐Shirts)
Scarf: While you are not required to wear a head scarf at all times, you must carry one with you to use for entry into religious sites ‐ preferably cotton for comfort in the heat and not silk as they tend to slip off. A scarf a metre or so in length will be the easiest to manage.
When in the M’Zab valley you should dress more conservatively as this is a closed area and the locals are more traditional.

Beyond the normal wardrobe, we suggest the following:

Day pack or a cross-body handbag. Site visits often involve walking on uneven ground, up numerous steps and may be of a reasonable duration. You will want to have your hands free to hold rails or steady yourself as applicable. A day pack/ cross body bag will allow you to easily carry your ancillary items: camera, waterproof, sunhat, sunscreen, bottled water, sunglasses etc.
A hiking pole (fold-up) should be considered as many sites have steps and uneven ground, often without handrails.
Comfortable walking shoes are very important (hiking boots are not required); sandals or open shoes are only suitable for the evening.
Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat – these items are a must.
Travel torch.
Folding umbrella.
Toilet paper, wet wipes and hand sanitiser. (see note below – Toilets).
Camera: Please take all necessary equipment/spares as will be difficult to purchase additional supplies while on tour.
Extra prescription eyeglasses (if required).
Eyeshades may be helpful if you have trouble sleeping with the light of the midnight sun during the summertime.

Cotton and linen lightweights are best for winter months and for evenings in desert areas. Woollens and light rainwear are advised for the winter along the coast and the Hauts Plateaux. Remember that desert temperatures can drop very low during the night, so don’t get caught out with only flimsy layers.

Toilets: Once you have left your hotel, the toilets will be a mixture of Squat (more common) & European, with no toilet paper supplied. There is also no soap provided. It is recommended that you always carry toilet paper, wet ones and hand sanitiser with you at all times.

Hotel Rooms:

Soap is provided however, in the majority of hotels, there is no shampoo or conditioner. We recommend you bring this with you.
Hairdryers are available at most hotels. When not in the room you can request one from reception.
Hand basin plug: not always provided. We recommend you take a “Universal” plug.
Fridge: In some hotels there is a small fridge in the room – usually empty. If there is a minibar the alcohol is expensive.
Room service: Expensive.
Alcohol: Expensive in general (and not just in hotels).

Etiquette

No attempt should be made to photograph anything remotely connected with the armed forces, police or in the vicinity of defence installations or Government buildings.
Many people do not like being photographed, while others may try to obtain money from you. Always ask permission before photographing someone.
A handshake and a smile is the customary greeting for new acquaintances. Hugs and kisses are mostly reserved for family members.
The cost of service and VAT is included in all prices at restaurants, hotels, taxis etc. Tipping is therefore not customary in Iceland, but is nonetheless appreciated when offered.
No photography of local people in the M’zab valley

Climate

In Algeria, the largest African country, there are three types of climate: the Mediterranean climate of the coast, the transitional climate of the northern hills and mountains, which is a little more continental and moderately rainy, and finally, the desert climate of the vast area occupied by the Sahara.

We suggest checking the weather forecast for the most up-to-date information, prior to your departure.
www.worldweatheronline.com or www.weather-finder.com

Average minimum/maximum Temperatures (˚C)

City

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Algiers

5/17

5/18

7/20

9/22

13/25

16/29

19/32

20/33

18/30

14/26

10/21

7/18

Ghardaia

6/16

8/18

11/22

14/26

19/31

24/36

27/39

22/34

17/27

11/21

7/16

Constantine

3/12

4/13

5/16

8/19

12/24

16/30

19/34

19/33

16/29

12/24

8/18

4/13

Timimoun

6/19

8/22

12/27

17/34

21/36

26/42

29/44

28/43

25/39