Introducing Djibouti
About Djibouti
Tucked away in the Horn of Africa, diminutive Djibouti offers ethereal landscapes, traditional tribes and mega marine life by the camel load – little wonder this slice of East Africa is being touted as the next big thing.
Refreshingly devoid of large-scale tourist developments (for now, at least), you won’t find international hotel chains outside the eponymous colonial capital. Tourists are still something of a rarity and it is not uncommon to be invited into a family’s home to share a pot of tea.
Contrasting strongly with the bright blue skies and the colourful macawis worn by locals, the flat plains outside Djibouti City have a harsh and otherworldly aesthetic, which are celebrated by the local tribespeople in poetry and song. The loose rocks that litter the khaki-coloured ground amid semi-wild herds of camel speak of the country’s volcanic past.
Away from the capital, which is wafted by a cool Red Sea breeze, Djibouti becomes oppressively hot in the summer months. Locals move slowly and purposefully; at least until the daily delivery of khat, a semi-narcotic plant chewed like gum, which seems to stop daily life in its tracks.
If you do manage to defy the heat, there are ample opportunities to connect with the natural world. Visitors can scale the dormant Ardoukoba volcano, explore Lake Assal, the lowest point in Africa, or go snorkelling with whale sharks in the Red Sea. Found in the Bay of Ghoubbet, these slow-moving giants trawl the Djiboutian coast, gorging on plankton.
Exhibiting a blend of African and Arabian culture, the people of Djibouti are equally fascinating. Gracious and welcoming to foreigners, their country still largely works along tribal lines, but it is quiet, unthreatening and small enough to get to grips with. Above all else, though, it’s absolutely stunning.
History of Djibouti
Inhabited at least since the Neolithic age, Djibouti is one of the cradles of human civilization and is a likely contender to have been part of the region known to the Ancient Egyptians as Punt as long ago as 2500BC.
Somali and Afar ethnic groups in the area were early adopters of Islam and for much of the medieval period the land we now know as Djibouti changed hands between a variety of Muslim sultanates and the more powerful Ethiopian emperors.
Once the French established a permanent administration in the city of Djibouti in the early 1890s they created French Somaliland in the surrounding region, affording it ‘overseas territory’ status in 1945. That lasted until 1967 when it was blessed with the catchy moniker, the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas (TFAI).
Tensions between the Afars, the Issas and the French led to sporadic outbreaks of violence during the late 1960s and early 1970s until in 1977, the French agreed to withdraw and the country achieved independence with Hassan Gouled Aptidon as president.
A sizeable French military presence in the country guaranteed the Gouled regime, which was threatened by organised opposition – both inside the country and abroad -and by the instability of its larger neighbours, Somalia and Ethiopia and, later on, Eritrea.
In 1991, Afar tribesmen launched a major assault on the regime, under the rubric of Le Front pour la Restauration de (‘Unite et la Dernocratie (FRUD). After two years of fighting, the rebellion was quashed with French support and, in May 1993, Gouled was re-elected as president.
After a major split within FRUD, part of the movement formed an alliance with the government and the ruling Rassemblement Populaire pour le Progres (RPP).
Gouled resigned in the spring of 1999 after 22 years in office. Gouled’s nephew and former security chief, Ismail Omar Guelleh, replaced him and comfortably won the April 1999 poll.
Apart from a failed coup in December 2000 – orchestrated by a disaffected former police chief – Djibouti has since enjoyed a welcome spell of domestic calm.
In April 2005, Guelleh won a second-term in a one-man presidential election, a feat he repeated in 2011 and 2016 with 80 per cent and 86 per cent of the respective votes cast.
Did you know?
- An incredible 88 per cent Djibouti’s largest forest, the Day Forest, has been lost in the last 200 years – more than 20 per cent in the last 50
- Somali love songs in the Balwo style are popular in
- The Djibouti francolin bird is critically endangered and is only known in two locations.
Djibouti Culture
Religion in Djibouti
Predominantly Muslim (94%) with Roman Catholic, Protestant and Greek Orthodox minorities.
Social Conventions in Djibouti
Casual wear is widely acceptable, but visitors are reminded that Djibouti is a Muslim country and certain codes of behaviour should be observed.
Language in Djibouti
The official languages are Arabic and French. Afar and Somali are spoken locally. English is spoken by hoteliers, taxi drivers and traders.
