Algeria

Algiers (El Djazaïr) is a sprawling metropolis where French colonial architecture meets Mediterranean charm. The Algiers Metro is remarkably efficient, with single tickets costing around 50 DZD (approx. $0.37 USD). For more flexibility, the local ride-hailing app Yassir is the most reliable way to get around the city. To ensure you can book a ride the moment you clear customs at Houari Boumediene Airport, it is wise to buy and activate a Hello eSIM before you land. This allows you to bypass the airport Wi-Fi hurdles and stay connected as you navigate the winding, steep streets of the UNESCO-listed Casbah.

For longer journeys, the SNTF train network connects Algiers to coastal gems like Oran and the 'City of Bridges,' Constantine. These trains are comfortable and affordable—a first-class ticket to Oran typically costs around 1,500 DZD ($11 USD). Using the Hello trip planning feature helps you keep track of these departure times and platform numbers, ensuring a smooth transition from the bustling coast to the serene highlands of the interior.

Algerian cuisine is a fragrant blend of Berber, Arab, and Mediterranean influences. You cannot leave without trying the national dish, Couscous, often steamed over a rich broth of lamb and chickpeas. In the east, look for Chakhchoukha, a hearty dish of torn flatbread soaked in a spicy tomato sauce. Street food is equally enticing; a Mahjouba (a savory semolina crepe filled with caramelized onions and tomatoes) is a staple lunch that costs as little as 80 DZD ($0.60 USD).

When dining out with fellow travelers, the Hello expense splitting feature is a lifesaver. Since many traditional restaurants do not offer split checks, one person can settle the bill in cash while the app calculates exactly what everyone owes in real-time. Don't forget to end your meal with a glass of thé à la menthe (mint tea) and a piece of Kalbelouz, a dense semolina cake. Tracking these small daily treats in the Hello budget tracking tool ensures you stay on top of your spending in local currency, helping you manage your cash reserves throughout the trip.

Venturing into the Algerian Sahara, particularly to Djanet or the Tassili n’Ajjer National Park, is a bucket-list experience. This region is home to some of the world’s most significant prehistoric rock art and towering orange dunes. Travel here requires a licensed local guide and specific permits, which are best organized well in advance. Use the Hello trip planning tool to store your guide’s contact details and your internal flight vouchers, as domestic flights via Air Algérie are the most practical way to reach the deep south.

While the desert is remote, having a Hello eSIM ensures you have data connectivity in the gateway towns like Tamanrasset before you head into the dunes. Beyond the desert, the Roman ruins of Tipaza and Timgad offer a glimpse into the country's classical past. Entry fees are modest, usually around 200 DZD ($1.50 USD). Because Algeria is primarily a cash-based society, the Hello budget tracking feature is essential for monitoring your cash flow, especially since you will need to exchange currency at banks or official exchange points upon arrival.