Our quick reference guides have vital information on pay, benefits, tax and visas - everything you need to work and live in Algeria:
Algeria has a minimum wage; the working week is 40 hours; there are no trade unions in Algeria.
Algeria is a welfare state and everyone contributes by paying taxes; consequently they are quite high in relation to the average Algerian wage.
Expatriates living in Algeria are eligible to pay a personal income tax with seven bands determining the amount you will pay.
All non-Algerians need to apply for a visa to enter the country. Visa requirements for Algeria change regularly and you should call your home country's Algerian Embassy or Consulate before taking any further steps.
When applying for a visa at your Algerian Embassy you will need to bring a business visa and a temporary work permit. Visa extensions within the country can be done at the bureau des étrangers in Algiers (20 Zighout Youcef Boulevard. Phone: 021 73 00 73).
Prior to departure you should get hepatitis A, typhoid and hepatitis B vaccines, as well as obtaining medical insurance. If you need medical care while in Algeria, be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. You will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement.
Medical facilities in Algeria have improved lately but are not yet up to Western standards. In addition, certain medicines and resources may not be available in some hospitals and clinics. Private clinics may be a better option than government hospitals. Most healthcare professionals in the urban areas will speak Arabic and French. Note that you should bring your own chronic medications and medical kit with you.
There are quite a few dentists in Algeria. You will find clinics mostly in big cities. Remember to bring cash with you.
The currency in Algeria is the Algerian dinar (DZD). 1 euro = 103.7 DZD and 1 USD = 65 DZD. If you have a resident card, it should be easy to open a bank account. However, the process can be quite long. To open an account, most banks will ask for your address, a resident card, a birth certificate and a valid passport. Do not bring cheques, as they will not be accepted. You can transfer money from your home bank account, but this could take at least a month. It will be more convenient to bring cash with you to open an account in dinars. International banks such as Société Générale, BNP Paribas and HSBC operate in Algeria. In cases of emergency, and while awaiting the transfer, you can also use Visa, MasterCard, Eurocard and American Express. You can check the MasterCard ATM locator page for the location of ATMs in Algeria.
As properties are affordable, the idea of purchasing real estate in Algeria may be quite appealing. When arriving in Algeria, you will see numerous local newspapers where you can find real estate ads. You can also browse the web and find real estate sites. Going to a real estate agency may be more secure than buying or renting directly from the owner.
In Algeria, you can travel by air, bus or train. All internal flights have to be paid for in foreign currency. You need to book your seat well in advance. You can travel by train between Oran, Algiers, Constantine and Anaba. Trains also run south to Bécher and from Constantine to Touggourt. There are also inter-city buses, which are quite comfortable, reliable and fast but expensive.
If you want to drive your own car, an international driving licence is required. You may also need a “carnet de passage”. Get more information at customs or the car rental agency. Most roads are in relatively good condition but driving in Algeria can be dangerous. A car rental will cost around 3,500 DA for one day (Atos Hyundai, 200 km, at Taltour).
ETUSA is the Algiers bus company. Public transport is quite slow, since buses are often stuck in traffic jams, it may be more convenient to use a cab.
To note: The threat from terrorism in Algeria remains. Travel only when necessary, and by air when possible.
The currency is rather weak. As a result, the cost of living is quite low.
