Pros and Cons of Living in Algeria as an Expat

As of the time of writing this article, we can tell you that Algeria seems to be the biggest country in Africa. Not only is that, but it has also emerged as the richest in terms of natural resources. While moving to this country for the first time, you need to understand the advantage, and the likely problems you could face as an expat. In this section, we have come up with the pros and cons of living in Algeria.

Customs and Traditions

The customs and culture of this beautiful nation constitute to why it remains an expat destination. In fact, Algerians are known for their rich culture, which is prevalent throughout all aspects of the citizen’s life. Whether it’s the delicious food, the kind-hearted people, or the festive music, there’s no shortage of opportunities to experience Algerian history and traditions first hand.

Nature

Algeria has beautiful nature throughout every region of the country. From the coast to the Atlas Mountains, Algeria provides gorgeous scenery. Hiking, cycling, and even skiing are popular outdoor activities for visitors looking to take in some fresh air and good views. So, be rest assured that you’ll have tons of outdoor activities to explore while visiting this country as an expat.

High-Quality Education

Public schools provide high-quality education to Algerian students. Depending on the region, and some of the public school curriculums might include French, English, or Arabic language courses. Although most young Algerians attend public schools in their early years, but many end up attending private or religious institutions for secondary and higher education.

Advanced Medical care

Advanced medical care remains another reason why Algeria is the best destination for expatriates. Moreover, this country is certainly known for its modern medical care. For visitors, this is great news; the quality of medical care in Algeria is on par with that of many other developed countries. If you visit a hospital or clinic for any reason while living in Algeria, rest assured knowing your standard of care will be very high.

Delicious Food

It’s no secret Algerians are known for their delicious food. From the classic dish Hamam M’Rabet to sweet pastries like Oued El-Makhazine, there’s no shortage of wonderful Algerian cuisine to choose from. So, if you’ve been wondering whether there are lovely restaurants that can serve you the best food in Algeria, worry less, as the country is home to wonderful restaurants that’d give you all you want.

Festivals and Events

From religious ceremonies to local festivals, Algeria has something exciting going on at all times. During holidays, Algeria is filled with beautiful decorations and colourful lights. However, many of these leave lasting impressions on visitors. So, always expect a wonderful celebration or event whenever you plan relocating to Algeria.

Great Transportation Network

Algeria has a decent network of transport options for locals and visitors alike. Whether you choose to ride the bus, taxi, train, or tram, there’s no shortage of ways to get around in Algeria. That’s why you need not to worry about commuting during your first visitation to the country as the locals are there to help you through the process.

Friendly people

Algerians are some of the most kind-hearted people you’ll ever meet. They understand the importance of good relationships with their neighbours, and they do everything in their power to maintain them accordingly. Additionally, Algerian society places a high value on hospitality. So, even if you’re visiting Algeria for only a few days, you’ll never go hungry or feel alone.

Affordable Housing

Housing in Algeria is very affordable. It’s not uncommon to find a relatively decent apartment for around 3,000 DZD per month – and that’s including utilities. This makes it easy for Algerians to afford homes near their work places if they so desire. Aside from this fact, you can also decide to own an apartment in the long run during your stay as an expat in the country.

Plenty of Work Opportunities

Although the unemployment rate is high in Algeria, but this doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of jobs waiting to be filled. It’s not uncommon for new graduates and young professionals to find open positions right away, and many people enjoy plentiful job security as well. So, if you’re looking for a job, traveling or relocating to this country could be the best decision you’ve ever made.

Cons

There are many pros to living in Algeria aside from the ones listed above. On the other hand, there are also some cons. We’ll be taking a look at the five biggest cons of living in this beautiful North African country.

Bureaucracy

Anyone who’s ever tried to get something done here will know what I mean when I say that Algeria is very bureaucratic. Getting anything done is often a long, frustrating process with lots of paperwork and running around. No one wants to do anything without fingerprints, signatures, copies of your passport, and phone numbers for reference. In this case, it’s always much more difficult than you’d expect.

Heat

It gets pretty hot here during the summer months (up to 50˚C in some places), so you’ll have to be careful when you go out. However, stay hydrated; stay inside until the sun goes down. This is considered a pretty good advice if you don’t want to get heatstroke!

Water Quality in Algeria

A lot of people drink bottled water because tap water is undrinkable and with good reason. Water is often contaminated with all sorts of chemicals. In fact, it smells bad (sometimes like sewage), and there’s no consistency to the taste. So, we advise you to be careful about how you drink your water.

Internet Speed in Algeria

Algeria still has some work to do when it comes to having fast internet speeds. Sometimes during peak hours the download/upload speeds might be as low as 0.5 Mbps (which is really, really slow). Be prepared to always be using Wi-Fi and not rely on mobile data to get anything done online.

