Pros and Cons of Living in Algeria

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Nov 27, 2021

Summary: Pros and Cons of Living in Algeria. Expats, Retirees and Digital Nomads talk about the pros and cons of living in Algeria

What do expats in Algeria appreciate most about the local culture?

"Weather is great ... You can live and eat very well in Algeria if you have your own home and a job. It's a beautiful country and there are some amazing places to visit," remarked another expat in Algiers.

"Family stick together strongly, and acceptance here is high between family members. Doesn't matter how troublemaker you are, or how bad is your personality, or how strange is your idea, your family especially parents will always love you, accept you, and support you unconditionally," explained one expat living in Annaba.

"I love the people, my husband's family that is. They are warm, generous and wonderful. I love their food, couscous and Arabic food," said another expat in Algiers.

"Learning that I am so lucky to have the things I have. Not wasting food. Being kinder to people and not being so selfish. Taking on board that in society women and men each have a role and this is very important for marriage ( i was such an independant feminist in the past...)," added another person living in Algiers.

"Well after working for the British Government for 15 years being able to sit back and enjoy life now with my children is great. I can work if I want to but have decided to be a housewife instead - something that I would never have done while living in London," explained one expat living in Algiers.

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"Understanding that my logic does not apply. People here are very emotional. Everything becomes very dramatic very quickly and then settles down even quicker whilst my head is still spinning. People are very friendly and welcoming when you are visiting they are less happy for you to stay around indefinitely," said another expat in Algiers.

"One time my mother-in-law's fridge broke down and she cried so hard that I thought someone died in the family. When I found out the actual reason, I scolded my husband for not reassuring her that we will buy her a new fridge immediately. My husband told me it is not the money it is the availability. I was shocked that you cannot just go out and buy one and get it delivered to your house. My husband told me it could be weeks of waiting before a new one is available. So I guess it's things like this that we tend to take for granted that is most challenging," remarked another in Algiers.

"Lack of safety ie electrics, windons on 6th floor that fully open, wires coming out of plug sockets and connecting to street electric viva wires from your window. The metality of the middle aged me here... will ingore women, cut you up on the road then beep at you like its your fault! The lack of children groups and support for parents. How close family life is," explained one expat.

"Being the only one from my country here. Getting people to understand my meaning behind my words. Finding someone that thinks like I do," said another person in Blida.

Expat Health Insurance

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Expat Health Insurance

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Healthcare & Health Insurance in Algeria

Expats in Algeria offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Algeria.

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