Is it okay to use ATMs late in the evening in Algeria or should I stick to daytime withdrawals only? I am a single woman travelling so want to be safe.
I withdrew money from an ATM in Tizi Ouzou around 10 PM and was lucky nothing happened, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The machine was outside a branch with no lighting and hardly anyone around. As a backpacker, I usually go cash-light, but Algeria taught me to stock up early in the day. ATMs often run out of money, and security isn’t a given. Use trusted areas and avoid isolated machines.
I spent three months traveling through Algeria and found that ATMs at Banque Nationale d’Algerie were reliable, but rarely 24/7. In Constantine, everything shuts down pretty early. I wouldn’t call it dangerous, but I also didn’t feel secure enough to pull out cash alone after 7 PM. Budget travelers should try to get cash in the morning and keep a low profile. You never want to look lost or flash a card after dark.
ATM safety at night in Algeria is hit or miss. In Oran, I stayed near the seafront and had better luck with ATMs at night - especially near major hotels like Le Meridien. I wouldn’t say it’s unsafe, but I kept my phone hidden and stayed alert. If you’re a digital nomad staying longer term, you’ll notice locals avoid street ATMs at night and prefer using ones inside commercial centers.
Withdrawing cash after dark in Algiers wasn’t something I’d do twice. I used an ATM outside Banque Exterieure d’Algerie on Didouche Mourad Street around 9 PM - it was functional, but the area felt a bit deserted. A few guys lingered nearby, which made me uneasy. As a solo traveler, I now stick to daylight withdrawals and usually head to ATMs inside larger hotel lobbies where there’s more security.