Travel Tips | Algeria (Eng.)

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TRAVEL TIPS

ALGERIA

OVERVIEW VISÃO GERAL TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTE ATTRACTIONS ATRAÇÕES WHERE COMPRAS TO STAY ONDE WHERE FICAR TO EAT ONDE SHOPPING COMER



OVERVIEW What comes to your mind when you think about

population, are engaged to the agriculture and

Algeria? Certainly you think about petroleum,

the cattle creation, while the Berbers work

natural gas and archaeological sites. Located

with the trade of wooden handicrafts and

in the north region of Africa, the country has

woven blankets.

boundaries with Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. Its desert is one of the

The Algerian population is really young: 40%

biggest attractions and it is visited by tourists

are younger than 15 and 30% are between

the whole year. The paradisiacal beaches in the

15 and 25 years old. Recent studies ensure

Mediterranean, the plateaus and the oasis are

that the number of habitants will double in 30

an invitation a adventure time.

years from now, reaching 60 million people. In Algeria the women have an active role when

The country is the second largest in extension

considered the Islamic world Standards. The

in Africa and most part of its area is occupied

Algerian women do not wear veils but men

by the Sahara Desert. Algeria is divided into

usually wear a blue or white turban wrapped

four parts: the High Plateaus, the Saharan

in the head. In general, the population is very

Atlas, the coastal chains from the Tell Atlas and

welcoming and enjoys a lot when the tourists

the desertic region.

try their recipes.

Most part of its population lives in the north of

Most of the Algerian Muslims follow the

the country and is comprised by Arabs, Berbers

Sunni Islam and Christian witnesses are not

and Arabized Berbers. The Arabs, proceeded

allowed. The Government, however, is trying

from historical invasions, live in the cities. The

to keep Algeria as a moderate Islamic country

Arabized Berbers, the oldest group from the

while Fundamentalists want the complete


DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS ALGERIA

structuration of na more severe Islamic state.

The Islamic calendar is eleven days shorter than

Historians believe that in a near future the

the occidental one, so that the holidays are

country will be able to establish a peace

celebrated eleven days before. If you want to

agreement with the rebels and even if they do

have a fantastic experience in Algeria the tip is to

not eliminate all the conflicts, most part of it will be ended. The best time to visit Algeria is during the spring. On the Mediterranean coast the temperatures during the day are around 17 degrees in March and 23 degrees in May. In June it does not rain so often. During the summer the temperatures are high in the role country, especially in the south where the climate is

visit the country during the Ramadan. During this time of the year the population has to abstain from food and drink during the day and from sex during 30 days. At night some dishes are liberated and each one of them has a symbolic meaning. But do not worry! The tourists do not need to follow this ritual. In the last abstinence day, around 8pm, the Government announces with prays through television and radio the first meal of the day and from then on the Algerians can eat normally.

dryer and warmer. The cities close to the sea are refreshed by the wind. In the desert the

The celebrations start shortly after the

temperature falls considerably at night.

announcements and extends until dawn. The streets are full of people watching to artistic


TRANSPORT AIRPLANE Airline companies from all over the world offer flights to the airport from Algiers, located 20km away from downtown. The airplane tickets for domestic flights are really accessible, that is why many Algerians use the airplane so often.

TRAIN A nice way to discover Algeria is by travelling by train. The main cities from the North are linked by a railway line and the most important train stations are in Algiers and in Constantine.

CAR To rent a car it is necessary to make a compulsory insurance in Algiers. There are different insurance options and most of them have na affordable price. performances, walking through the trade and buying ice cream. Bars and alcoholic beverages

BUS

are not so common over there. During the

The most important bus line in Algeria is the

Ramadan the women celebrate it inside of

SNTV. All the cities have at least an agency

their own houses among themselves. They

where people can buy the tickets. The service

enjoy wearing colorful and shiny clothes

is really fast and comfortable. During the

with lots of jewelry. During the Ramadan

summer it is recommended to buy the tickets

the marriages are suspended and the couple

at least with 24 hours of advantage because

needs to sleep in separate rooms. What may

the bus service is very popular.

seem for the Westerns a really strict regime is actually something that the Algerian look for. Other Festivities: The Spring Festivals in the country during March and April are really popular and attract many visitants. In May the its time to enjoy the Tomato Festival and the Cherry Festival. Other important dates are the Carpet Festival and the International Fair in Algiers.


DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS ALGERIA

ATTRACTIONS

In the northeastern Algerias you will find the old Numidian Kings residence, located at the Canyons of Rhumel. Visiting the November 1st

The best way to enjoy all the tourism options

Square, the Martyrs Square and the Souk Ghezal

from Algeria is by spliting your trip in steps.