Geography & weather
Weather and climate
Best time to visit
Extremely hot and particularly arid between June and August when the dusty Khamsin blows from the desert. Between October and April it is slightly cooler with occasional light rain; however, there is generally less than 150mm (6in) of rainfall annually.
Geography
Djibouti is part of the African continent, bordered to the northeast and east by the Red Sea, the southeast by Somalia, the southwest by Ethiopia and to the north by Eritrea. The country is a barren strip of land around the Gulf of Tadjoura, varying in width from 20km (12 miles) to 90km (56 miles), with a coastline of 300km (188 miles), much of it white sandy beaches. Inland is semi-desert and desert, with thorn bushes, steppes and volcanic mountain ranges.
Business Opportunities
Doing Business in Djibouti
Suits should be worn. French and Arabic are the main languages used in business. As there are few, if any, interpreter services of note, a knowledge of either of these languages is essential. Business entertainment takes place in hotels or restaurants.
Office Hours
Sat-Thurs 0620-1330.
Economy
Djibouti’s economic output fell by one-third during the 1990s, largely due to the chaos which afflicted the Horn of Africa. Little of the mainly desert land will support crops and agriculture, and is therefore concentrated in rearing livestock; this is mostly conducted by nomadic tribes. There is a small industrial sector devoted to light manufacturing of locally consumed products.
Djibouti’s economic potential lies in the development of its service sector; in particular, transport facilities and banking. The deep-water port on the Bab-El-Mandeb Straits, which has developed as a major refuelling and transhipment facility, is vitally important to the country, as it is on the major oil oute between the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. In addition, the government hopes to develop Djibouti as a general trading centre between Africa and the Middle East and as an important telecommunications hub for the region.
However, at present, the country remains dependent on foreign aid, the bulk of which comes from France and Saudi Arabia.
Djibouti is a member of Common Market of Eastern and South Africa (COMESA), the League of Arab States, the United Nations (UN) and African Union (AU). Unemployment, which affects perhaps half the workforce, is a particular problem.
GDP
US$768 million (2006).
Main exports
Re-exports, hides and skins and coffee.
Main imports
Food, beverages, transport equipment, chemicals and petroleum products.
Main trading partners
Somalia, Yemen, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, India, China, USA and France.
Keeping in Touch in Djibouti
Mobile Phone
Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good in and around the capital and parts of the coast, and poor to non-existent elsewhere.
Internet
Services are accessible in the main post office and some hotels. There is at least one Internet cafe in Djibouti.
Media
The main newspaper, La Nation, is owned by the government, as is RadiodiffusionTalavision de Djibouti (RTD), which operates the national radio and TV. There are no private broadcasters. All electronic media is closely controlled by the government. Private newspapers and other publications are generally allowed to circulate freely, but journalists exercise self-censorship. The official media does not criticise the government. US-sponsored Arabic-language Radio Sawa broadcasts programmes to East Africa and Arabia from a transmitter in Djibouti.
Post
Letters and parcels to western Europe can take about one week by airmail or up to three weeks by surface mail
Plan your trip
Djibouti’s Journey
Flying to Djibouti
Djibouti-based Daallo Airlines (www.daallo.com) operates flights to a handful of destinations, including Dubai, Jeddah and Nairobi. If flying from the UK, the quickest route is via Paris with Air France (www.airfrance.com).
Airport Guides
Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport
Code JIB
Location
The airport is 5km (3 miles) south of the city. TelephoneAddress
Flight times
From London – 9 hours 30 minutes (including stopover); New York -19 hours (including stopover).
Departure tax
Not always included in air fares; some travellers may be subject to charge of US$30.
Travelling to Djibouti by Rail
There’s a twice-weekly service between Dire Daba (Ethiopia) and Djibouti, but there are no longer any trains from Addis Ababa.
Driving to Djibouti
Getting to Djibouti by boat
Staying there
Hotels
In general, good hotel accommodation in Djibouti is limited. The business centres, and in particular Algiers, tend to have either expensive but not particularly high-standard top end hotels or cheaper hotels primarily suited at locals or backpackers. Cheaper hotels tend to be crowded and difficult to get into, even with a confirmed booking.
The hotels in the resorts along the Mediterranean coast have increased in number, and many are of a reasonably high standard. Often, the good hotels in these resorts run their own nightclubs. Winter rates for coastal resorts apply from 1 October to 31 May.
Good hotels in the gateway oases of the mid-south (such as Ghardaia and Ouargla) are few and far between, and during the season (any time other than high summer, which runs from late June to early September), it is vital to book well in advance.
