Banking operations are more cumbersome in Algeria than in Morocco or Tunisia. As a rule of thumb, do not wait until you are out of cash to go to the bank. Banks are open Sunday through Thursday, from 9h00 to 15h00.
Bringing Cash into Algeria / Foreign Exchange
Foreign currency brought into the country must be declared at customs. Customs agents issue a stamped form listing the amount of foreign currency imported, which must be presented at the bank during currency exchange operations. Without this form, one cannot legally exchange money in Algeria.
Legal currency exchanges can be made at most banks and international hotels.
Debit / Visa Card / Traveler’s Cheques
Algeria is a cash society. American Express and MasterCard do not work. Outside of a few international hotels, very few establishments accept Visa / Carte Bleu. Traveler’s Cheques should be avoided altogether. Expect to make most of your transactions in cash.
Withdrawing Cash
To date, only two banks offer cash withdrawal services from an international visa-logo marked credit / debit card.
Crédit Populaire d’Algérie (CPA)
Locations
BNP / Parisbas
Locations
Cash withdrawals are only possible with a Visa-logo marked credit or debit card, on an over-the-counter basis. A fee is charged for all cash advances, and is automatically debited from your account.
