Location: North Africa
Local Time: GMT+1
Capital City: Algiers
Population: 36 million
Area: 2,381,741357,021 square km, 919,595 square miles.
Language(s): Arabic, Berber, French
Dialling Code: 213
Emergency: Police: 17. Ambulance: 14
TV Standard: PAL
Driving: Driving is on the right. International Driving Permit required
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
Currency: Algerian Dinar (DZD 1 = 100 Centimes)
Notes: DZD: 100, 200, 500, 1,000
Coins: DZD: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100. Centimes: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Limited acceptance of credit cards and travellers cheques. Changing money is possible at banks and hotels. It is advisable to change as much money as may be required on arrival at the airport
Opening Hours
Bank: 0900-1530 Sun-Thur
Office: 0800-1200 & 1300-160 Sat-Wed
Shops: 0900-1200 & 1400-1900 Sat-Thur (some open Fridays)
Public Holidays
2012
Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates listed are approximate. The Algerian observance of Ramadan (lasting one lunar month and culminating in the feast days of Eid al-Fitr) has recently relaxed, and restaurants and other business centers will be open during the day. However, in the towns and oases of the south where religious observance tends to be more orthodox, some difficulty might be had in finding eating places and getting transport during the daylight hours.
Business/Social Hints: Business is conducted in Arabic or French, some executives speak English. Bargaining is a way of life and it is important to be patient. Alcohol is mainly confined to large hotels and restaurants
Tipping:
