💰 Quick Context: The Algerian Dinar
Algeria uses the Algerian Dinar (DZD / DA). The official bank rate hovers around 135 DZD per 1 USD, but the parallel market rate is significantly higher (often 215–230 DZD per USD). A quick mental shortcut at parallel rates: divide DZD prices by 200 to get approximate USD. So a 2,000 DZD meal is roughly $10. Algeria is a cash economy with strict currency controls, no meaningful card infrastructure for tourists, and a closed currency you cannot take home. Plan accordingly.
🎧 Order Algerian Dinars Before You Fly
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Order DZD → CEI Currency ExchangeThe Parallel Market: What Travelers Need to Know
Algeria has strict government currency controls that create a large gap between the official bank/ATM rate and the parallel (informal) market rate. The gap fluctuates but is typically 30–50% or more. This means exchanging EUR or USD cash on the parallel market gives you significantly more dinars per euro than any bank or ATM.
How It Works
Square Port Saïd in central Algiers is the most well-known exchange spot. Money changers stand openly on the square and nearby streets, calling out rates. In Oran, the area around Place du 1er Novembre serves a similar function. In Constantine, look near the old city center. The process is simple: agree on a rate, hand over your euros, count your dinars. Transactions happen in the open, though they are technically illegal.
Euros get the best rates. Algeria's strong economic ties to France mean euros are the most sought-after currency. USD works but may attract rates 2–5% lower. Bring clean, crisp €100 and €200 bills for the best rates. Smaller denominations (€20, €50) get slightly worse rates. Torn, marked, or old-series bills may be refused.
⚠ Parallel Market Risks
Counterfeit dinars are the primary risk. Learn to check the watermark, security thread, and holographic strip on 1,000 and 2,000 DZD notes before walking away. Short-changing (the changer miscounting deliberately) is less common at established spots like Square Port Saïd but watch for it with random street offers. Legally, parallel exchange is against Algerian law, though enforcement against tourists is effectively nonexistent. The bigger legal risk is at the border: if customs asks where you got your dinars, you should have a bank receipt for at least some of your money.
Cash vs. Card: What to Expect in Algeria
Algeria is almost entirely cash-based. Card payments are not part of daily life here. Even in Algiers, the capital, card terminals are rare outside of a small number of international hotels. You should assume that every restaurant, shop, taxi, and market transaction will require cash.
In Algiers, the Sofitel Algiers Hamma Garden, Marriott, and Sheraton Club des Pins accept Visa and Mastercard. A handful of upscale restaurants in Hydra and El-Biar neighborhoods have card terminals, but they do not always work. In Oran, the Sheraton and Royal Hotel accept cards. Everywhere else (Constantine, Ghardaïa, Tlemcen, Timimoun, the Sahara), it is cash only.
Carry all the cash you need for each leg of your trip. If you are heading to the Sahara (Timimoun, Djanet, Tamanrasset), stock up on dinars in Algiers or Oran before you go. There are no reliable ATMs and no card acceptance in desert towns. A multi-day Saharan tour can cost 50,000–150,000 DZD ($230–$700 at parallel rates) in cash for guides, accommodation, and food.
How to Get Dinars for Your Algeria Trip
Algeria is one of the most cash-driven countries in this entire list. Cards essentially don't work outside a handful of Algiers and Oran international hotels (Sofitel, Sheraton, Marriott). The Algerian dinar is also a closed currency that's effectively impossible to obtain outside Algeria. The further wrinkle: Algeria has a significant gap between the official central bank exchange rate and the parallel/black-market rate, with the parallel rate often 50–100% better. Most travelers handle Algeria by bringing EUR cash and exchanging at parallel-market rates, since the official rate at banks delivers dramatically less dinar per euro than what locals routinely pay.