Hotels in the very far south are extremely limited. In Tamanrasset there are a few high-standard hotels but room availability remains limited. Many tour agencies run their own Tamanrasset guesthouses, however, so if you book a tour overnight accommodation in one of these will usually be included.
Grading: All hotels are subject to government regulations and are classified by a star rating: deluxe (5-star), second class (4/3-star) and tourist class (2/1-star).
Camping
Camping is free on common land or on the beaches but permission from the local authorities is necessary. Any visitor lucky enough to travel in the Sahara will usually sleep in a sleeping bag under the stars, or during colder snaps, in tents pitched on the sand.
Other accomodation
There is a good network of (single sex) youth hostels throughout the country offering accommodation at budget rates. For more information, contact the Federation Algerienne des Auberges de Jeunesse.
While you’re there
Places to see & things to do
Attractions in Djibouti
Admire attractive Djibouti
its pretty capital has been a port since Roman times and although commercialised by the French in the mid 19th century, it still has the feel of the Maghreb to it, with many zig-zag alleyways, mosques and a fantastic casbah. It’s also evocative of French colonialism with its whitewashed facades and blue painted balconies.
Buy a carpet in gorgeous Ghardaia
Made up of three very different walled towns in this fertile valley surrounded by the Saharan sands, Ghardaia is a unique place. The old towns are ultra-religious and can only be visited with an official guide, but it’s well worth doing so. Don’t leave without a carpet – those on sale in the main square of Ghardaia are considered to be the best in the country and make superb souvenirs from any trip to Algeria. Haggle with the carpet sellers here to get a good price.
Discover the ‘enchanted oasis’
Deep in the Grand Erg Occidental desert region, lies the oasis town of El Golea, which is often referred to as ‘the pearl of the desert’ or ‘the enchanted oasis’ because of its luxuriant vegetation and abundant water. The town is dominated by an old ksar (fort), whose ruins are well preserved.
Escape the heat in Tlemcen
Tlemcen was an important imperial city from the 12th to the 16th century and stands in the wooded foothills of the Tellian Atlas. A pleasant retreat from the stifling heat of high summer, its sights include the Grand Mosque, the Mansourah Fortress and the Almohad ramparts.
Explore ancient Constantine
Situated in the east of Algeria, Constantine is a natural citadel lying across the River Rhumnel. Founded by the Carthaginians, who called it Cirta, it is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Algeria. Sights include the Ahmed Bey Palace (one of the most picturesque in the Maghreb) and the Djamma el-Kebir Mosque.
Find the ‘golden key of the desert’
In the depths of the Sahara Desert, in southern Algeria, lies the ancient city of Ouargla, which is also known as ‘the golden key to the desert’. This ochre-coloured town is well worth visiting for its lovely souks and lofty minarets, which overlook an expansive landscape.
Go dune skiing
When you see the size of some of the Saharan sand dunes, dune skiing suddenly makes sense. You can bring your own skis (no padding needed) – otherwise quite a few tour agencies offer this unforgettable experience.
Have Djemila all to yourself
This stunning Roman city near to the city of Setif is incredibly well preserved but you may well find yourself the only person visiting when you get there. In a stunning setting, surrounded by verdant hills and pine forests, you’ll discover huge temples, a formally laid out forum and a superb amphitheatre.
Hike around the Tassili N’Ajjer
Tour the Tassili N’Ajjer, or ‘Plateau of Chasms’, a vast volcanic plateau crossed by massive gorges, formed by rivers that have long since dried up. The Tassili conceals a collection of unique rupestrian paintings (rock paintings), which go back at least as far as the neolithic age.
Hit the Turquoise Coast
Within easy reach of Algiers are some fine seaside resorts. One of the most famous is Zeralda, a beach town with a holiday vibe and replica nomad village. To the east of Algiers, the Turquoise Coast offers rocky coves and long beaches aplenty. And the Sidi Fredj peninsula has a marina, an open-air theatre and various watersports facilities.
Imbibe Algeirs’ cultural offerings
Algiers’ Bardo Ethnographic Museum and the National Museum of Fine Arts are amongst the finest museums in North Africa. Here you’ll find important artefacts and treasures from all eras such as the Roman, Carthaginian and Islamic periods.
Kick back in Tamanrasset
Picturesque Tamanrasset, situated at the heart of the Hoggar Mountains, is the unofficial capital of Algeria’s Sahara region. Tourists often stay in ‘Tam’ (as it is sometimes called) and use it as a base for touring the mountains or hiking in the desert. It is also a popular winter holiday destination for Algerians and is regularly visited by the camel caravans of les hommes bleus (the blue-robed Touaregs), who are the ancient nomadic inhabitants of this region.
Sweat it out in the Sahara
The Sahara Desert is the most striking and also most forbidding feature of Algeria. The best way to enter is to cross the El Kautara Gorges to the south of Constantine. The sudden glimpse of the Sahara through the El Kautara Gorges is breath-taking. These gorges are said to separate the winter areas from the land of everlasting summer and are called Fouur Es Sahra (‘the Sahara’s mouth’) by local inhabitants.
Tour the Sahara by camel
Nothing is quite as evocative of the Sahara’s endless sand than the sight of a camel caravan traversing the dunes. Travel agencies in Tamanrasset can organise camel tours of the desert, which allow you to camp overnight in the sands – an unforgettable experience.
Traipse through the ruins of Tipasa
Within easy reach of Algiers, the fascinating ruined city of Tipaza has exceptional Roman, Punic and Christian ruins, and a Numidian mausoleum overlooking a beautiful stretch of the Mediterranean. It’s also easy day-tripping distance from Algiers, making it the most accessible Roman ruins in the country.
Trek the Hoggar Mountains
An impressive, jagged range of peaks across Algeria’s southern Sahara, the Hoggar Mountains reach as far as Libya and are surrounded by desert on all sides. The massif consists of a plateau made of volcanic rock and eroded cliffs and granite needles form fascinating shapes in pink, blue or black basalt.
Visit holy Beni-Isguen
The holy town of Beni-Isguen, a fortified city not far from Ghardaia, is a remarkable sight. Set in the Sahara Desert, behind great ramparts, the sprawl of mud brick houses forms a dense warren of narrow streets, and not much has changed since it was first built in the 14th century. Visitors must observe a strict set of rules before entering -dress codes are stringent, no photos are allowed and everyone must be accompanied by a guide.
Wake up in Assekrem
Camping overnight at this holy retreat with views in all directions to the spectacular surrounding mountains is a wonderful experience. But the unquestionable highlight is getting up just before dawn and ascending the hillside to watch the sun break over the beautiful peaks.
Nightlife & Shopping
Shopping in Djibouti
It’s not as well known as neighboring Morocco for its shopping credentials but shoppers should find enough to satisfy the urge within the markets and souks of the northern cities. The spread of globalisation has made its mark in the capital Algiers, with shopping centres drawing visitors and locals seeking a ‘Western’ shopping experience. Don’t expect to find the big international brands, but there are plenty of Algerian shops selling everything from jewellery and clothing, to cosmetics and souvenirs.
Possible souvenirs include leatherware, rugs, copper and brassware. Embroidered dresses made locally, known as mejboudi can also make great gifts, although depending where you’re buying, they can be expensive. The country is known for its leather in particular, so shoppers can expect to find excellent bags and shoes for excellent value. Berber carpets are beautifully decorated, but rather than buying them in Algiers, go to Ghardaia where the quality will be better and the prices cheaper. Berber jewellery is also highly desirable but many pieces will be made from coral, which while undoubtedly beautiful, is ethically dubious in its origins. From the Sahara comes finely dyed basketwork and primitive-style pottery.
Bargaining is customary in street markets and smaller shops so make sure you haggle, taking care to remain polite at all times. The rue Didouche Mourad is the best shopping street in Algiers; here you’ll find small independent boutiques lining the historic street. There are two state-run craft centres with fixed prices., one of which is located at Algiers airport.
Shopping hours
Sat-Thurs 0900-1200 and 1400-1900. Some shops open on Fridays.
Nightlife in Djibouti
Its nightlife won’t be the main reason you’re coming here, but there should be enough options to keep most visitors happy. The main towns of Algiers and Oran offer reasonable options for entertainment, and many hotels will have their own on-site entertainment, such as nightclubs, catering for revellers after a good time. In Algiers, the scene there are a couple of tourist hangouts – Zeralda, and Sidi Fredj – where clubs cater to party animals who want to let their hair down. Bear in mind that much of Algeria’s nightlife is aimed at men, with women rather less visible in the clubs and bars. Otherwise, try Rue Larbi M’Hidi, a pedestrianised area that’s quite popular with tourists. If you prefer something a little more sedate, some cinemas show foreign films.
Strict laws around sale of alcohol mean that it’s expensive to drink, whilst many traditional bars have closed down due to the negative effect on business of having liquor licenses withdrawn.
