• Explore Algeria
  • Best Places to Live
  • Find
  • Algeria Community
  • Favorites
  • Plan Your Move
  • Sign Up
  • Sign In
  • Search
  • Home
Expat Exchange
Best PlacesBest Places Community Find
Plan Favorites
Partners & Local Guides
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Account Algeria Index   Search
Explore DestinationExplore AlgeriaBest Places to Live FindCommunity Plan Your MoveFavorites
Explore DestinationExplore Community
Plan Your Move
B
Expat Lifestyle
B
Private Schools
B
Family Friendly
C
Single Friendly
B-
Senior Friendly
C-
LGBTQ+ Friendly
B
Weather
B
Healthcare
B+
Cost of Living
B
Recreation
C+
Nightlife
B
Restaurants
B-
Crime

Expat Exchange > Algeria

Algeria

  Coastal   Beaches  
Cost of Living: Moderate
Train Access: Yes (sntf (société nationale des transports ferroviaires), relatively safe)
Bus Service: Yes (ETUSA, SOGRAL, SATI, relatively safe)

Algeria, officially known as the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, is a country in North Africa on the Mediterranean coast. It is the tenth-largest country in the world and the largest in Africa and the Arab world. The capital and most populous city is Algiers, located in the far north of the country on the Mediterranean coast. With a population of over 40 million people, Algeria has a diverse society, with Arabic and Berber as the official languages and French also widely spoken. The country has a semi-presidential republic form of government with the president as the head of state and the prime minister as the head of government. Algeria's landscape is varied and striking, with the Sahara Desert covering more than four-fifths of its territory. It is known for its rich history and has been home to many empires and dynasties, including the ancient Numidians, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Arab Umayyads, and the Berber Almohads and Hafsids. The northern part of the country is part of the Maghreb region and includes the Tell Atlas and Saharan Atlas mountain ranges, which run close to the coast and are part of the larger Atlas mountain system. The Hoggar Mountains and the Tassili n'Ajjer are located in the central Sahara in the south of the country. Algeria's economy is heavily reliant on hydrocarbons, and the country is one of the largest oil producers in Africa. The government has, however, been working on diversifying the economy by investing in the agricultural and industrial sectors. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from various civilizations that have inhabited the region throughout history. This is reflected in Algeria's architecture, music, literature, and cuisine. The country has also been a key player in regional and international affairs, being a member of the United Nations, the Arab League, the African Union, OPEC, and the Non-Aligned Movement. Algeria played a significant role in the fight for decolonization in Africa and has continued to be an advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people. Despite its wealth in natural resources, Algeria faces several social and economic challenges, including unemployment and the need for political and economic reforms. The country has also experienced periods of civil unrest, most notably during the Algerian Civil War in the 1990s. More recently, the Hirak protest movement that began in 2019 has called for comprehensive political change and greater economic opportunities. Algeria's landscape offers a variety of activities for tourists, from trekking in the Atlas Mountains to exploring the vast expanse of the Sahara. The country's long history is showcased in numerous archaeological sites, such as the Roman ruins at Timgad and Djémila. The Mediterranean coast provides opportunities for beach tourism, with resorts and picturesque coastal towns. Algeria's cultural festivals, such as the Festival of the Desert, also attract visitors interested in the music and traditions of the region.

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

10 Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid While Living in Algeria 10 Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid While Living in Algeria
Culture Shock in Algeria Culture Shock in Algeria
Pros and Cons of Living in Algeria Pros and Cons of Living in Algeria
How to Get a Driver's License in Algeria How to Get a Driver's License in Algeria
Guide to Residency in Algeria Guide to Residency in Algeria
Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Algeria (Plus, Itineraries) Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Algeria (Plus, Itineraries)
10 Best Places for Families to Live in Algeria 10 Best Places for Families to Live in Algeria
Top Hospitals in Algeria by Specialty Top Hospitals in Algeria by Specialty
Prescription Medications and Pharmacies in Algeria Prescription Medications and Pharmacies in Algeria
Understanding Mental Health in Algeria Understanding Mental Health in Algeria
Do I need Health Insurance When Moving to Algeria? Do I need Health Insurance When Moving to Algeria?
Having a Baby in Algeria Having a Baby in Algeria
Health Insurance for Expats in Algeria Health Insurance for Expats in Algeria
How to Enroll in the Public Healthcare System in Algeria How to Enroll in the Public Healthcare System in Algeria
How to Navigate the Health System in Algeria How to Navigate the Health System in Algeria
Moving to Algeria with a Pet Moving to Algeria with a Pet
Homeschooling in Algeria Homeschooling in Algeria
How to Enroll Your Children in School in Algeria How to Enroll Your Children in School in Algeria
Educational System in Algeria Educational System in Algeria
10 Things to Know Before Moving to Algeria 10 Things to Know Before Moving to Algeria
How to Buy a Home in Algeria How to Buy a Home in Algeria
How to Rent a Home in Algeria How to Rent a Home in Algeria
Guide to Residency in Algeria Guide to Residency in Algeria

