For meals, transport, tips - whats the safe amount to carry in Algeria ? Trying to plan a daily budget for a month long trip
I planned for 10,000 DZD/day and it gave me great peace of mind. Stayed at comfortable hotels, used private taxis in cities like Algiers and Bejaia, and dined without worrying about cost. Travel budgeting in Algeria for seniors is very manageable - even upscale meals rarely cost over 2,000 DZD. Tipping isn’t automatic, but a small note goes a long way in building rapport. SIM cards from Djezzy or Ooredoo are cheap and helpful for booking and navigation, so factor that into your first day’s spend.
I traveled solo from Tlemcen to Annaba over four weeks, using a mix of shared taxis and budget hotels. Daily spend hovered around 6,000 DZD, give or take. A realistic daily budget for Algeria should factor in weather-related changes - taxis spike in rain, and some sites charge entry fees during high season. Tips aren’t expected for basic services, but it’s polite to round up for helpful drivers or porters. Also, bring some USD or EUR cash as backup - not every city has functioning ATMs.
I based myself in Oran and worked remotely for two weeks. Budgeted around 7,500 DZD/day, which covered a decent Airbnb, transport, SIM card data refills, and meals at mid-range places. Algeria’s cost of living for travelers is surprisingly low compared to Morocco or Tunisia. Public transport is cheap - less than 50 DZD for a tram ride - but long-distance travel (trains or private buses) adds up. Meals can be basic or refined, so budget flexibility matters. Tipping isn’t formalized but 10% is appreciated at tourist-friendly restaurants.
I spent a full month in Algeria this spring, mostly between Algiers, Constantine, and Ghardaïa. If you’re traveling low to mid-budget, you can easily get by on around 5,000-6,000 DZD per day. Street food is insanely cheap - shawarma wraps or grilled brochettes for 200-300 DZD, intercity buses are under 1,000 DZD, and local trams or metros cost literal pocket change. Algeria daily travel budget for backpackers stays low unless you’re splurging on hotel rooms, which can vary wildly. Add a bit extra for tips at cafes and taxis, but most locals don’t expect much from foreigners.