Algeria

Algeria rewards travellers who give its enormous scale the respect it deserves. Begin in Algiers, where white Ottoman-era buildings spill down toward the Mediterranean and the winding Casbah feels worlds away from the modern waterfront. Continue west to Oran for seaside promenades, lively cafés and Spanish-influenced architecture, or east to Constantine, dramatically suspended above deep gorges. History becomes even more impressive at Timgad, a remarkably preserved Roman city, and Djemila, whose temples and columns rise among green hills. For desert scenery, head south toward Djanet or Tamanrasset, ideally with an experienced local guide and a carefully arranged 4x4 itinerary. Spring and autumn are comfortable for northern cities and archaeological sites, while the Sahara is generally best visited from November to February, when daytime temperatures are more manageable. Use Hello’s trip-planning tools to arrange destinations in realistic stages: domestic flights make long jumps easier, while trains, buses and private vehicles suit shorter northern routes.

Algerian food is generous, aromatic and wonderfully regional. Order couscous when you see it served with vegetables, chickpeas and lamb or chicken; Friday is traditionally associated with family couscous meals, so restaurants may have limited availability outside larger cities. In Algiers and Oran, try mhadjeb, a thin stuffed flatbread usually filled with tomato, onion and spices, or karantika, a warm chickpea-flour sandwich often finished with cumin and harissa. Chorba, a fragrant soup with vegetables, herbs and sometimes meat, is especially comforting in cooler months. For a slower meal, look for tajine zitoune, chicken with olives, or grilled merguez accompanied by bread and salads. Pastries such as makroud and almond-filled sweets pair naturally with mint tea or strong coffee. Street food can cost roughly 150–450 DZD (about US$1–3), while a simple sit-down meal often falls around 600–1,200 DZD (about US$4–8), varying by city and venue. If travelling with companions, Hello’s expense-splitting feature makes shared restaurant bills easier to settle.

Plan for a cash-based trip. The Algerian dinar (DZD) is used everywhere, and cards may work at larger hotels but are not dependable at smaller restaurants, taxis, shops or regional guesthouses. Keep small notes for cafés, markets and short taxi rides, and retain exchange receipts where required. A basic hotel room may cost around 4,000–7,000 DZD (roughly US$27–48), though prices change substantially by season and location. Track spending in dinars with Hello’s budget tools rather than mentally converting every purchase. Internet access is strongest in cities and tourist hotels, but coverage can become inconsistent on mountain roads and in the Sahara. Buy and activate Hello eSIM before landing so maps, translation apps and messages work as soon as you arrive, without relying on airport Wi-Fi or incurring roaming charges. Download offline maps as a backup, especially for desert journeys. Algeria uses 230V electricity with Type C and Type E sockets, so travellers should pack a suitable adapter.

Algeria’s northern cities are connected by trains, intercity buses and domestic flights, but journeys can still take longer than a map suggests. For Algiers, the metro and tram are useful in central areas; taxis are practical for shorter trips, though agree on the fare before departure if the meter is not used. Between major cities, book transport through established stations and allow extra time for delays. Desert travel requires more preparation: use a registered local operator or experienced guide, confirm what is included in the vehicle, fuel, accommodation and meals, and avoid setting out alone. Official travel advisories recommend avoiding remote border zones and exercising particular caution in desert regions; check your government’s latest guidance before booking. Most visitors also need a visa arranged in advance, with requirements depending on nationality, so consult the nearest Algerian embassy or consulate early. Dress modestly when visiting mosques or conservative communities, ask before photographing people, and learn a few French or Arabic phrases—polite greetings go a long way.