Living in Algeria

Movies Set: The Battle of Algiers, Z, Chronicle of the Years of Fire
Popular Foods: Traditional Algerian cuisine includes dishes such as couscous, which is often served with lamb or chicken and vegetables. Tagine, a slow-cooked stew, is also popular and can be made with meat or fish, along with spices and fruits. For dessert, sweets like baklava and makroud, which are pastries filled with dates or nuts and soaked in honey, are commonly enjoyed.
Unusual Eats: One unusual food enjoyed in Algeria is Djouaz el-Ham, which are lamb testicles cooked in various ways. Another is Aasban, which is a sausage made from stuffed sheep intestines and can be quite challenging for visitors to try.
Popular Sports: football, handball, athletics, martial arts
Popular Teams: ES Sétif (football), USM Alger (football), JS Kabylie (football)
Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: It is considered rude to refuse an offer of mint tea, which is a sign of hospitality in Algeria. Additionally, public displays of affection are frowned upon, and it's important to dress conservatively, especially for women, to respect local customs and sensibilities.

Best Places to Live in Algeria

Discover the top-ranked towns in Algeria. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.
1
Algiers
2
Blida
Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average
Popular Expat Visa/s: work visa, family reunification visa
Popular Nomad Visa/s: Algeria does not have a specific digital nomad visa, but digital nomads might use a tourist visa or a temporary work visa, which typically allows them to stay for up to 90 days

Obtaining a residency in Algeria involves several steps and can be somewhat challenging due to the bureaucratic processes. The most common types of residency visas for expats are the work visa and the family reunification visa. To apply for a work visa, an expat must first secure a job offer or a work contract from an Algerian employer. The employer must then obtain an authorization from the Ministry of Labor. The expat can then apply for a visa at the Algerian consulate in their home country, providing the necessary documents, including the work authorization, a passport valid for at least six months, application forms, photos, and a medical certificate. For family reunification, the process is similar, but the applicant must prove their family ties with an Algerian resident, such as a marriage certificate for a spouse or birth certificates for children. The process can be time-consuming and requires patience, as it involves multiple government agencies. The difficulty level is considered average, but it can vary based on individual circumstances and the efficiency of the Algerian bureaucracy at the time of application. It is important to note that all documents must be translated into Arabic or French and certified. Once in Algeria, expats must apply for a residency permit, which involves a separate application process and additional documentation. This permit must be renewed periodically. For digital nomads, Algeria does not offer a specific visa category. However, they may enter the country on a tourist visa or a temporary work visa if they intend to work remotely for a short period, usually up to 90 days. It is important for digital nomads to ensure they comply with Algerian laws regarding work and residency, as working on a tourist visa may not be legally permitted.

Healthcare in Algeria

The system in Algeria is a mix of public and private healthcare services. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and provides services to citizens at low or no cost. However, the quality of public healthcare can vary significantly, with urban areas typically having better facilities and more resources than rural areas. Private healthcare in Algeria offers higher quality services with more modern facilities and shorter waiting times, but at a higher cost. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare once they have a residence permit and are contributing to the social security system, although many opt for private health insurance to ensure access to private healthcare services.

"Salam alaykum. Im newly wedded to a an Algerian and I'll be relocating to Algeria soon. If everything turns out well, with Allah permission, we will head to Algiers/ Setif. Just like Khadidja(Hi Khadidja, I just drop u a mail!) I speak neither French or Arabic, but I have plans to take up when Im there. I am a teacher and looking forward to network with more ladies. I hope to gather more info on living in Algeria and of cos beauty services!" - zhurui

Connect with Others on the Algeria Community

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Algeria is considered moderate when compared to other countries. Prices for goods and services can vary, with urban areas typically being more expensive than rural areas.

Weather

Algeria's climate is predominantly dry, with the majority of the country experiencing arid to semi-arid conditions. The coastal region has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Inland areas, particularly in the Sahara desert, can have extreme temperature variations, with scorching hot days and chilly nights. The northern mountainous regions receive more rainfall and can have cooler temperatures.

Educational System in Algeria

The educational system in Algeria is structured similarly to the French model, as Algeria was a French colony until 1962. Education in Algeria is mandatory and free for children between the ages of six and 16. The system is divided into three stages: primary education (enseignement primaire), middle school education (enseignement moyen), and secondary education (enseignement secondaire). Primary education lasts for five years, and upon completion, students receive a Certificate of Primary Education. Middle school also spans four years, culminating in the award of the Brevet d'Enseignement Moyen (BEM), which is necessary to enter secondary education. Secondary education lasts for three years, and students specialize in either general education or technical streams. At the end of this stage, students sit for the Baccalauréat exam, which determines their eligibility for higher education. The school year in Algeria typically starts in September and ends in June, with the main holidays in winter and spring, as well as an extended summer break. The quality of education varies, with urban schools generally better equipped and staffed than those in rural areas. The government has been working on improving the educational system by investing in infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum development

William Russell
 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance
iVisa
AGS Worldwide Movers
Traveling Mailbox
The Relocator
SJB Global
Universal Tax Professionals
GeoBlue
Our Story Our Team Contact Us Partner with Us
Guides to Cities in Algeria
Algiers Blida
Country Resources
Health Insurance Moving & Shipping Language Schools Real Estate Firms More Resources

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides