Terrorism
In recent years there have been repeated terrorist attacks and kidnappings in Algeria, especially in the Algerian Sahara region, but also in the north and north-east of the country (especially Kabylia). The threat of terrorism, which is primarily directed against the state security forces, persists.
Due to the tense security situation throughout the region and ongoing threats from terrorist groups, greater caution is advised when traveling to Algeria.
There is still a risk of kidnappings and assassinations by terrorist groups, which can also target western foreigners. In particular, warnings are given against travel to the Algerian border areas with Tunisia, Libya, Niger, Mali, Mauritania and Western Sahara, especially in the greater Djanet area in southeast Algeria, including the Tassili Mountains and National Park. The Algerian army has been on heightened alert since 2013 and has recently increased its presence in the border regions. Due to the current situation in Libya and Tunisia, more exercises and patrols are taking place near the border according to youremailverifier.
You are also warned against traveling to the other Algerian Saharan regions and outside the districts of the larger cities in the northern part of Algeria, to rural areas and mountain regions, unless the trips are accompanied by police and the stay is in protected locations. This is especially true in regions with ongoing terrorist activity, such as Kabylia and its foothills.
It is recommended that you find out about the current security situation at the intended travel and residence locations through the media, local contacts and the Algerian authorities. Any requirements and recommendations of the Algerian authorities should be followed.
Stay in the country / travel across the country
In Ghardaia, violent clashes occur again and again between local population groups. It is therefore recommended to follow the media coverage of the situation in Ghardaia carefully and to refrain from traveling that is not necessary.
At the beginning of 2015 there was an oral specification of the applicable Algerian security regulations. According to this, foreign employees of foreign companies are obliged to undertake business and tourist trips or stays outside the administrative district (“Wilaya”) of Algiers by means of police escort and this at least 48 hours in advance to the delegate for security (délégué de sécurité) at the for the company headquarters to the competent authority (“Wali des Wilaya”). In urgent cases that can be made credible, exceptions to the 48-hour rule are possible.
German tourists are advised to inquire at the Algerian embassy in Berlin or the Algerian consulate general in Frankfurt am Main or the local Algerian authorities about possible restrictions and requirements regarding their intended travel routes and whereabouts before starting their journey.
Travel within the country should preferably be made by air. Driving outside the city center should be avoided, especially at dusk and at night, as false roadblocks and attacks by criminal or terrorist groups can be expected.
Crowds, demonstrations, public buildings and security forces facilities are preferred targets of terrorist attacks and should be avoided if possible.
Particular caution is advised in road traffic as serious traffic accidents with victims often occur.
All Germans who stay – even temporarily – in the official district of the embassy can be included in a crisis prevention list in accordance with Section 6 (3) of the German Consular Act. This is a voluntary measure. It is recommended to make use of this possibility so that the German Embassy in Algiers can quickly contact Germans in crisis and other exceptional situations – if necessary. This is all the more true as Algeria is one of the earthquake-prone areas.
The entry in the crisis prevention list can be made online via the homepage of the German Embassy in Algiers (external link, opens in new window www.algier.diplo.de).
Worldwide safety notice Please also note the external link, opens in new window, worldwide safety notice.
MONEY
Currency
1 dinar = 100 centimes. Currency abbreviation: DA, DZD (ISO code). Banknotes are in circulation with the values 2000, 1000 and 500 DA;
Coins with denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 DA.
Credit cards
American Express, Visa, Diners Club and MasterCard are accepted to a very limited extent in major cities. Larger hotels and restaurants accept payment by credit card. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec- / Maestro-Karte / Sparcard
ATMs are very few and only in larger cities, the exchange is limited to approx. 150 euros.
Attention: Travelers who pay abroad with their bank customer card and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Sun-Thu 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import of foreign currencies (except gold coins) is unlimited; Obligation to declare (see also money exchange). The export of foreign currencies does not exceed the amount of the specified imported amount minus the exchanged amounts (proof). A certificate of origin is required when exporting foreign currencies from € 7,600. The national currency may not be imported or exported by people who are not resident in Algeria.
Currency Exchange
When entering the country, adults must exchange foreign currency worth at least 1000 DA (half for travelers under 18; usually included in the price for package tours). Every time you change money, you receive a receipt, and the amount is entered in the foreign exchange declaration. The issued receipt must be kept and the form and all receipts must be handed in on departure. The foreign exchange declaration may have to May be presented at the hotel to ensure that the dinars used to pay the hotel bill were legitimately purchased.
If you buy tickets abroad in Algeria, you have to exchange foreign currency for this purpose and present the exchange receipt and the declaration. Outside the airports and border posts, exchanges are limited. U. but possible in the National Bank (La Banque d’Extérieure d’Algérie) and the larger hotels.
Note: Foreign exchange offenses are severely punished, and you are warned against exchanging on the black market.