Algeria

Algeria is huge and varied, so a bit of planning goes a long way. Many travellers focus on Algiers, Oran, Constantine, and a couple of Roman sites like Timgad or Djemila on a first visit, then add the Sahara oases such as Ghardaïa or Djanet on a longer trip. Distances are big, so flying between cities can save time, while trains and long-distance buses are better for slow travel and tighter budgets.

Autumn and spring are ideal: the coast is mild, the highlands are comfortable, and the desert isn’t scorching. In summer, coastal towns buzz but inland heat can be intense. Algeria is conservative and majority Muslim, so pack modest clothing, especially for visiting mosques and smaller towns.

Use Hello trip planning to map out your route, pin key sights, and keep all your bookings in one place. With an eSIM from Hello, you can activate data before you land and check transport schedules or translation apps as soon as you step off the plane. For peace of mind, bookmark your embassy’s advice and confirm any permits or guided tour requirements if you plan to go deep into the Sahara.

Algeria is generally affordable, especially outside top-end hotels. Street food like a hot mahjouba (stuffed crêpe) or chorba soup can cost around 150–300 DZD (roughly 1–2 USD), while a sit-down meal in a mid-range restaurant often comes in around 800–1,800 DZD (6–14 USD). Intercity buses are cheap, and taxis are reasonable if you confirm the fare beforehand or insist on the meter.

Cash is still king, and ATMs can be patchy, so withdraw when you can and keep some small notes for cafés, taxis, and tips. Higher-end hotels and some restaurants may accept cards, but do not rely on it. Alcohol is limited and more expensive, usually in certain hotels or discreet shops.

To keep control of spending, use Hello budget tracking to log expenses in Algerian dinar (DZD) and see how your daily costs compare to your plan. If you are travelling with others, Hello’s expense splitting makes it simple to divide restaurant bills, taxis, and accommodation fairly, even if one person pays cash more often. That way, you can focus on enjoying sea views in Oran or coffee in Algiers’ squares without arguing over who owes what.

Algeria’s transport network is better than many expect, but it helps to know the basics. In cities such as Algiers, Oran, and Constantine, you will find a mix of metro or tram, city buses, and plentiful taxis. Taxis rarely use meters, so agree on a price before you get in. For intercity travel, options include:

• Trains on major routes like Algiers–Oran or Algiers–Constantine
• Long-distance buses, usually the cheapest option
• Shared taxis, faster but slightly more expensive

For remote Sahara destinations, travellers often join an organized tour or hire a local guide and driver, as they know checkpoints, fuel stops, and safe routes. Driving yourself is possible, but only if you are comfortable with long distances and variable road conditions.

Having mobile data makes everything smoother: you can check live maps, hail local ride-hailing services, and translate signs. Activate a Hello eSIM before you fly so you are online when you land at Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers or Ahmed Ben Bella Airport in Oran. Save your hotel address and key bus or train stations in the app to show drivers easily and avoid language mix-ups.

Algerian culture blends Arab, Amazigh (Berber), Ottoman, and French influences, and you feel it everywhere: in the Casbah of Algiers, in music drifting from cafés, and in the food. Do not miss dishes like couscous with vegetables and lamb, recheta (homemade noodles), chakchouka, and fresh grilled fish along the Mediterranean coast. Many restaurants offer generous portions, so they are great for sharing.

When eating out with others, it is common for one person to treat, but splitting the bill is perfectly fine among travellers. Use Hello’s expense splitting if you are sharing endless plates of mezze and mint tea. For café stops and small eateries, carry cash and be ready to order in basic French or Arabic; a few polite phrases go a long way.

Algeria is socially conservative but warmly hospitable. Dress modestly, especially in mosques and smaller towns: shoulders and knees covered are a good rule of thumb. During Ramadan, many restaurants close in the daytime, but evenings come alive after sunset; check opening hours in advance using your Hello eSIM connection. Always ask before photographing people, and take your time—Algerians often enjoy a chat over coffee or thé à la menthe, turning a quick stop into a memorable encounter.