Lack of Skilled Workers

Another thing to put into consideration while living as an expat in this country is the lack of skilled workers. You’ll need a lot of patience when waiting for things here because there simply aren’t enough skilled workers to get it done quickly. You can’t find plumbers; you can only find people who are stitching clothes, and many others. This way, if you’re in a hurry, we recommend calling your friends to help out.

Best Places Suitable for Expats in Algeria

Algeria has a very modern history, formed by the mix of Arabs and Berbers.  Today, Algeria is known for its beautiful beaches and old cities, but it also contains some large cities to live in if you prefer that. In this section, we have highlighted some of the best places suitable for expat. Take a look at it below!

a)      Oran

Oran is described as a lively city with a rich history and culture. The weather is warm and sunny for most of the year, with an average temperature of 21 degrees Celsius in the summer and 9 degrees in the winter.

There’s a decent transport system, so getting to other cities isn’t usually a problem. The beaches are about 30 kilometres outside of Oran itself, so you can easily get there if you want to sunbathe and relax in the summer.

b)      Tiaret

Tiaret is an important political, economic and cultural centre in Algeria. It is home to over half a million people with plenty of history behind it as well. You can explore museums, old Roman sites or enjoy the nightlife if you are not someone who enjoys museums or old historical sights. Also, the beaches are about 60 kilometres away from Tiaret, so you can visit them if it’s the right season.   

c)       Sétif   

Sétif may not be as well-known as other cities in Algeria, but it is a great place to live if you like quiet surroundings where you won’t be disturbed by busy streets. There are plenty of cafés, restaurants and bars where you can hang out with your friends or meet new people.

The beaches here are about 30 kilometres away. Therefore, you don’t have to go too far off to find some hot sand on your feet and clear blue water surrounding you.

d)      Annaba  

The fourth place on our list is Annaba. It is another one of the most important cities in Algeria, with a population of almost 300,000 people. Annaba is famous for its university, and t has many students who study here and then stay on to live there after they graduate because there are plenty of jobs. The beaches are only ten kilometres out of town, so you can easily enjoy a swim in the Mediterranean Sea if you feel like it.

e)      Batna

Batna is not only known for its beaches, but also its mountains and caves. There are many activities to do here in this town, from exploring natural beauty spots to going skiing in winter. The city itself has a population of almost 200,000 and is known for its rich natural resources and minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Algeria

What is the weather like in Algeria?

Algeria has a Mediterranean climate, with very hot and dry summers and milder winters. The average summer temperature is 35°C (95°F) while the winter temperature averages 11°C (53°F). Meanwhile, annual rainfall ranges from 400mm (16in) along the coast to 800mm (31in) in the Tell region. Most of Algeria is semi-arid, with a desert climate and dry terrain.

How should I dress?

Dress conservatively! Shorts, low necklines and other revealing clothing are not appropriate away from beaches or swimming pools. In general, women’s clothes should cover their legs to the knee and men should wear long pants.

What language do they speak in Algeria?

The official language is Arabic, but Berber dialects are also spoken. Algerians understand French and English to a certain extent. Depending on where you go, you may hear Spanish or Italian too. Yet, while the people of the North, near Morocco, may understand some French or Spanish, the people of the South (Saharan area) will hardly understand anything you say since Arabic is their native language.

Conclusion

Living in Algeria will definitely give you something to remember. While relocating to this country as an expat, it’s quite essential to know the tips, pros and cons, and the best places suitable for expat before you move. And that’s why we’ve compiled this article to guide you through. Nonetheless, read carefully, and follow our updates for more relevant information about living in this country as a foreigner.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Algeria is a country of North Africa located between the Atlas Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Following its independence from France, Algeria has witnessed significant political changes resulting in more stability over the past decade.

Rich in culture and history, this country offers an exotic destination for both local residents and expats who choose to move abroad. Living in Algeria as an expat isn’t the easiest thing to do, especially since there’s nothing but sand surrounding you wherever you go. However, it does provide plenty of adventure and excitement if one knows where to look for it.

You have heard all about Algeria from people who have been there, so try to prepare yourself for the shock of being an outsider in this country. Still, you won’t be ready until you actually get there and experience the place first hand. In spite of what your friends tell you, it’s not exactly like anything you thought it would be.

Moreover, it’s not much different from other places in many ways, but when you add the unique challenges that expatriates face when living there, Algeria becomes a whole new world. Have you been surfing the internet to get the best tips about moving to Algeria as an expat? Look no further!

