Geography
Algeria, officially the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, is located in Northern Africa with a territory of approximately 2.4 million square km and is the eleventh biggest country in the world. It is bordering Tunisia and Libya to the East, Niger, Mali and Mauritania to the South and Morocco to the West. Its shores are being washed by the Mediterranean Ocean to the North.
Algeria is a semi-presidential republic, with local constituencies consisting of 58 provinces and 1541 communes. A regional power in North Africa and a middle power in global affairs.
This country has a lot to offer with the travelers. A home to a rich and vibrant culture that is a blend of African, Arab, and Berber influences. It is one of the prime destinations for adventure tourists in North Africa, not to mention the vast desert, craggy mountains and status as an off-the-beaten path destination.
 
Best Time to Visit
The weather is good all year in Algiers. The best time to visit Algeria is in March and between October and November, as the days are cool and sunny. Mid-winter is also a great time to visit; but you must remember that desert temperatures can drop extremely low at night.
The northern coastal area has a favorable Mediterranean climate. The highlands south of the coast have hot summers and cold winters with little rain. The southern part has a typical desert climate with hot dry summer days and mild rainy winters. This region is best avoided during the summer period due to hot temperature.
Avoid the spring months, as warm winds blow from the desert, which can cause intense sandstorms and a sharp temperature rise.
 
Dress Code
In Algeria, they do not stick to any sort of dress code. Depending on the city or towns visiting, appropriate clothing is appropriate.
For woman in large cities, it’s always a good idea to wear clothes that don’t show too much skin. Keeping thigh, chest, and stomach area covered is advisable. For men, on the other hand, can dress pretty much as they please. They can wear sleeveless T-shirts and above-the-knee shorts. Also, they may be required to wear a head and shoulder covering (i.e., scarf) at a certain religious site.
In smaller cities and rural areas of the country, it’s advisable to dress more modestly. The travelers are not expected to be covered head to toe or wear traditional Algerian garments, but they should avoid wearing clothes that show off a lot of skin. Stick to T-shirts and bottoms that fall below the knee.
 
Health and safety
In general, it is safe to travel in Algeria. It is still having tourism, possible to visit and travel through the region without consequences. Travelers should know right from the start that Algeria is a country wracked by terrorism and should exercise a high level of caution.
As a tourist, use a reputable tour operator with good local knowledge to confirm travel plans before the arrival in Algeria. Seek the advice of the hosts about appropriate security measures. Inform local police when visiting locations outside of major cities and avoid staying overnight outside of the main cities / tourist locations.
It is also recommended to get a good travel insurance policy that covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft or loss of valuables during the trip. Visitors to Algeria should also get vaccinated for COVID-19, cholera, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid, and yellow fever. Speak to your doctor and double-check what vaccination requirements your specific nationality or country requires when traveling to Algeria or North Africa.
 
Currency
The currency in Algeria is Algerian Dinar (DZD). There are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 dinar coins. Banknotes 100, 200, 500, 1000, and 2000.
ATMs are widely available in big cities, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. However, there is no assurance that it will work same with the use of foreign credit cards.
It is advisable to bring cash in dollars or euro. Euro is the best currency to bring to exchange. Much better rate will be offered better if changing money on the black market rather than withdrawing cash from ATMS or bank exchange.
 
Tipping
Tipping in Algeria is not compulsory but still appreciated as a sign of good service.
For Guide and driver: An appropriate tip of 500-1000 DZD per day for guide and half for driver if satisfied with the service.
For Restaurants/Cafes/Bars: It is common to leave a small tip of around 10% of the bill if happy with the service. For small local eateries, tipping is not expected.
For Hotels: Tipping hotel staff is common for good service. For bellboys, a tip around 100-200 DZD per bag is appreciated. Housekeeping staff, a tip around 100 DZD per day. To be left at the end of the stay is appreciated. For concierge, if provides special services like securing a restaurant reservation or organizing tours, a tip around 500 DZD would be suitable.
For Taxi Drivers: They generally do not expect to be tipped, but you can round off your fare or a tip of 10% if provides exceptional service.
Other Services: Spa service may add service charge to the bill. If not, 10-15% of the bill is considered generous.
 
Photography
Photography is allowed in most of the historical sites and museums in Algeria However, there are certain areas and situations where photography might be restricted or discouraged due to security and privacy concerns.
Don't take photos of police, military installations, government infrastructure or airports. There is a high level of security in all these places and they won't take it lightly if you disobey the law.
Never take a picture of or with a stranger without their permission unless taking a scenic shot in a major touristy area. Never take a picture of a Muslim woman without her permission.
 
