Money and duty free for Algeria

Currency and Money

Currency information

Dinar (DZD) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of DZD1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of DZD100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 centimes.

Note: Because of the very strict adherence of the authorities to these regulations, visitors are strongly advised not to be associated with the black market, which tends to concentrate on the Euro and portable electronics.

Credit cards

Credit cards are generally only accepted in urban areas. Payment in cash is always preferred.

ATM

There are two or three functioning ATMs in Algiers, but they can not be relied upon and there is a thriving black market for currency exchange.

Travellers cheques

Accepted only in top-class (4-star and above) hotels, government-run craft (souvenir) shops and in certain establishments. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Euros.

Banking hours

Sun-Thurs 0900-1530.

Currency restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. The export of foreign currency must not exceed the amount declared on arrival.

Currency exchange

In the past, difficulties have arisen when trying to exchange currency in Algeria, with only one national bank (La Banque Extérieure d'Algérie) able to exchange foreign currency at branches in major business centres. Difficulties are now decreasing and it is possible, for example, to exchange currency at some of the larger hotels. However, the facilities for currency exchange remain quite limited.

Algeria duty free

Overview

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.
• Goods to the value of DZD50,000.

Banned Imports

Prohibited imports to Algeria include arms and ammunition, narcotics and counterfeit goods.

Banned Exports

Prohibited exports from Algeria include gold exceeding 150g in weight, firearms, ammunition and narcotics.