In this article, we have compiled the reasons why Algeria should be your next travel spot. Not only is that, but we will walk you through the best tourist attractions in the country and other things to mention a few. Are you ready to explore what we’ve unleashed for you? Continue reading to know!

Best Tourist Attractions in Algeria

Algeria is a North African country that is located in between Morocco and Tunisia. The capital of Algeria is Algiers, where over 1 million people reside. In fact, the country has 45 million inhabitants, most of which are immigrants.

In addition, Algeria’s history dates back to when they were colonized by France. Athough they gained independence in 1962, but the country has had a history of violence and unrest within their government.

As of today, tourism in the country brings in large income to the country. Although they are attempting to boost their tourism sector, but many people still think that Algeria is not safe enough to visit. In this section, we have compiled some of the best tourist attractions in Algeria. Without further ado, check it out now!

Medina of Algiers

The Medina of Algiers, or the old town of Algiers, is a popular tourist attraction in Algeria because it is one of the best conserved and fortified parts from the Ottoman Empire. The main entrance to the Medina of Algiers has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

Roman Ruins

The Roman ruins in Tipaza are a popular tourist attraction because the site was able to preserve some of its original structures, as well as amphitheatres and houses from that time period. The Roman Ruins became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, which makes it another top tourist spot in Algeria.

Church of Santa Cruz Del Oratorio

The Church of Santa Cruz del Oratorio was built by the Spanish between 1660 and 1690, which makes it a popular tourist attraction. Not only is that, but because it still holds many original aspects from the 17th century. This church is another site that has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.

Algiers Zoo

Algiers Zoo is another place to take into consideration when living in Algeria as an expat. Aside from that, it became one of the top tourist attractions in Algeria because it has over 1,000 animals in its facility, which includes giraffes and tigers. That’s why many locals visit Algiers zoo with their families to enjoy the interaction that they are able to have with the animals.

Museum of Antiquities

The Museum of Antiquities in Algeria is a top tourist attraction because it was created to house ancient artifacts that were discovered in Algeria’s soil, many of which date back to before Christ. The interesting thing about the museum is that everything in it is made from local materials that include rocks, plants, and marble.

Roman Theatre of Djémila

The Roman Theatre of Djémila is among the top 10 tourist attraction on our list today. And this is because; it has been able to preserve its original structure – the theatre – since it was built in the second century A.D. The theatre was able to remain intact because it was buried under the desert’s sand for many years, which means that the site today is very well-preserved.

Casbah of Algiers

The Casbah of Algiers is a popular tourist attraction because it is located in between two hills and contains many Islamic structures, such as mosques and an Islamic school. Moreover, this wonderful tourist attraction in Algiers is a touch to the real culture and heritage of the country

Bay of Arzew

The Bay of Arzew is a popular tourist area because it has an enclosed nature preserve that protects different species of birds that reside in that environment. The best time to visit the Bay of Arzew is between September and March, because that’s when a lot of migratory birds travel through the area.

Interesting Facts about Living in Algeria as an Expat

From a giant desert engulfing the four-fifths of the country, to the world’s smallest fox, the benefits of relocating to this country cannot be overemphasized. In a bid to understand more about living in Algeria as an expat, we have compiled the interesting facts you should know before relocating to this country. Some of these facts include the following;

Human Right Crisis

The human rights crisis that is occurring in the country has been an issue since the end of its war for independence from France. During this time, hundreds of thousands of people were either killed or added to jails and prisons. There have still not been any repercussions on those who were responsible for these crimes.

Home to Largest Espionage Network

Algeria is well known for having one of the largest espionage networks in the world. This includes all aspects, including media and technology. There are still numerous people who were put to death or imprisoned because they spoke out against the government.

Unique Language

Years ago, Algerians had their own unique language that was not French, Arabic or Berber. Nowadays, most of the people living in the nation speak all three languages. There has been a struggle about keeping their own language while also being able to communicate with others who are not native speakers of that language.

Large Public Sectors are in Algeria

Most of Algeria’s organizations or companies are run by large public sector companies. These have control over various areas of need, including energy production. This has led to an increase in the amount of imports since most companies do not produce enough for the entire population of around 40 million people.

Literacy Rates in Algeria

Algeria’s literacy rate is one of the lowest in all of Africa. There are currently two types of schools that operate within the country; private and public. The amount of people who go through mandatory schooling is around 96 percent. However, there are still large numbers of people who either do not attend school or only complete a few years.

Highest Life Expectancy

It’s no doubt that Algeria is among the highest life expectancy in all of Africa. On average, research made it known that men live to be about 69 while women tend to live until they are 76. For comparison, this result or life expectancy relates to the US averages 79 and 81 respectively.