Holidays in Algeria: tips and tricks. Gifts and souvenirs: What to bring from Algeria? What to bring from Algeria as a gift

Algeria is one of the most popular and visited tourist countries in North Africa. In recent years, the tourism industry in the country has begun to grow and develop, as a result of which foreign visitors to Algeria have the opportunity to see its beauty and diversity. The capital of Algeria is the city of Algeria. A city with a stunning contrast between the vibrant blue waters of the Mediterranean and white whitewashed buildings. Algeria has a large harbor, many recreational activities and a number of interesting museums and historical sites worth seeing. It also has a fascinating history and allows you to learn more about the French and Arab culture that permeate all of Algeria.

CITIES

Algeria, Annaba, Oran, Tamanrasset, Batna, Setif

Most of the major European airlines such as (Lufthansa, Air Berlin, British Airways, Air France, Iberia, Alitalia, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines) fly to Algeria daily. The national airline Air Algerie serves the following destinations: Barcelona, ​​Brussels, Basel, Beijing, Beirut, Berlin, Cairo, Casablanca, Dakar, Damascus, Dubai, Frankfurt, Geneva, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Milan, Montreal, Moscow, New York, Paris, Rome, Tripoli, Tunisia. There is a direct flight from Moscow to Algeria. Flight time is 5 hours. You can also fly in transit through neighboring states.

Around the country

By plane... The national airline Air Algerie serves almost all destinations between cities in Algeria.There are seven daily flights to Oran from Algeria and five daily flights to Annaba and Constantine. To other cities: Adrar, El Oued, Tebessa, Batna, Biskra, Setif, Ames, Tindouf, Timmoun, Tlemcen, Tammanrasset, Tiaret, Tebessa, El Goela, Ouaragla, Hassi Mesaoud, Bejaia, Ghrardaia, Tlemcen, Illizi, Jellizi , Touggourt, Bechar planes fly several times a week.

Train. Algeria has purchased ten comfortable high-speed trains named Autorail. Currently, two of them are in operation. Tickets cannot be purchased on the Internet, only at train stations, prices are quite reasonable, but more expensive than buses or taxis, but in exchange you will have more comfort and you can enjoy beautiful landscapes.

Main directions:

Algiers - Oran, train takes 4 hours and departs every day at 15:00 from Algiers Central Station and arrives in Oran at 19:30, 2nd class : 1,000 dinars, 1st class: 1,500 dinars.

Algeria - Annaba, on this route there is only a slower and less comfortable night train leaving every day at 20:45. Alternatively, you can take the day train to Constantine and take cheap taxis from there to Annaba.

Algeria - Constantine, departs every day at 06:45, arrives in Constantine at 13:30, make sure you buy a window seat because the train will take you through the picturesque Kabilyan mountains with beautiful scenery, 2nd class: 1,200 dinars, 1st class: 1,800 dinars.

Some common phrases:

Kirak - How are you doing?
Mleh - Good
Shukran - Thank you
Naam - Yes
Laa - no

Well, tell me, who has not dreamed of seeing the Sahara at least once in his life? Probably everyone dreamed about it. To see, yes, but to make at least a short excursion along it, far few people risk it. I don't know what feelings you would have, but when I saw so much sand in front of me, I felt a little scared. I didn't want to walk in the desert, although my husband insisted. I don't know, but in this case, the fear of getting lost, getting lost and staying in these sands turned out to be much higher than women's curiosity. Algeria, like most Muslim countries, has its own laws, which tourists must adhere to on an equal basis with local residents. For tourists who want to visit Algeria, I will write a short note that may come in handy while traveling.

You can import foreign currency into the country, and in any quantity, but in order to do this, you must first declare the money. In addition to cash, all jewelry made of precious metals such as gold, platinum and even silver are subject to declaration. On the road with you you can take one block of cigarettes of any brand, or fifty pieces of cigars. You can also take two liters of low-alcohol drinks whose strength does not exceed twenty-two degrees. If you are fans of stronger alcohol, then the import limit is one liter. No problem, you can transport any photo and video equipment, but only without tape recording. The import ban is standard - drugs, weapons, pornography, and more.

