Do local taxis in Algeria accept card or only cash?

Every taxi I took, whether hailed on the street or through the hotel, expected payment in cash - no cards, no apps. Some younger drivers knew about Yassir or TemTem, but those still require cash. Foreign travelers in Algeria need cash for taxi rides, especially in less-touristy cities like Setif or Jijel. Be ready to negotiate, and keep plenty of change. If you're coming from places where tap-to-pay is the norm, Algeria will feel a bit like a throwback. Plan accordingly so you're not caught scrambling for bills.

I’ve been using taxis and Yassir in Oran while working remotely, and unfortunately, cash-only taxis are still the norm in Algeria. Even with Yassir, I had to pay cash at the end of every ride. Tried linking my Wise card to the app - no luck. Drivers usually quote you the fare in advance, but meters are rare. Keep smaller denominations on hand and don’t rely on using credit cards or any app-based payment systems. Algeria isn’t yet geared for cashless travel, especially for transport.

You’ll definitely need cash. Took taxis all over Constantine and Tlemcen, and not one accepted card or app payments. Even the Yassir app, which works a bit like Bolt, doesn’t allow card linking for foreigners. Taxi payments in Algeria are old-school - cash only. And don’t try handing over large bills, most drivers won’t have change. I broke my cash into 100 DZD and 200 DZD notes at cafes just to pay fares. If you’re arriving late at night, prep your cash in advance.

I used taxis frequently in Algiers and Bejaia, and every single driver expected cash. I once asked about card or app payments, and the guy laughed. Paying for taxis in Algeria is 100% cash-based, no exceptions. They prefer local currency, exact change if possible. I tried using Yassir (a local ride app), but it still required cash on arrival - no in-app payments like Uber. I’d recommend keeping small bills like 100-200 DZD notes and always confirming the fare before starting the ride.