Looking for reliable ATMs in Algeria that work well with foreign debit/credit cards and dont charge crazy fees. Any recos will be highly appreciated.
During my April trip through Ghardaïa and Algiers, I had the most luck with BDL and Soc Gen ATMs. They accepted my US-based Visa card and had clear on-screen instructions. Algerian banks that work with foreign cards are limited, so having two backup cards is smart. Withdrawal limits were about 80,000 DZD, but I could do a second pull after waiting a few minutes. Both of those ATMs didnt charge me any fees. Avoid using ATMs after dark unless they’re inside a well-lit building or bank. Avoid Airport exchange counters charge.
I found Banque de Developpement Local (BDL) machines reliable in Annaba and Constantine. My Mastercard debit card worked flawlessly, though one ATM only allowed 80,000 DZD at a time. Algeria ATM withdrawal limits for tourists vary by bank - some allow up to 30,000 DZD per transaction. BDL and BNP were the only ones that consistently worked across regions. Also, some machines ask if you want to convert the currency - always say no. It’s not always clear, but the “Decline Conversion” option saves money.
I used my Revolut card at Banque Exterieure d’Algerie (BEA) ATMs across Oran and Algiers with zero issues. They didn’t display the surcharge on-screen, but my statement showed about a 300 DZD flat fee. Foreign debit card-friendly ATMs in Algeria are mainly BEA, BNA, and Credit Agricole. Withdrawal limits seem to be 20,000-25,000 DZD per session, but you can usually do multiple transactions back-to-back. Do avoid airport or hotel-based ATMs - those tend to reject cards more often.
The most consistent ATM I used was Banque Nationale d’Algerie - they worked with both my Indian HDFC and Wise cards, especially in Algiers and Tizi Ouzou. Limits were usually around 20,000-30,000 DZD per transaction. Best ATMs in Algeria for foreign cards are usually at large banks. Avoid EDAHABIA-only terminals; they often don’t accept international cards. Credit Populaire d’Algerie also worked fine but had a higher fee (around 500 DZD per withdrawal). Stick to machines attached to actual bank branches.
BDL Bank in Algeria is still working and accessible. I used my Visa and Mastercard here without issues. No fees, and transaction limit was zero - probably unlimited or capped by card.