Algeria, Africa's largest country by area, remains virtually absent from mainstream travel media despite offering Roman ruins, Saharan landscapes, and UNESCO heritage sites without mass tourism. Two women who just returned from a week-long February trip during Ramadan have provided rare, detailed logistics for independent travel in a destination where reliable information is surprisingly scarce.
The travelers visited Algiers, Ghardaïa, and Tipaza, navigating visa applications, an unofficial currency exchange rate nearly double the official rate, a 17-hour flight delay, and police escorts in southern regions. Their experience, shared in a comprehensive r/travel post, contradicts common assumptions about solo female travel in North Africa.
"We found Algeria very comfortable as two female travelers: no catcalling, consistently respectful interactions, and we were never questioned about marital or family status," they wrote.
The visa process requires planning eight weeks in advance through an agency - the travelers used one in Berlin, with processing taking approximately two weeks. Importantly, they were able to modify their itinerary after approval, adding southern destinations without issues.
Currency exchange reveals Algeria's economic realities. The unofficial rate currently sits around 275 Algerian dinars per euro compared to approximately 150 officially. The travelers needed only €250 for the entire week, including guide payments, making Algeria "incredibly affordable." They recommend exchanging larger amounts at hotels near Place Port Saïd in Algiers rather than street exchanges, where they received 260 DZD/€.
Transportation proved both cheap and challenging. A metro day ticket costs €0.50, domestic flights around €30, and hour-long taxi rides about €8. However, Air Algérie's reputation for delays is well-earned - both of their flights were late, one by 17 hours due to seasonal fog. they advised.