Meals & Beverages
Traditional Algerian food shows the historic influences of Berber, Arab, Turkish, and French tastes. It runs the gamut from mild to very hot, with lots of flavourings used. Algiers and popular coastal towns have a fair selection of good restaurants, serving mainly French and Italian-style food, though even classic dishes will have an
unmistakable Algerian quality. Fish dishes are exceptionally good.
Specialties
- Brochettes (kebabs) in French bread and covered in a spicy
- Couscous (semolina-like pasta made from cracked wheat, is a staple food in Algeria and throughout North Africa).
- Chickpea-cakes (usually added as a side dish to make a cheap and tasty accompaniment for food).
- Shakshuka (stew, often served with vegetables).
- Tajine (stew, usually with lamb or chicken, which is a popular everyday dish).
- Pressed dates or figs, and hard cheese (foods carried by desert people while they’re travelling, which keeps for a long time).
Things to do
Alcohol is only available in more expensive restaurants and hotels, as well as from special shops. There are no licensing hours and hotel bars tend to stay open for as long as there is custom. Algeria produces some good wines but very few of them are served in the country itself. Alcohol is generally very expensive and not of great quality -expect non-name brands and a small choice.
Tipping
10% is usual in Algiers and larger cities. Elsewhere it is not customary.
Drinking age
18.
Regional drinks
- Mint tea (drunk throughout much of North Africa and the Middle East)
- Strong, sweet coffee (sometimes called Turkish coffee, generally drunk wherever people gather to talk and relax, a legacy of French rule).
- Medea, Mansourah and Mascara red wines and rosés.
Getting Around
Air
Operates frequent services from Algiers domestic airport (adjacent to Djibouti
International) to the major business centres of Annaba, Constantine and Oran. Less frequent services run from Algiers, Oran, Constantine and Annaba to the other less important commercial centers and gateway oases such as Ghardaia (six hours from Algiers) and Ouargla, as well as important oil towns such as In Amenas and Hassi Messaoud.
Services are generally reliable, but air travel to the far south may be subject to delay during the dry summer months because of sandstorms. Despite this, air is by far the most practical means of transport to the far south for the visitor with limited resources of time; Djanet and Tamanrasset are the oasis gateways to the Tassili N’Ajjer and the Hoggar, respectively.
There is an Air Algerie office in every Algerian town which is served by the airline. You can arrange reservations and itineraries from these offices, but as some of the more isolated offices are not connected by computer or fax, you should confirm reservations well in advance. Offices are very busy in the major towns.
Road
Driving in Djibouti is not for the fainthearted. While driving conditions within the cities are of a reasonable standard, the standards of driving differ hugely, and the distances between cities are large. The N1 (a 1,200km/746-mile motorway) links major cities in the north, from east to west. Security checkpoints outside the major cities are a common sight.
Driving in the desert is not advised without thorough preparation beforehand. It will require a 4×4 and in some cases a permit. It’s illegal to drive through the desert alone due to the threat of kidnap and terrorism in the Sahel region.
Side of the road
Right
Road Quality
Road surfaces are reasonably good. All vehicles travelling in the desert should be in good mechanical condition, as breakdown facilities are virtually non-existent. Travellers must carry full supplies of water and petrol. Travel by road (outside Algiers) in northern Algeria should be avoided after dark.
Car Hire
You can arrange car hire at the airport on arrival or in most towns. Many hotels can also book this for you.
Taxi
It’s advised not to use public transport other than licensed taxis recommended by established hotels. All taxis are metered and are plentiful in most cities and major towns, though busy during the early evening in the main cities as many people use them to return home after work.
The habit of sharing a taxi is widespread – a shared taxi is called a /ouage. Be aware that there are surcharges after dark.
Bike
Cycling isn’t impossible in Algeria but with cycle hire practically non-existent and poor road conditions for cycling, it’s not an advisable way of getting around.
Coach
There is a long-distance bus network around Algeria, with fares and routes operating out of the major cities.
Regulations
Drivers should be aware that drink-driving is illegal. Speed limits are up to 120kph (75mph) on motorways. Children under the age of 10 must sit in the rear of the car.
Documentation
An International Driving Permit is required. A carnet de passage may be required. Cars are allowed entry for three months without duty. You must buy insurance at the border. Proof of ownership is essential.