Communications and Internet Access
The international dialing code for Algeria is +213. It is best to get a local sim card with data if internet is needed throughout the trip. The best place to buy a prepaid sim card is at the international airport on arrival. There are three mobile internet providers in Algeria: Djezzy, Mobilis and Ooredoo. All mobile internet operators offer prepaid sim cards for tourists. Most hotels have WiFi, but don’t expect it work all the time. WiFi in Algeria is not always stable and the internet speed varies a lot.
 
Alcohol and Smoking 
Alcohol is legal in Algeria; however, it is not allowed to drink in public as drunkenness and driver under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. It is possible to buy from a licensed establishment and must have a permit for personal use. Purchasing alcohol drinks at hotels and bars is fine but needs to drink moderately.
 
Climate 
In Algeria, the climate varies. In general, however, the weather is quite pleasant, but mold and mildew can be a real problem. Coastal areas, including Algiers, are hot in summer and chilly/rainy for several months in winter. Inland mountain regions between the coast and the desert have a cooler weather; temperatures are below freezing for long periods of winter.
Algiers has four distinct seasons, with temperature variations ranging normally between 40-110°F. It tends to be extremely hot during the month of August, and some winters can be cold and rainy.
Despite its warm summer, Algiers has what is often described as a "cold climate with a hot sun." Winter temperatures rarely fall below freezing. Cool-weather generally begins in November and lasts into March. The rainy season spans about five months.
 
Electricity
In Algeria, the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. There are two associated plug type C and F.  Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side.
 
Hotels’ Check in / Check out time and Room Types
The general check-in time in Iran is 14:00-15:00 and check out time is 12:00. Request for early check-in and/or late check-out, depends on the availability of the hotel and it is not guaranteed. Additional charges will be made according to hotel’s rules and policies. Double room, twin bedded and single room are available to most hotels. For triple sharing, it is either double or twin room with 1 extra roll away bed or a sofa bed.
 
Domestic Flights
Houari Boumediene Airport (IATA: ALG; ICAO: DAAG), also known as Algiers Airport or Algiers International Airport, is the main international airport serving Algiers, the capital of Algeria.
The distance from Algiers Houari Boumediene Airport to the centre of Algiers is 20 kilometers. By car, it takes 40 minutes to get to the centre of Algiers.
 
Holidays in Algeria
Independence Day
Independence Day is a national holiday celebrated on July 5th each year. The nation’s green and white flag is proudly flown across the country as a symbol of freedom. These celebrations reflect a strong sense of cultural perseverance that is believed by many to have a key factor in securing the nation’s independence. People of Algeria will attend official annual parades, concerts and cultural events.
 
Strawberry Festival
Florida Strawberry Festival is one of the most famous festivals in Algeria. This is a celebration of strawberries, a fruit abundant in the region of Skikda city every May 21-23. This main focus of the festival is on preserving and enhancing the agricultural and historical history of the Florida strawberry.
 
Ghardaia Carpet Festival
Ghardaia Carpet Festival is centered on the tradition of carpet-weaving in Algeria. The festival is vibrant and rhythmic, with Karkabou bands filling the air with music and dance, processions entertaining the masses, and the aromas of traditional foods luring hungry visitors in. Artisans and designers come together to exhibit and sell their works and participate in competitions. Rugs and clothing in all sizes are available for purchase, and they make excellent gifts and souvenirs.
 
Festival of du Rai d’Oran
Rai d’Oran is an annual festival conducted in August to honor the hard work of musicians by bringing together a large number of musicians as well as performances by great composers to bring the day to a close with a lot of good music.
 
Responsible Travel
-Sight-seeing tours are operated and led by a local guide and/or local drivers.
-Be sensitive in discussing politics and religion. It is better to do research or some readings prior you travel in Algeria.
-Always follow security warning from the authorities. Always best to carry with you your passport as ID.
-Always get up to date information at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) travel advisory department before travelling to Algeria. These include staying away from areas within 30kms of Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Tunisia.
-Inform local police when visiting locations outside of major cities and obtain an embassy registration before your trip.
-You should avoid any public demonstrations and keep updated with local news reports and government warnings.
-Women should cover head and shoulders only in the religious places. Wear modest dress and no public displays of affection.
-Friday is closed in Algeria, nobody works or open their stores. It is intended to be a day of rest, time for prayer and to spend with family.