10 Things Not to Do in Algeria

Algeria, that unknown and yet wonderful country. Not everybody thinks about it when thinking about their holidays but they should. So, to help you prepare your trip we bring you these Things not to do in Algeria.

1) Don't forget your visa
The visa to Algeria isn’t particularly the easiest one and, unfortunately, it’s required for most countries in the world. So try to have it ready before you start your trip and you'll avoid a lot of trouble.

2) Don't Expect Sleep to Be Cheap
Mass tourism doesn’t really exist in Algeria, so hotels are very expensive if we compare them with how cheap anything else is in the country. You can find prices from 30€ to 200€, although, most of them are over 50€ a night. If you're travelling with a lower budget you can always get a youth hostel instead where you'll pay around 2 € per night. On the other hand, you could always try CouchSurfing, making sure the people you choose look safe and have many positive references. It’s a great way to meet local people!

3) Don't forget your dictionary
Most of the younger people do know English but don't hold on that because, it’s not that easy to find people who speak English. The official language in Algeria is Arabic and some people speak French as it was a French colony. So if you want to be able to communicate bring a dictionary in French.

4) Don't get a taxi
Taxis are expensive and they usually try to cheat tourists. You can use the Yassir mobile app which is basically the same as Uber, or get a bus. Although, they don't tend to follow their schedules. Renting a car isn't that cheap either. And if you go to the desert try to book a flight, they're not too expensive and you’ll save some time too.

5) Don't forget your cell
If you want to be able to move freely without a guide and find historical places, hotels or restaurants by yourself, don't forget to bring your cell phone and install the Waze app which is a free driving directions & live traffic map app that works the best in Algeria.

6) Don't travel everywhere
Borders with Libya, Mauritania, Mali and (nisher) Niger are absolutely no-go zones in Algeria, they're the most dangerous ones, as are remote or mountains areas. But don't worry because these areas are far from all the tourist attractions.

7) Don't rely on having Wi-fi everywhere
Sure big hotels, offices, and random apartments are sure to have a wifi connection. However, if you’re out and about and want to use the internet in Algeria you'll need to get a local sim card with data which will cost you around 5-10€ per month. And, out of the 3 different networks they have, choose Mobilis, it has a better range.

8) Don't forget your money
Here, the local currency is Algerian dinar. And there are not many places where ATM machines accept international bank cards. Sure, you could try the airports, huge hotels like Sheraton or regular banks, but sometimes they're out of money. So to avoid being left without money, bring some emergency cash too .

9) Don't start your diet
In Algeria, they eat a lot of fast food such as shawarma and fries, they're very cheap and you'll find them everywhere. But you can always go to a restaurant to eat nice food, if you prefer, which will cost you about the same as western European restaurants do. Oh, and don’t forget, drinking alcohol in public is forbidden.

10) Don't think it’s all just sand
When people think of Algeria they imagine riding camels in the desert. But, guess what? There are also cars, buses and trains, just like your city, yep. This is a civilized country! Sure, the Sahara desert occupies four-fifths of the Algerian territory, but they also have a coastline, ancient Roman Empire ruins and stunning heritage of the Ottoman Empire, Spain, France and much more.

Where do you want to know what not to do in next?
Comment below!

[umarali]

I love Algeria.... my big dream for visit this country, salam from Indonesia To Algeria 😘

[LRatio]

I am Algerian too, people here are so nice especially for tourists, we always welcome our guests to our home :)

[liamacy]

In Algeria most young people speak English better than French.

[Marvxi]

I love Algeria 🇩🇿
Your brother from Egypt 🇪🇬

[rahimboudina]

قعرني بالضحك كي هدر على موبيليس😂😂 يا ودي كامل ريزو يعيي

[myheartwillstopinjoy]

10 things not to do in Algeria, Algerian citizen ver. :

1) Don't dress in an extravagant/ revealing way, unless you want to receive judgemental gazes.