Bring EUR cash before you fly
Algeria, like Cuba and Lebanon, is a cash-only country where pre-arrival cash is non-negotiable. A currency-exchange service like CEI Currency Exchange ships clean EUR or USD to a US address with insured 2–5 day delivery. Bring crisp post-2009 EUR notes (EUR is preferred over USD in Algeria; the parallel-market premium is usually higher for euros). Mix denominations: €100 and €200 notes for the bulk exchange, €20 and €50 for tour deposits and trip-end top-ups. Algeria does not have a Bank of America Global ATM Alliance partner. Critical math note: at the airport bank or any official exchange, you'll get the central-bank rate (around 135 DZD per EUR). At the informal/parallel exchange in Algiers's Square Port-Said or Bab Ezzouar, you'll get 230–260 DZD per EUR. The gap is enormous and well-known to locals. Most travelers exchange a token amount officially at the airport (sometimes required for the hotel arrival form) and the bulk informally at Square Port-Said. Budget very conservatively: a Saharan tour can run €200–500 in cash for guides, accommodation, and food, and there is no in-country way to top up beyond bringing more EUR.
Exchange EUR at Square Port-Said (Algiers)
On the ground, the practical exchange route most travelers use is the informal/parallel-market currency exchange at Square Port-Said in central Algiers (sometimes called Place Port-Said), which has operated as the open-air FX market for decades. Licensed-looking changers stand around the square offering EUR-to-DZD at the parallel rate, posted on whiteboards. Rates are negotiable at the margin. The trade is technically a regulatory gray area but is openly tolerated and widely used by Algerians and tourists alike. Bring crisp EUR notes, count your dinars carefully before walking away, and don't show your full stack of euros. Bab Ezzouar (near the airport) and central Oran have similar but smaller markets. The official banks (BNA, CPA, BEA, BDL, Société Générale Algérie) and airport exchange counters use the central-bank rate, which is dramatically less favorable. ATMs in Algeria are rare, often offline, and only reliably accept Algerian cards. Foreign-card withdrawals are usually rejected. Curious how this compares to a normal-banking country path? Our ATM fee calculator shows the math for somewhere your card actually works.
Airport counters & hotel exchange windows
Three traps to avoid in Algeria. The bank counters at ALG (Houari Boumediene International) airport apply the official rate, which is 50–100% worse than the parallel rate. Use them only if you're required to convert a token amount for paperwork purposes. The exchange windows inside Sofitel, Marriott, and Sheraton hotels also apply the official rate. And any unofficial "better rate" tout outside the documented Square Port-Said area can be a fake-bill or short-changing scam. Stick to the documented Square Port-Said cluster in central Algiers, count carefully, and budget enough EUR up front because there is essentially no working in-country backup. Algeria does not yet have a city-specific guide on this site, but the Best ATMs section below covers what (limited) infrastructure exists.
For a side-by-side comparison of every method (bank wire, travel card, pre-order, ATM, exchange counter) including USD-or-EUR-to-DZD timing tips, see our complete Getting Currency guide →.
Best ATMs to Use in Algeria
ATM reliability for foreign cards is inconsistent across Algeria. Even in Algiers, many machines reject international cards. Always have cash backup and try ATMs during business hours at staffed branches. The official exchange rate applies to all ATM withdrawals, which is significantly worse than the parallel rate. Typical maximum withdrawal is 20,000–30,000 DZD per transaction.
BNA (Banque Nationale d'Algérie)
Algeria's largest state-owned bank with the widest ATM network. Branches on Rue Didouche Mourad and Boulevard Che Guevara in central Algiers have the best success rates with foreign Visa cards. Also has ATMs in Oran, Constantine, and Annaba. The most reliable first choice for foreign travelers.
Top Pick
Société Générale Algérie
French-owned bank with modern ATMs. Their branch in Hydra (Algiers) and on Boulevard de l'ALN in Oran are commonly recommended by expats. Accepts both Visa and Mastercard more reliably than most Algerian banks. Limited presence outside major cities.
RecommendedBEA (Banque Extérieure d'Algérie)
State-owned bank that handles much of Algeria's foreign trade. ATMs on Rue Ben M'hidi in Algiers and near the port in Oran accept Visa cards with reasonable reliability. Their machines tend to have higher per-transaction limits (up to 30,000 DZD).
RecommendedGulf Bank Algérie (AGB)
A private bank with newer ATM infrastructure in Algiers (Les Pins, Baínem) and a few other cities. Their machines are more modern and handle foreign cards better than older state bank ATMs. Worth trying if BNA and SG machines are not working.
