Algeria, a vast country of golden deserts, Mediterranean coastline, and ancient Roman ruins, offers a rich mix of North African culture and French colonial history. Whether you’re exploring the historic Casbah of Algiers, trekking through the Sahara, or visiting the oases of Ghardaïa, understanding how to access cash is essential. While major cities have modern banking services and some card acceptance, cash remains the primary payment method across much of the country. This guide covers key information on cash and ATMs in Algeria, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a smooth and informed travel experience.
Where to find ATMs in Algeria?
ATMs are widely available in Algeria’s major cities, including Algiers, Oran, Constantine, and Annaba. Most ATMs are located near branches of major banks such as Banque Nationale d’Algérie (BNA), Banque Extérieure d’Algérie (BEA), and Banque de Développement Local (BDL). They are commonly found in business districts, shopping centers, universities, and government buildings. Many ATMs only support local cards, so travelers should seek out ATMs clearly marked with international networks like Visa or Mastercard.
Tourist Spots:
Popular destinations such as the Casbah of Algiers, Tipasa ruins, and the Saharan city of Ghardaïa have ATMs in their central areas or near major hotels. However, in less tourist-oriented locations – such as desert gateways like Tamanrasset or Djanet – ATMs may be scarce or non-functional, so it’s advisable to carry cash before heading inland.
Rural Areas:
In smaller towns and remote villages, ATMs are often unavailable or unreliable due to connectivity issues. Travelers heading to the Sahara, mountain regions, or oasis settlements should withdraw cash in larger cities beforehand. French is commonly used on ATM interfaces, with limited English support.
Best ATMs to use in Algeria for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Algeria are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Banque de Développement Local (BDL),
- Banque Nationale d’Algérie (BNL),
- Société Générale, and
- BNP Paribas.
There are other banks also with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Algeria, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in DZD).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in DZD’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Algeria?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Algeria. ATMs commonly accept Visa and Mastercards. Some of them also accept Plus and Cirrus cards. Only some accept CUP, Discover, Diners cards. Others like American Express and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours?
Most ATMs in Algeria operate 24/7, especially those located at bank branches or in urban centers. However, outages and downtime are common, particularly outside of major cities.
What are ATMs called in Algeria?
ATMs in Algeria are usually referred to as “Distributeurs automatiques” or “GAB” (short for Guichet Automatique de Banque). The signage may be in French or Arabic, and some machines only display the bank’s name.
Language options at ATMs
Most ATMs offer French and Arabic as the default languages. English is rarely available.
Don’t know the language? Use the Google Translate camera function to get a rough translation of the ATM screen.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Algeria?
ATMs in Algeria dispense only Algerian dinar (DZD) – the local currency. There are no official options to withdraw foreign currencies (like USD or EUR) from local ATMs. The Algerian Dinar (DZD) is a closed currency, meaning you cannot legally bring large amounts in or out of the country. Currency exchange must be done within Algeria.
ATM withdrawal limits in Algeria?
ATMs in Algeria have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of DZD 80,000 per transaction (Algerian Dinar). Most ATMs do not have daily withdrawal limits and typically do not limit the number of transactions per day for foreign card holders.
ATM Fees in Algeria
There are many fee-free ATMs in Algeria. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Algeria do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. One ATM charges DZD 1,000 per every DZD 10,000 of withdrawal.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Algeria. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Algeria
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Algeria?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Algeria. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Algeria.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
While Algeria has seen improvements in safety, travelers should remain cautious, especially in urban areas where petty crime such as pickpocketing and opportunistic theft can occur. ATMs are best used during the day and ideally inside bank branches or within secure locations like shopping malls. Avoid using machines in isolated or dimly lit areas, and always shield your PIN when entering it. Stay alert for any unusual attachments that could indicate card skimming. It’s also advisable to avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash at once and to regularly monitor your bank statements for any unauthorized activity.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Algeria takes you card, you can contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may be able to retreive the card for you if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but typically they only retreive and resend new cards for their own customers. In such cases, you will need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a card to you at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Algeria?
Yes, its possible. There are many fee-free ATMs in Algeria. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Algeria do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. One ATM charges DZD 1,000 per every DZD 10,000 of withdrawal.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Algeria?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Algeria and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no known Bitcoin ATMs currently operating in Algeria.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Algeria
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: Citibank does operate a branch in Algiers but has no ATMs available to the public.
- Barclays: No, Barclays does not have ATMs or retail presence.
- HSBC: No HSBC does not operate retail ATMs for customers here.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not have ATMs in Algeria.