2) Someone said it in another comment but it's SO important so I'll say it too : don't cross the road unless there are no cars near. Algerian drivers don't follow any law so be sure to look before you cross.

3) Don't try to give someone from the opposite gender a hug and preferably don't touch them either. Most people here find it disrespectful.

4) Don't rely too much on the buses. I mean, they can be useful, but they literally have no schedule and you'll most likely be standing in the middle of 100 people pushing each other.

5) Don't be shy. If you want to ask for the direction or just want to chat, most Algerians will be more than happy to give you some time, even if you don't speak Arabic. You could make good friends.

6) Don't rely too much on French or Arabic. Algerians mainly speak the Algerian dialect called Darja, and it can be very different from the classical Arabic or French. So you might not get understood, especially that many people don't know French that well.

7) Don't be gullible. Algerians are generally good people, but there are definitely some malicious ones that may try to lure you and suck off your money.

8) Especially if you are a woman, don't go out after sunset, at least not alone. It's seen as something inappropriate.

9) Don't forget to visit the Sahara (desert) if you can. It's is absolutely stunning.

10) Don't mix Arabs and Kabyle people. In Algeria, there are Arabs who speak the Algerian dialect, and kabyle people who speak the Kabyle language. There might be some tensions going on so it's great to know the difference between the two.

Have a nice trip, even though, I know you aren't a foreigner. I know you are Algerian and you're checking if I'm lying to the tourists 😂

Edit : everyone assuming I'm a dude. I'm not. I'm a woman, okay, so thanks but don't say he ❤️

[jeenadjo]

Nice video but you didn't do justice to the Algerian food. The Algerian cuisine is so rich and diverse and each region prides itself on its varied delights and dishes. Also, not all Algerian people consume fast-food as you stated. There's some sort of cultural controversies around it, especially in smaller cities and towns where they prefer homemade meals and family gatherings over food. Something might shock you; don't be surprised if an Algerian invites you to grab a bite at their place. Generosity is a thing there.

[lynaaa]

hi im from algeria :)
im very happy you made a video about our very underrated country.
btw we speak english i mean not all of us but most do... :D

[babaaruj]

the information about taxis isn't correct . the oposite taxis is cheap here .

[chaabansaadi]

لي مل الجزاءر يدير جام😊
.
.if you from Algeria put a like

[kacemessemine]

I'm Algerian, let me clafiry some points:
- Get a taxi and ask them to stop nearby police ( traffic control post {there are a lot of them in major cities}) driver automatically turns into an angel 😂
- Car rent is not expensive, actually, what it is expensive is the insurance but the amount will be returned to you once you return the car. 😌
- Even in cheap restaurants you can choose the menu 😑 (dietetic or junk food 😂)
-You don't need a guide in major cities, but in the desert "it is vital"
- Consuming alcohol in public is forbidden just like in your own country. (You cannot drink in middle of the park ...etc) but there are many bars 🍻

[aminovich]

I am actually Algerian and can safely say that those are some truly helpful tips

[youcef]

“ visa is required for most countries, trust me bro we struggle to travel tooo “

[hached]

u forgot the fact that it's forbidden to take a picture of a police station or a military base.. Etc 👮🚨😁

[sousalsabil]

I am from Algeria and I welcome you 🇩🇿❤😊
أنا من الجزائر و أرحب بكم 😘

[SG-ibru]

I love Algeria so much. I was in Bordj Menaiel ❤️❤️❤️ Bslema from the Netherlands(Hollandia)

[znsaidi]

Languages spoken in Algeria are: Berber (north African native language), Algerian "Arabic "(which is completely different from the arab of the middle east), french is widely used in the country, and last, a bit of English, mainly used by the youth.

[nadirprize]

All algeria people invite you
Welcome to Algeria 🇩🇿

[Aizenn]

Fake BS. Algeria is not Morocco, there is no scammers. + The local language is not Arabic but Algerian.

[wafaa]

I love algeria so much it's a very interesting country the food is amazing and people are so sweet I totally recommend you to go to algeria it's safe and beautiful