1–6 Algiers
7–9 Timimoun
10–14 Desert around Timimoun
At the end of January, I spent a week in Algeria. Almost all nationalities require a visa to enter the country; I applied for mine in person at the embassy in Berlin. When I went to pick it up a few weeks later, it was initially denied. It was only after some back-and-forth at the embassy that I finally received it.
One unique aspect of Algeria is currency exchange. There is an official rate of approximately 1€ = 150 dinars. You get this rate when you withdraw cash with your credit card or pay by card. However, the unofficial rate when exchanging money with private individuals is around 1€ = 275 dinars. So you get almost double the value for your euros. You can exchange money mainly at a well-known spot in Algiers, but my hotel receptionist in Algiers also offered to exchange money for me.
Because of the significantly better cash exchange rate, it makes sense to pay for everything in cash on the spot whenever possible. So I booked my flights from Algiers to Timimoun the day before the flight at the office in the city. By the way, domestic first class for €38 each way—only €10 more than economy 😁
The trip to Timimoun was well worth it. It’s an oasis town with unique architecture, and it’s a great starting point for desert excursions where you can also visit ancient ksars (old fortresses and city ruins).
A very exciting travel experience. Due to visa requirements, you almost exclusively meet tourists who have a personal connection to the country (visiting family, working there, etc.). In Algiers, tourists are left alone at the markets, and people have generally been very hospitable.