Recommended⚠ Watch Out for Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)
DCC is extremely rare in Algeria because card transactions themselves are rare. If you do encounter a card terminal at an international hotel, and it offers to charge you in EUR or USD instead of DZD, always decline and choose DZD. The DCC markup would compound an already unfavorable official rate. Select "dinar algérien" or "monnaie locale" at every prompt.
ATMs to Avoid in Algeria
Many Algerian ATMs are unreliable for foreign cards. Even banks listed as "recommended" have machines that fail sometimes. These are the ones to skip entirely.
CPA (Crédit Populaire d'Algérie)
Despite being one of Algeria's largest banks, CPA ATMs have notoriously poor compatibility with foreign cards. Travelers consistently report failed transactions, frozen screens, and machines that retain cards temporarily. Avoid unless you have no other option.
AvoidAlgérie Poste (Post Office) ATMs
The yellow-branded Algérie Poste ATMs are everywhere but they serve the local postal banking system (CCP accounts) and do not accept foreign cards at all. Do not waste time trying these machines. They are for Algerian account holders only.
AvoidPaying by Card in Algeria
Card Networks
Visa is the only international card network with any meaningful acceptance in Algeria, and even that is limited to a handful of international hotels. Mastercard works at Société Générale ATMs and some hotel terminals, but coverage is thinner than Visa. American Express and Discover are not accepted anywhere in Algeria. The local card network is CIB (Carte Interbancaire), which is Algerian-only and not linked to international systems in any way useful to tourists.
Contactless & Mobile Payments
Contactless payments do not exist in Algeria's retail landscape. There is no tap-to-pay infrastructure, and Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are not supported by any Algerian bank or merchant. The country's payment modernization is focused on the CIB domestic card system and e-payment through Algerian bank apps, none of which are accessible to tourists.
Where Cards May Not Work
Everywhere outside international hotels. Restaurants (even upscale ones in Algiers like El Aurassi's restaurants), shops, supermarkets, petrol stations, train stations, and all transport are cash-only. Air Algérie domestic ticket offices accept cards for flight purchases, but this is one of very few exceptions. If you are spending any time outside Algiers, treat Algeria as a 100% cash destination.
Tipping in Algeria
Tipping Guide
Tipping is appreciated but modest in Algeria. At restaurants, leaving 50–100 DZD per person (roughly $0.25–$0.50 at parallel rates) is standard for a casual meal. At upscale restaurants in Algiers, 200–500 DZD is generous. Hotel porters appreciate 100–200 DZD per bag. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but rounding up from 350 to 400 DZD is a kind gesture. Saharan tour guides are the exception: 2,000–5,000 DZD per day ($9–$23) is appropriate for multi-day desert excursions to Timimoun, Djanet, or the Hoggar Mountains, where guiding is physically demanding.
Algiers, Oran & Beyond: Practical Money Tips
Things to Know
The dinar is a closed currency. You cannot legally bring DZD into or out of Algeria. Spend or exchange all your remaining dinars before departure. The exchange bureau at Houari Boumediene Airport (Algiers) may buy back small amounts, but rates are poor and lines can be long. Better to plan your spending so you use up your dinars naturally.
Algiers has the best banking infrastructure. Rue Didouche Mourad, Hydra, and the area around Place Audin have the highest ATM concentration. Oran is the second-best city for ATMs, concentrated near the waterfront and Place du 1er Novembre. Constantine has a few working ATMs near the old city. Beyond these three cities, ATM access becomes unreliable to nonexistent.
Exchange bureaus (bureaux de change) exist at airports and in major cities, but they use the official rate, which is 30–50% worse than the parallel market. They are useful only as a last resort or if you want a receipt for currency declaration purposes.
Algeria requires a currency declaration form upon entry if you are carrying more than €1,000 (or equivalent). Fill this out honestly. On departure, you may be asked to show receipts for how you exchanged your money. Having a few bank receipts (even if you exchanged most on the parallel market) helps avoid questions at the border.
Money Safety in Algeria
Staying Safe
Algeria is generally safe for tourists, and violent crime against visitors is rare. The main risk is petty theft in crowded areas like the Casbah of Algiers, the market areas in Oran, and bus stations. Keep your money in a hidden belt or pouch, not in an easily accessible pocket or bag.