Almost all shops are open from eight in the morning until six in the evening. Lunch break, lasts from twelve to two in the afternoon. Without a break and without a clear time limit, only those shops and shops that sell souvenir products work, since the rule "work until the last buyer" is in effect here.

Once in Algeria, take a note, or better, immediately enter useful numbers into your mobile phone, which are quite possible that will be useful to you during your trip. In order to call the police, you need to dial the standard number one hundred and twelve, or call seventeen. To call the fire department, you need to call number fourteen. The phone number of the Russian Embassy is 021-92-26-14.

With currency exchange, you need to be extremely careful and do it only, either by the post office or at the bank. There are no problems with cash withdrawals, since ATMs can be easily found near large stores.

Problems can arise with the Internet. It’s a matter of this kind that the government of the country has very strong control over the Internet resources. For this reason, I advise you to refrain from using the Internet during your trip. For me personally, such abstinence was beneficial, because I was able to better explore the city and pay more attention to my beloved spouse.

Tipping is given in restaurants and taxis. In almost all restaurants, the tip is already included in your final bill, but it's okay if you leave another ten percent on top, you will definitely be remembered and next time will be accepted at the highest level. In a taxi, a tip is left according to your personal desire, but in general it is customary to round the amount, of course, upwards.

In order to visit Algeria, you must be vaccinated against yellow fever. It will not be at all superfluous to also get vaccinated against tetanus and diphtheria. You yourself must understand that you are going to a country that is directly buried in the sands, which means that it is tight with water here, and with personal hygiene too, so it is quite possible to catch an unpleasant virus.

As a souvenir, I brought some ceramic souvenirs. In souvenir shops, you can buy bronzes, copper embossing, carpets, genuine leather products, straw souvenirs and of course jewelry, but not simple ones, but made in the Berber style.

You should be very careful about your clothes. Set aside at once and leave at home, all open and brightly colored outfits. Also, you should not take clothes with you on which there is an image of money. For girls, standard long sundresses or dresses made of light fabrics with closed shoulders are better suited. Men should avoid T-shirts and shorts.

Algeria is strict with alcohol. Drinking alcohol on the streets of the city is strictly prohibited. Strong drinks are sold only in special establishments, and even then not every restaurant has a menu where you can see them.

The most interesting place in Algeria is the historic area and I liked the fact that it is completely surrendered to pedestrians. In the city itself, it is most convenient to take a taxi, but only here the cost of the upcoming trip, I recommend to discuss it even before it starts, since not all cars are equipped with taximeters. It is not reasonable to rent a car in Algeria, since the local natives driving their cars completely ignore the rules of the road and sometimes it is scary to drive around the city even if you are taking a taxi with an experienced local taxi driver.

Girls and women should not only be careful, but also careful. It is not customary for a woman to be alone on the street. If you are a girl, then it is better to take a companion or companion with you for walking around the city and for visiting local attractions. I never liked excursion groups, but in Algeria, as part of such a tourist society, you feel much more comfortable. Once I tried to go to the store myself, but seeing the views of the locals, I immediately returned to the hotel for my husband, as I felt danger and discomfort with all the cells of my body. What can you do, foreign country, foreign rules. If it’s really hot for you to go out alone, then you need to dress as modestly as possible, I recommend not applying makeup at all, remove bright jewelry, lower your eyes to the ground and with a shallow mincing gait, shying away from every passerby, run to the destination you need. I don’t know if this works, but at least this is how local women behave.

A few ice ago, only real adventurers dared to go to Algeria. Today this direction is becoming more and more popular and attractive. A trip to Algeria is a memory for a lifetime, and in order to preserve it more clearly, it is imperative to bring at least some souvenir from there.

We will tell you what you can buy in Algeria (the country and its capital have the same name), Oran, Constantine and other cities. Most of the souvenirs are closely associated with the richest heritage of this country, which means that wonderful reminders of ancient civilizations, Berber culture and the greatness of the Sahara will forever remain in your home.

It is best to go to Algeria with dollars or euros. When entering the country, you will need to declare all the currency, no matter how much you are carrying. The local currency is Algerian dinars (see our converter for the current exchange rate). We advise you to change the first money in the airport exchanger so that you get a stamp on the declaration, where all your funds are recorded. Further, be sure to keep all receipts for the exchange of money in the country - they may be required at the border.

