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Algeria is a mysterious country with clean beaches and fascinating Sahara. It derives its name from the city of Algiers, the capital of Algeria. It is the second largest country in Africa. First settled by Phoenicians, Berbers and Arabians came later. Algeria was a French colony from 1830 to 1962.
Introduction
Algeria is a mysterious country with clean beaches and fascinating Sahara. It derives its name from the city of Algiers, the capital of Algeria. It is the second largest country in Africa. First settled by Phoenicians, Berbers and Arabians came later. Algeria was a French colony from 1830 to 1962.
Location and size
Algeria is located in northwestern Africa, with its north bordering to the Mediterranean Sea. Tunisia and Libya are the neighbors on the east, Niger and Mali on the south, Mauritania and Morocco on the west. It covers an area of 2 381 740 square kilometers.
Algeria Climate
Climate similar to other Mediterranean countries makes Algeria a great holiday destination. There are sharp contrasts in temperatures, though, prevailingly due to the diversity of the relief. You can expect wet winters and hot dry summers along the coast and cold winters with hot summers on higher plateaus.
Algeria Language
Arabic is an official language, yet on your travel to Algeria, you will unavoidably run also into people speaking French or Berber dialects, as almost all Algerians are of Berber origin.
Time
Algeria is one hour ahead of the GMT time.
Money and Banks
The Algerian dinar (DZD) is the local currency. Credit cards are not widely accepted, unlike cash in USD or GBP. Banque Nationale d'Algérie is the best place for all your banking and money exchange needs.
Passports and visas
To check whether you need a visa, check with the nearest Algerian embassy or consulate. Nationals of Israel, Malawi, and Taiwan are not admitted, as well as anyone who has a stamp from these countries in the passport. Usually a valid passport is all that is needed.
Algeria Infrastructure
There is a scheduled airline service to Algeria from many main world airports. The train network is 4000 km long. Bus network is much wider and bus travel more comfortable, yet also rather expensive. There is a lot of motor repair shops, but the quality of work is often low.
Health
Make sure you an adequate medical insurance, and follow the instructions provided with it. No vaccination is required, though vaccination against hepatitis A and B and spotted fever is recommended, especially for longer stay or when traveling outside of main cities. Consult with your physician. Health care in Algeria is of dubious quality, only to be used in exigency. First aid is free.
Sun
The African sun can be very harsh. Sun blocks, hats and sunglasses are essential during the summer months.
Algeria Safety
Travel to capital city and other big cities is safe. However, the situation in Algeria is very unstable, extremists are abundant, therefore individual tourism outside of main cities is not recommended. Do not photograph uniformed people nor military buildings. Always keep up-to-date about current situation before traveling to Algeria.
Algeria Driving
All visitors intending to drive require an international drivers permit. Road are in acceptable condition, but driving in unknown areas or alone is not recommended. When traveling by your own car, you have to conclude car insurance directly in the port or custom house when entering Algeria.
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