Although there are regions of Algeria that are perfectly safe for tourists, especially the southeastern part of the country, you can still travel safely in the country if you follow a few basic tips.
Getting Around by Air
Air Algerie operates frequent flights from the domestic airport in Algiers to the main business centres throughout the country. You can also get flights from this airport to some of the gateway oasis towns such as Ghardaia and Ouargla and to the oil producing towns of the country. For most of the year, air service runs on schedule. During the summer months you may experience delays when flying to areas in the south because of the desert sandstorms.
Getting Around by Ferry
Ferries run in all the major coastal towns of Algeria, such as Algiers, Annaba, Arzew, Bejaia, Djidjelli, Ghazaouet, Mostaganem, Oran and Skikda.
Getting Around by Rail
There are daily rail services throughout the northern sections of the country. In the south services connect with the northern trains twice a day in some of the major towns and once a day in others. Even though there is daily service it is slow and you need to give yourself plenty of time for arriving at your destination.
Getting Around by Road
In general, the roads of Algeria are in very good condition. The traffic drives on the right. If you plan to drive in the desert, your vehicle should be in good condition because you won`t find any service stations where you can get the repairs done. You also need to make sure you have plenty of gas and water with you before you embark on such a journey. Tourists in Algeria are advised not to travel on the roads after dark.
You can rent cars at the airports and at the hotels in the major towns and cities of Algeria. For those who wish to drive their own vehicles into the country, you must have an International Driving Permit and show proof of ownership at the border. You are only allowed to keep your own vehicle in Algeria for a three-month period and you need to purchase extra insurance at the border. If you prefer to let someone else do the driving for you there are coach services linking the major towns. However, it is not recommended for travelling long distances.
Getting Around in the Major Towns and Cities
Although there is public transportation in the form of buses available in the larger cities, this is not a recommended mode of travel for tourists because of the likelihood of being robbed. It is best to use taxis within the cities and towns and only those metered taxis recommended by the hotel where you are staying.