Can I use cards on buses and public transport in Algeria?

Took the Algiers metro almost daily for two weeks. You pay cash at the station window and get a paper ticket - super cheap but very basic. No card payments on public transport in Algeria, so plan for coins and small bills. Even buses to and from the airport don’t accept anything digital. I was surprised there was no reloadable metro card like in other cities. On one bus, the driver didn’t have change and just waved me on - nice gesture, but don’t count on that happening every time.

I kept asking if there was a metro card or app like in Turkey - the answer was always no. Paying for metro and buses in Algeria requires cash, plain and simple. Even at the airport bus counter in Algiers, they refused cards. The ticket prices are low - metro rides were around 50 DZD - but you’ll need exact change or something close. The only “system” is showing your ticket stub after entry. For longer stays, I recommend prepping a small pouch of coins and small notes.

Algiers has a surprisingly efficient metro, but it’s old-school. You have to buy a paper ticket for each ride - cash only at the vending booths. Same goes for city buses in places like Oran and Constantine. Card payments for transport in Algeria aren’t a thing, even at major hubs. I got by fine with small cash, but finding change was annoying. I kept a stash of coins and 100 DZD notes for transport. No mobile ticketing, no Apple Pay, no tap cards. Budget some daily cash just for this.

Everything’s cash. I took the metro in Algiers and several city buses in Oran - not a single one had any option to tap or pay by card. Tickets were paper-based, and you buy them at a small kiosk or onboard. Public transport in Algeria operates strictly on cash, and mostly small denominations. Forget about apps or contactless. Always carry coins and 100-200 DZD notes. Drivers rarely have change, so break larger bills at cafes or shops first. And don't expect anyone to speak English if you’re asking for help!