Mosque are more relaxed tours. After visiting

Beggining at the central region you can visit the

the cultural centers, the tip is to go to Kabylie,

Alcazaba, a fort located in the historic center of

a part of the Tell Atlas located at the edge of

the country. If you go to the top of the fort you

the Mediterranean Sea. This area is stands out

will admire a horizon with beautiful beaches

for its wonderful landscapes and ruins. Kabylie

and lots of green areas. Many travel agencies

is located close to the Sahara, so if you enjoy

offer this tour with specialized guides and with

challenging and adventurous tours you should

a fair price. Another interesting place to visit

visit a travel agency and book yours.

there is the Martys Square in Algiers. Also the Mosque of the Fishery and the Chaat Market are

On the way to the Sahara, take a look at

nice touristic points to visit. From there you can

the Saharan Atlas and its petroglyphs.

go walking to the Museum of Popular Arts &

After that visit the Taghit, one of the most

Traditions.

beautiful oasis ever seen. A little further,


in Benni Abbes, you will see a 300 meters

the mountains, to walk by the dry bed of the

high dune. Following the route that starts in

rivers and get to the palm plantations. Heading

Timinum and goes until El Golea visitors can

to the south the heat increases and is very

appreciate the roses in the desert, the Ksar

strong even in the winter.

El Menia castle and even get some gifts to bring home like carpets, blankets and robes

Fans of the “Star Wars� movie should visit

in the Priest Foucauld Market. After a pause

the Touring Club bar in Tunisie Marhala,

for shopping, it is time to the stunning ride

located close to the coast. One more episode

through the desert. In the cities of In Salah

was filmed in Chenini, a village built in rocks

and Tamanrasset you will take a ride through

around a mountain and in the top of it there is

the Hoggar muntains and return home

a white mosque.

feeling renewed. It is always good to remember that Algeria is What about a ride on a dromedary? These

conservative when comparing to the western

fascinating animals can be found almost

Standards and tours must be surrounded by extra

everywhere and you will pay only US$50 a

care. Discreet clothing, tied hair, long pants for

day. A tent and food to spend some nights

men and long skirts for women are necessary.

in the desert are also included in the price. However, only one day is enough to discover


DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS ALGERIA

WHERE TO STAY

DINING OUT

From luxury hotels to more accessible ones,

The Algerian cuisine is so rich, varied and

all kinds of accommodation are available in

traditional just like its culture. It was enriched

Algeria. The prices are between US$55 and

during the years by other countries around the

US$370, depending on where you want to stay.

Mediterranean.

In Algiers, the capital, is it possible to find all

In the Arab world the main dish is the Couscous,

the large luxury hotel chains located close to

a recipe made with polenta, meat and

the center of the city. The Sheraton Club Des

vegetables. One of the Algerian specialties is

Pins Resorts not only offers casino, spa, sauna

the Burek, a fried filled pastry that can be filled

and conference rooms, but also has a private

with meat, onions and fried eggs. Beyond some

beach. The Sofitel Algiers Hamma Garden is

spices, almost all ingredients used in the recipes

a 5 Stars hotel that counts with three great

are from Algeria. All of this, plus a warm sun,

restaurants: the El Mordjane with typical

results in fruits and vegetables with texture,

Algerian food, the Le Continental specialized in

flavour and quality unmatched. The olive oil

French cuisine and the Le Coffee-Shop with its

is omnipresent in the Algerian cuisine and the

simple and spicy food.

mint green tea is the most traditional beverage.

Close to the center of the city tourists can find

In the capital visitors can find many typical

cheaper accommodation options. In the Hydra

restaurants like the Le Taj Mahal, where the

Hotel you will have a nice environment with

great food and excellent service justify the

Italian and Algerian restaurants.

high price. Another option is the Auberge Du Molin, a nice environment with great decoration and a lovely terrace with flowers for you to enjoy a nice night and delicious food.

SHOPPING As in most Arab countries, the spirit of commerce is everywhere and the bargain is something usual. Every time you go shopping you can try to get a better price. It is also possible to exchange products for personal



DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS ALGERIA

objects like cameras, jeans and shoes. In Algier you will find a great variety on stores. The main center of carpets manufacturing and stores is Ghardaia, south of Algier. If you prefer Tuareg objects you van visit Tamanrasset, in the south of the country, where you will find a great variety on items and stores. The stores usually open from 9am to 12pm and from 2:30pm to 7pm. And Thursdays the commerce opens from 8:30am to 12pm because the afternoon is not considered business day anymore.

STREET MARKETS The Algerian handicrafts characterize the national soul and are easily found in the streets. Handcrafted carpets, precious copperware, delicate jewelry, clay pieces, luxurious traditional dresses made with embroideries and leather goods. The local handicrafts are beautiful and enchant all the visitors.

Not everywhere it is possible to pay with credit cards. Just some stores, restaurants and airports have this option available. The authorities also do not allow tourists to leave

In the big cities you will find a lot of

the country with the national currency and

embroidery and jewels to buy. Many of those

they confiscate any sum in Algerian Dinars

handicrafts are arranged in small tents in the

that the travelers may have when leaving the

streets of the capital, Algiers. The streets of

country. So it is important that you spend all

Oued, in the southeast of the capital, are rich

the cash you have while in Algeria or that you

with carpets and handicrafts and during March

exchange it before leaving the country.

and April it takes place the Carpet Festival.

CURRENCY The Dinar is the currency in Algeria. The coins in circulation are: 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dinars. The banknotes are: 100, 200, 500 and 1000 dinars.


IMPORTANT NUMBERS

213 014 019

TELEPHONE CODE FIREMEN INFORMATION

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES IN ALGIERS(SAMU)

(0)21 23 50 50 / 23 30 36 ALGIERS LOCAL POLICE

(0)21 74 59 00 / 74 58 00



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