So what can you bring from Algeria?

This shopping item should be to the taste of every girl, because in Algeria you can buy quality cosmetics at fairly reasonable prices.

French brands

You may not even look for decorative cosmetics, but you really should pay attention to care products. From Algeria, girls will be able to bring home French sunscreens, face and body creams, scrubs, tonics and other cosmetics.

We will not dwell on specific brands (women easily recognize them); just see that the product is made in France or in Algeria under a French license. These cosmetics can be found in specialized stores or pharmacies.

Perfume

Arabian oil perfumes and aphrodisiacs are both female and male. Perhaps this is one of the best souvenirs that are often carried for themselves or as a gift to loved ones from Tunisia, Egypt and other eastern countries. Of course, in Algeria, they are no worse. Buy perfume in the bazaars and be sure to bargain with local sellers.

Oils

Argan oil production is widely established in neighboring Morocco. This tool is quite expensive - the most democratic prices for this cosmetic "gold" have been established in his homeland. Since Algeria is a neighbor of Morocco, in this country argan is also relatively cheaper than in other states. If you decide to bring argan oil from Algeria, then buy it in specialized stores, and not in those selling all kinds of souvenirs, so as not to run into a fake.

Tibetan lily oil is another valuable oil that almost every girl should like. It is problematic to find it in other countries (it is often even ordered from Algeria). In short, while shopping, take a closer look and think about buying.

Souvenirs for home

Algerian souvenirs bear the imprint of the Phoenician and Roman eras. They are very colorful - they are really worth buying as a souvenir of your visit to this country.

If you are planning your main shopping in the capital of Algeria, then we advise you to look for shopping on Didos Murad Street: there is a very large selection of national souvenirs. Also, be sure to stroll through the state craft markets and the central streets of the country's major cities.

Please note that almost no one knows Russian and English in Algeria. This means that you have to bargain either in the local dialect (here guides can help you) or - less often - in French. However, sign language has not been canceled yet - improvise to bring down prices by 3, or even 5 times.

Carpets

You can buy carpets in Algeria almost everywhere. However, we advise you to postpone the purchase of this souvenir in the capital if you go on an excursion to the Mzab Valley. The fact is that it is here that there is the largest selection of unique products, and the prices are lower.

Algerian Gardai also hosts an annual weaving festival. The best craftsmen and tourists come here, and the choice of carpets and other woolen and woven products is so great that your eyes dazzle.

Berber carpets are quite rough, but very beautiful. If you like these kind of souvenirs, do not forget about this shopping point in Algeria.

Paintings

In Algeria, artists work, whose paintings are appreciated far beyond the borders of this country. If you consider yourself a connoisseur of art, then you will definitely find something interesting for yourself. You can try to bargain with artists, but they are unlikely to greatly reduce prices - keep this in mind.

Copper and bronze

Eastern coinage looks amazing. Of course, in Algeria, as in other countries of the eastern region, you can buy very beautiful souvenirs for your home. Turks, vases, boxes, mirrors, trays, teapots, scented lamps - all this and much more is really worth bringing home from Algeria. It is best to buy such souvenirs in the markets: there is a large selection and prices are much lower than in tourist shops or shops.

Leather

In this case, we are not talking about clothes and shoes, but about small accessories. It makes sense to bring wallets, purses, bracelets and other jewelry, leather ottomans and much more from Algeria. We also advise you to pay attention to oriental leather lamps - these are small lamps emitting soft light (they are also made of colored glass). The best place for this kind of shopping in Algeria is, of course, the oriental bazaar.

Wood

In Algeria, you can buy interesting wooden decorations and home accessories. Most often these are dishes or various figurines. Pay special attention to the carved boxes, as well as the original mirror frames.

Straw

The Berber people at all times knew how to create real works of art from straw. When shopping, look for straw hats, bags and of course mats.

Algerian mats are a stunning Berber heritage: bring such accessories for yourself and as a gift to your loved ones, because you probably won't find a more colorful souvenir here. Mats can be large (like carpets) and small (like hot coasters). In addition, they are painted in such a way that some hang them on the walls like paintings.