Urban travel
Municipal bus and tram services operate in Algiers, its suburbs and the coastal area. You can buy 10-journey carnets and daily or weekly passes. There are also two public lifts and a funicular that lead up to the hill overlooking the old souk in Algiers. The capital also has a one-line metro system (more lines are planned) plus a modern tram line.
Rail
The Societe Nationale des Transports Ferroviaires (SNTF) (www.sntf.dz) runs Algeria’s railways. Daily (but fairly slow) services operate in the northern part of the country between Algiers and Oran, Bejaia, Skikda, Annaba and Constantine. The southern routes connect from Annaba to Tebessa via Souk Ahras, Constantine with Touggourt via Biskra and Mohammadia with Bechar.
Water
The main ports are all on the northern coast and include Algiers, Annaba, Arzew, Bejaia, Djidjelli, Ghazaouet, Mostaganem, Oran and Skikda. Government ferries service the main coastal ports.
Before you go
Visa & Passport
| Other EU | Passport required | Return ticket required Yes |
Visa Required |
| Yes | Yes | ||
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| British | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Passports
A passport valid for six months beyond the date of departure is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above to enter Djibouti.
Visas
Visas are required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, except transit passengers not disembarking and continuing their journey by the same aircraft or ship. EU nationals can obtain short-stay (one-month) visas on arrival at the airport, but it’s recommended to obtain a visa in advance.
|
|
A letter from the host company or individual is required for a tourist visa.
Types and Cost
Tourist and business visas cost around £103 (three months) or around £135 (six months).
Validity
Visas are usually valid for three or six months if you apply directly to a Djibouti mission in advance. Visas issued by the French Consulate in the UK are valid for 10 days.
Application to
Consulate (or consular section at embassy). UK residents can apply to the French Consulate in London or the Djibouti Embassy in Paris or Geneva.
Working days
Allow at least 48 hours for visa processing.
Our visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing,
We strongly recommend that you verify critical information unique to your trip with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti in the USA
Telephone: (202) 331 0270.
Website:
Address: NW, 1156 15th Street, Suite 515, Washington, DC, 20005, Opening times:
Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti in France
Telephone: (01) 4727 4922.
Website:
Address: , 26 rue Emile Menier, Paris, 75166,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1600.
Healthcare
| Title | Special precautions |
| Malaria | Yes |
| Tetanus | Yes |
| Rabies | Sometimes |
| Hepatitis A | Yes |
| Typhoid | Yes |
| Yellow Fever | No* |
| Diphtheria | Yes |
*A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from infected areas.
Health Care
Health insurance is advisable. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for any form of medical treatment.
Food and Drink
Mains water is normally heavily chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Drinking water outside main cities and towns is likely to be contaminated and sterilization is considered essential. Milk is unpasteurized and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other Risks
Diarrhoeal disease, giardiasis and dysentery are widespread throughout the country. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present; avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. It is recommended to avoid walking bare foot, even on beaches. Hepatitis B and E occur and precautions should be taken. Meningococcal meningitis risk exists, depending on area and time of year. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
Currently Unavailable
Duty free & Currency
Currency and Money
Currency information
Dinar (DZD) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of DZD1, 000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of DZD100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 centimes.
Note: Because of the very strict adherence of the authorities to these regulations, visitors are strongly advised not to be associated with the black market, which tends to concentrate on the Euro and portable electronics.
Credit cards
Credit cards are generally only accepted in urban areas. Payment in cash is always preferred.
ATM
There are two or three functioning ATMs in Algiers, but they can not be relied upon and there is a thriving black market for currency exchange.
Travellers cheques
Accepted only in top-class (4-star and above) hotels, government-run craft (souvenir) shops and in certain establishments. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Euros.
Banking hours
Sun-Thurs 0900-1530.
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. The export of foreign currency must not exceed the amount declared on arrival.
Currency exchange
In the past, difficulties have arisen when trying to exchange currency in Algeria, with only one national bank (La Banque Exterieure d’Alggrie) able to exchange foreign currency at branches in major business centres. Difficulties are now decreasing and it is possible, for example, to exchange currency at some of the larger hotels. However, the facilities for currency exchange remain quite limited.
Duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Algeria by persons over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty:
- 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of
- 1L of spirits or 2L of
- 250m1 of eau de toilette or 50m1 of perfume.
- Goods to the value of DZD50,000.
Banned Imports
Prohibited imports to it include arms and ammunition, narcotics and counterfeit goods.
Banned Exports
Prohibited exports from it include gold exceeding 150g in weight, firearms, ammunition and narcotics.
