Ruth Haines
The Algerian Dinar (DZD or DA) is the currency of Algeria, introduced in 1964. It is illegal to import or export Dinars, though this is rarely enforced. While there are ATMs at Algiers airport that accept UK cards, travellers have reported that the exchange rate is unfavourable. It is recommended to keep Euros on hand, as this currency is widely accepted in Algiers and can be exchanged for Dinars at banks or other trusted places, such as goldsmiths. It is important to note that exchanging currency outside of banks is technically illegal, and travellers are advised to avoid changing money on the street or with individuals at the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency of Algeria | Algerian Dinar (DZD or DA) |
| Subdivided into | 100 centimes |
| Denominations | 1/2, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 dinars |
| Export limit | 10,000 dinars |
| Import limit | 3,000 dinars |
| Exchange at the airport | Possible, but with potentially unfavourable rates |
| Exchange outside the airport | Possible at banks or on the unofficial market |
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What You'll Learn
Algiers airport exchange offices offer poor rates
Algiers airport does have exchange offices, but they offer poor rates. It is recommended that travellers bring euros, as they are widely accepted and can be exchanged for dinars at a better rate in the city.
Some travellers have reported that they were approached at the airport by people offering a better rate on the black market. However, exchanging currency outside of banks is technically illegal, and travellers are advised not to change money with individuals at the airport.
ATMs and credit cards are limited to hotels and businesses in larger cities, and most ATMs and stores will only accept local bank cards, not international credit or debit cards. Only certain branches of a few banks have ATMs that can service international cards, and these do not always work.
One traveller reported that they were able to use their Visa card to withdraw Algerian dinars from their bank account at some international airports and rare hotels. However, another traveller reported that they attempted to use a bank card to withdraw money from an ATM and found that it was not accepted.
Another option for exchanging currency is to use the mobile app Fairswap, which allows users to exchange cash currency in real time by meeting at a pre-agreed location.
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Euros are widely accepted in Algiers
It is illegal to change money on the black market in Algeria, so it is recommended that you only exchange foreign currency at banks or authorized currency exchange locations, such as major hotels. The official exchange rate may vary considerably from the actual rate offered on the street.
Euros are commonly used in Algeria, and there are websites that provide the exchange rate for euros at specific locations in Algiers, such as the Square Port-Saïd. This indicates that euros are readily accepted and used for day-to-day transactions in the city.
When leaving Algeria, you can take up to 7,500 euros (or equivalent in other foreign currency) out of the country. Non-residents cannot take any amount of Algerian dinars out of the country, while residents can take up to 10,000 dinars.
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Algerian dinars can be withdrawn from some ATMs with UK cards
It is possible to withdraw Algerian dinars from some ATMs with UK cards. However, it is important to note that most ATMs and businesses in Algeria only accept local bank cards and not international credit or debit cards.
To be able to withdraw Algerian dinars from an ATM with a UK card, you may need to acquire a multi-currency card or a specific Algerian Dinar card. These cards can be ordered from companies like Revolut, which offers a multi-currency card that can be used to withdraw Algerian dinars from ATMs and make card payments in Algeria. With this card, you can save money on ATM withdrawals, avoid surprise fees, and spend in Algerian dinars like a local.
It is recommended to check in advance with your card provider to ensure that your card will be accepted by ATMs in Algeria. Additionally, when using your card at an ATM, it is advisable to select 'No' if the machine asks you to convert money. This helps you obtain the best possible exchange rate and avoids surprise fees.
It is worth noting that Algeria has strict foreign exchange laws, and it is prohibited to export the Dinar. Therefore, it is advised to only exchange money at bureaus de change in international airports, larger hotels, or banks in the main cities. Carrying large amounts of cash is not recommended, and it is safer to use your card for transactions whenever possible.
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Algerian dinars cannot be exported
The Algerian Dinar (DZD) is the currency of Algeria, introduced in 1964. It is subdivided into 100 centimes, though centimes are now obsolete due to their low value.
While it is possible to exchange foreign currency for Algerian Dinar at Algiers airport, there are strict rules regarding the import and export of the currency. Non-residents cannot take any amount of Algerian Dinar outside of the country. Algerian residents may take up to 10,000 DZD out of the country, and Algerian dual-nationals who are not residents cannot exit with Algerian currency.
Upon entry, travellers must declare at customs if they are carrying more than 3,000 DZD or foreign currency that exceeds 1,000 euros (or equivalent). It is recommended that travellers buy Algerian Dinar before arriving in Algeria, as local currency exchange offices may not offer good rates.
It is illegal to change money on the black market, and travellers should only exchange foreign currency at banks or authorised currency exchange locations, such as major hotels.
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The official exchange rate is 134 د.ج per 1 US dollar
The Algerian dinar (DZD or DA) is the currency of Algeria. It was introduced in 1964, replacing the Algerian franc. The official exchange rate is 134 د.ج per 1 US dollar. This rate is set by the Bank of Algeria. The dinar is divided into santeem, whereby 1 dinar = 100 santeem. Bank notes are issued by the Central Bank of Algeria.
When it comes to exchanging currency, travellers should be aware that exchanging currency outside of banks is technically illegal in Algeria, and it is recommended not to change money on the streets or with individuals at the airport. It is also illegal to import or export dinars, although this is rarely enforced. It may be difficult to find open banks or ATMs in Algeria, but goldsmiths will exchange money and are considered more trustworthy than individuals on the street. Some ATMs in Algiers accept UK cards, and there are also ATMs at the airport.
Some travellers have reported that they have been able to exchange euros at shops (behind a curtain) at an unofficial market within the airport, although the rate was unfavourable. Others have recommended keeping euros on hand, as these are widely accepted and can be exchanged at banks or other trusted places. It is also possible to withdraw Algerian dinars from some ATMs at the airport using Visa or Mastercard.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are banks at the airport that offer currency exchange. However, exchanging currency outside of banks is technically illegal, so it is not recommended to change money with individuals at the airport.
Euros are widely accepted in Algeria and can be easily exchanged at the airport. It is also possible to withdraw Algerian dinars from your bank account at some international airports using Visa or Mastercard.
Yes, there are strict foreign exchange laws in Algeria. While it is technically illegal to import or export dinars, this is rarely enforced. However, travellers must declare at customs if they are carrying more than 3,000 Algerian dinars or the foreign currency equivalent of 1,000 euros.