Berbers also make beautiful caskets from straw canvases, which can be brought from Algeria as a gift to a girl or woman of any age. The patterns on these accessories for every taste (often the mats are painted by hand), the quality is excellent, but the prices for this beauty are simply ridiculous.

Ceramics

Algeria has very inexpensive and high quality ceramics. We advise you to purchase saucers, mugs, incense sets, vases and other accessories. The patterns on these items are very interesting and beautiful - many are applied by hand. Such accessories can be a good gift from Algeria, and they will serve for more than a dozen years. Don't be afraid to carry local pottery in your suitcase. If you wrap it in paper, nothing should happen to it - it is very durable.

Bakhur

As from all eastern countries, it is customary to bring bakhur and other incense from Algeria. If you like incense sticks or lamp mixes, take a look at them while shopping in local markets. Bakhoor prices in Algeria are comparatively low.

Silver

Here we are not talking about household goods (although they can be bought in Algeria, Oran, Constantine and other cities not too expensively), but about decorations. Girls should really like this shopping point in Algeria. True, Berber jewelry will appeal to and not suit everyone - they are heavy and massive. But they are inexpensive, and their quality is excellent.

Berber silver jewelry in Algeria is liked to be diluted with colored enamel inserts, semiprecious stones and oriental painting.

Also, perhaps it makes sense to look at copper jewelry of the same type. It is best to buy both at the bazaars in specialized shops.

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Food and drink

You can also bring home something tasty from Algeria: there are really a lot of quality products here. What is really worth buying?

Dates

Real Sahara Gold! It is in this desert that the sweetest, juicy and most delicious dates grow. In Algeria, you can buy a package of dates in a cardboard box (from 500 grams to 1 kilogram) or on small substrates - it is convenient to take them home. Be sure to grab this sweet souvenir from Algeria for your loved ones: date lovers will definitely be delighted with this delicacy. It is best to buy them in the markets.

Fig

Figs in Algeria are also cheaper than in Russia, and their quality is much higher. After all, fruits are not processed here for long-term storage. We advise you to buy figs in a cardboard box or on a string. It is most profitable to buy it at the bazaars.

Cheeses

You will be surprised, but it is really worth bringing different types of cheese to Russia from Algeria. They are prepared according to French recipes (or imported from France itself). Supermarkets in the capital offer a very wide selection at affordable prices. So, for example, a 300-gram package of Camembert will cost you about 250-300 dinars (by the way, there are more than a dozen of them), a large package of brie - 450-500 dinars, etc. Your eyes on the cheese counter will definitely run wild.

In a word, it makes sense for gourmets to buy several varieties of cheese in Algeria to try. And something you can take home (Camembert, for example, perfectly tolerates the road).

Olive oil

Tunisia, neighboring Algeria, is one of the world leaders in the production of olive oil. This means that you can buy it in Algeria much cheaper than on the European continent. Prices for liter bottles of cold-pressed oil start from 1000-1200 dinars (about $ 10).

By the way, you can taste and buy delicious varieties of olives at local markets.

Eastern sweets

With this in Algeria, everything is traditional: halva (try sesame and pistachio), nougat (with nuts and dried fruits), baklava (sometimes you can buy it in cardboard boxes). Unfortunately, there are no special national sweets in this country.

Spices

It is impossible to imagine an oriental bazaar without spices. From Algeria, you can bring home the usual spices like cumin, turmeric, fennel, basil, etc., as well as those that you did not even know existed before. We advise you to buy spices in local markets with an interpreter or guide so that you can at least tell something about them. By the way, the prices here are quite low (of course, provided that you are bargaining).

Wine

Algerian wine is made according to old French recipes. It makes sense to explore the range of local rose and gray wines - they are considered the best and have excellent reviews from tourists. You can also find fig and date vodka in Algeria.

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We hope you find our tips for shopping in Algeria cities helpful. We wish you a pleasant and profitable shopping! Anything to add? Write in the comments!

In order not to find yourself in an awkward situation, you need to properly prepare for the trip. What things will be needed in Algeria, and what is better to leave at home? The answer to this question is in our collection.

1814

The sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the golden sands of the Sahara - Algeria really has a lot to see. But do not forget that this is a country with traditions that are unusual for a Russian tourist. In order not to find yourself in an awkward situation, you need to properly prepare for the trip. What things will be needed in Algeria, and what is better to leave at home? The answer to this question is in our collection.