At Square Port Saïd and other parallel exchange spots, be discreet with large amounts of cash. Count your dinars carefully before walking away. Do not let the changer handle bills back and forth repeatedly (a common sleight-of-hand technique). If possible, have a local contact or hotel staff recommend a trusted changer.
ATMs occasionally swallow cards without dispensing cash, especially older machines at state banks. If this happens, go inside the branch immediately (during business hours) with your passport. Staff can usually retrieve your card, but it may take 30–60 minutes. This is why attempting ATM withdrawals during banking hours (Sunday to Thursday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM) is essential.
Note that Algeria's work week runs Sunday to Thursday. Banks and government offices are closed on Friday and Saturday. Plan your ATM visits and exchange bureau trips for weekdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the parallel market exchange rate in Algeria?
Algeria has a parallel (informal) exchange rate that is typically 30–50% higher than the official bank rate. For example, if the official rate is 135 DZD per USD, the parallel rate might be 215–230 DZD per USD. This informal market operates openly in places like Square Port Saïd in Algiers, where money changers stand on the street. Exchanging on the parallel market is technically illegal but widely practiced by locals and tourists alike.
Should I bring euros or US dollars to Algeria?
Euros are the preferred foreign currency in Algeria due to strong historical and economic ties with France. You will get the best parallel market rates with euros, and most money changers quote euro rates first. US dollars are accepted but may attract rates 2–5% lower. Bring clean, crisp €100 and €200 bills for the best exchange.
Can I use credit cards in Algeria?
Credit card acceptance is extremely limited. Only a handful of international hotels (Sofitel, Marriott, Sheraton in Algiers) and airline offices reliably accept Visa or Mastercard. There is no meaningful card infrastructure at restaurants, shops, or transport. Algeria is a cash economy, and you should plan to pay for nearly everything with dinars.
Are there ATMs in Algeria that accept foreign cards?
Yes, but reliability is inconsistent. BNA (Banque Nationale d'Algérie) and Société Générale Algérie ATMs in central Algiers have the best success rates with foreign Visa cards. However, many ATMs reject foreign cards entirely, run out of cash, or have connectivity issues. Always carry enough euros or dollars as backup.
Is Algeria expensive for tourists?
At parallel market rates, Algeria is quite affordable. A couscous royale at a local restaurant costs 800–1,500 DZD ($3–$6 at parallel rates). A mid-range hotel costs 5,000–12,000 DZD ($20–$50) per night. A shared taxi across Algiers costs 50–100 DZD. At official bank rates, everything costs roughly 40% more in real terms.
Can I take Algerian dinars out of the country?
No. The Algerian dinar is a closed currency, meaning it is illegal to export or import DZD banknotes. You must spend or exchange all your dinars before leaving the country. Exchange bureaus at Algiers airport may buy back small amounts, but rates are poor. Plan your spending carefully toward the end of your trip.
Skip the Foreign Transaction Fees
The Wise card converts your money at the real mid-market exchange rate. Use it at the few ATMs that accept foreign cards for the best official rate available.
Get the Wise Card →Quick Comparison
| Method | Cost | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR cash at parallel rate | Best rate (30–50% better than official) | ★★★☆☆ | Most travelers |
| Wise card at bank ATM | OK (official rate, no markup) | ★★☆☆☆ | Backup when parallel not available |
| Bank exchange bureau | Poor (official rate + possible commission) | ★★☆☆☆ | Getting a receipt for customs |
| Airport exchange | Worst (official rate + bad spread) | ★☆☆☆☆ | Emergency cash on arrival only |
Algeria Quick Facts
| Currency | Algerian Dinar (DZD / DA) |
| Exchange Rates | Official (~135 DZD/USD) vs parallel (~215–230 DZD/USD) |
| Closed Currency | Cannot import or export DZD. Spend it all before leaving |
| Best ATMs | BNA, Société Générale, BEA (Algiers and Oran only) |
| Card Acceptance | Almost none. International hotels only |
| Preferred Foreign Currency | Euros (best parallel market rates) |
| Tipping | Modest. 50–100 DZD at restaurants, more for Sahara guides |
| Work Week | Sunday–Thursday. Banks closed Friday and Saturday |