Money & duty free for Algeria
Exchange rates:
DinarC$1 = DZD83.68
€1 = DZD116.69
£1 = DZD138.76
US$1 = DZD112.24
Currency & Money
Dinar (DZD) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of DZD2,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are in denominations of DZD100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1.
Credit cards are accepted in some large hotels, higher-end restaurants and a limited number of shops in major cities such as Algiers and Oran, but they are not widely used in everyday transactions. Outside upscale establishments, cash is the norm, and visitors should not rely on credit or debit cards for routine spending.
ATMs are available in larger cities and at some airports, but machines may not always accept foreign cards, and withdrawals can be subject to limits. ATMs are far less common in smaller towns and virtually absent in remote desert regions. It is advisable to withdraw sufficient cash in major urban centres before travelling elsewhere.
The import and export of Algerian dinars is prohibited, and any attempt to carry out local currency across the border can result in seizure.
Currency regulations in Algeria are strict. Travellers must declare foreign currency and negotiable instruments to customs on arrival or departure if the amount exceeds €5,000 (or the equivalent in other currencies). When leaving Algeria with unused foreign currency, travellers may be asked to produce bank or exchange receipts.
Algeria duty free
The following goods may be imported into Algeria by persons over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco.
• 1L of spirits or 2L of wine.
• 250ml of eau de toilette or 50ml of perfume.
• Personal goods to a total value of DZD50,000.
Prohibited imports include illegal drugs and narcotics, firearms, weapons and ammunition, explosives and related materials, counterfeit goods and goods not accompanied by the required authorisations or licences. Protected flora and fauna, endangered species, and classified archaeological or historical artefacts are also prohibited from import without special permits.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate near you for the most up-to-date information.
Algeria restricts or prohibits the removal of objects of national historical, artistic or archaeological interest, protected plants and animals, date palm plants, certain metal wastes and raw hides, and items deemed offensive to public morality or decency. Counterfeit goods are also banned from export.
Customs rules can be detailed and specific, and they are subject to change. Visitors carrying unusual or high-value items should check the most current official customs guidance or consult the Algerian embassy before travel.
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