The documents

To visit Algeria, first of all, you need to obtain a visa and collect with you all the necessary package of documents. Namely - a passport and a copy of it, travel vouchers, a voucher, a letter confirming a hotel reservation, an insurance policy. If you are going on vacation with children, then take a birth certificate, the child's passport (if any), a power of attorney to leave (if only one of the parents is traveling).

Money

The main currency of Algeria is the dinar. An unlimited amount of foreign money can be imported into the country, but at the same time it should be entered into a special declaration. This is necessary in the event that you do not spend all your funds and want to take them back. According to the rules, tourists are required to exchange their dollars or euros for at least 1,000 dinars upon entering the country. But "converting" the extra dinars back into the international currency is much more problematic.

First aid kit

Doctors recommend that anyone who travels to the countries of North Africa to play it safe and get certain vaccinations so as not to face diseases such as malaria, dysentery, and mosquito fever. Be sure to pack a first aid kit for the trip. Do not forget to bring the following medications with you:

• from a headache,
• from disorders of the gastrointestinal tract,
• from temperature and heat,
• from allergies.

Also useful are antibiotics, iodine and bandages, insect repellants, special bactericides that can disinfect water, as well as cosmetics that protect the skin from UV radiation.

clothing

Algeria is a Muslim country, so you should not draw attention to yourself with revealing or flamboyant outfits. Locals are increasingly dressing like Europeans, but there are still regions where women wear national costumes, hiding everything from outsiders except their eyes. And travelers can be condemned for too bold clothes, considering that you do not respect foreign culture. That is why it is better for the fair sex to choose dresses and skirts below the knee and cover the shoulders. Men should avoid short shorts.

At the height of the tourist season, it is very hot in Algeria, the sun beats down mercilessly, so it is best to take clothes made of fine natural fabrics with you. For example, linen or cotton. These materials absorb moisture well, dry quickly and allow air to pass through. It is worth giving preference to light outfits, since dark colors absorb the sun's rays.

A headdress will become irreplaceable on a trip to Algeria. It can be a cap, panama hat or hat. If you are going to visit the Sahara, then the ideal option is the headbands with which the Arabs wrap their heads and faces to protect themselves from the sun and sand. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes in your suitcase.

Phrasebook

In Algeria, Arabic and French are mainly spoken. If you do not know these languages, then buy a phrasebook on the road, it will help you communicate with the locals. However, keep in mind that signs on shops and government offices are often only in Arabic. And in the hinterland, not all residents know French.

December 16th, 2010, 05:58 pm

Traveling to different countries, we will definitely bring something as a keepsake for ourselves and our families as a souvenir. The main thing that can and especially should be brought from Algeria is dates. Most of the territory of Algeria, as you know, is occupied by the Sahara Desert, and date palms grow there. This is a real date paradise) They cost from about 250 dinars for a box of 2 kg, that is, about 2.5 euros. The second item is Algerian sweets, varied in color, taste, shape. The price is from 30 dinars per piece. The olives and olive oil are also of excellent quality, and it seems to me better to buy olives in the markets, where they are already salted and with all sorts of spices. Unfortunately, I haven’t tried Algerian wine, but they say it’s worth trying) I didn’t meet good coffee there, everything that my local coffee connoisseurs brought in didn’t approve nuts, halva and nougat.
2 years ago, when I arrived for the first time, I did not find any fridge magnets, no key rings, or something so small, with the symbols of the state that tourists usually carry (And therefore, on my first visit, I bought: a picture, a mini aladin lamp, a plaster model of an Arab fountain in the wall, a rosary, 2 mirrors painted with oriental patterns, a handle of fatima from the evil eye and a rose of the desert. times, and there is still nothing to hang on the fridge.
This time I photographed the windows of souvenir shops, there are still a lot of beautiful things in Algeria, you just need to know the places)
Especially in my opinion, the dishes are good, there is also Algerian, there is Moroccan, paintings from sand, paintings drawn mainly with the image of the Kasbah and paintings from a mosaic, and in general any mosaic is super. Islam: rugs, coasters for the Koran, etc.