Algiers Scams to Avoid in 2026 (Algeria)

How it works

Strangers near the main entrances of La Casbah on Rue de la Casbah and around Place des Martyrs approach tourists offering to guide them through the medina's labyrinthine derb alleys. Once deep inside the maze — far from any recognizable landmark — the "guide" either demands a large cash payment to lead you back out, or disappears and sends associates to demand fees. Prices quoted are rarely mentioned upfront and can reach DZD 3,000–6,000 for a short walk.

How it works

Unlicensed taxi drivers at Houari Boumediene International Airport (ALG) solicit passengers outside the arrivals hall before they reach the official taxi rank, quoting fares of DZD 6,000–10,000 for the 45-minute ride to the city center. The legitimate metered rate from the official taxi stand is DZD 2,000–3,500 depending on traffic. Drivers from the unofficial rank use no meters and may take unnecessarily long routes to inflate perceived value.

How it works

Informal money changers operate on and around Boulevard Zighoud Youcef and near the central post office on Boulevard Mohamed Khemisti, offering exchange rates 10–30% above the official bank rate for Euros and USD. While the offer appears financially attractive, transactions are illegal under Algerian law and tourists caught participating face fines, confiscation of funds, or detention. Some changers also use sleight-of-hand to shortchange tourists during the count.

How it works

Street-level touts in central Algiers near Rue Didouche Mourad and around budget hotels in the Bab El Oued district pose as licensed tour operators offering heavily discounted packages to the Sahara Desert, Tassili n'Ajjer, or Tamanrasset. Deposits of EUR 100–300 are collected, with the remaining balance due "at the meeting point." Tourists who pay arrive at designated meeting points to find no transport, no guide, and no means of recourse.

How it works

A well-dressed local approaches tourists on Rue Didouche Mourad or near Jardin d'Essai du Hamma botanical garden, offering unrequested help — pointing out directions, carrying bags, walking alongside to "show something interesting." After 5–15 minutes of this company, the person firmly demands payment for their time, framing it as compensation for their services. Refusal can result in a scene, loud accusations, or an escalating confrontation.

How it works

After tourists photograph scenes inside La Casbah — doorways, street scenes, traditional djellaba-clad residents — individuals who were in the frame or standing nearby demand payment, claiming a "photography fee" is legally required. No such official fee exists at the Casbah. In some cases, a group surrounds the tourist and becomes aggressive until payment of DZD 500–1,500 is made.

How it works

Restaurants in the tourist-facing streets near Notre-Dame d'Afrique and along the Boulevard Colonel Amirouche present visitors with menus that carry prices two to three times higher than what locals pay for identical dishes. In some cases a second, cheaper menu in Arabic is not offered to foreign visitors. Final bills sometimes include undisclosed "service charges" or items never ordered.

How it works

Even among non-criminal informal money changers, tourists exchanging currency outside official channels frequently receive counterfeit DZD banknotes or are short-changed through rapid counting techniques. The DZD 1,000 and DZD 2,000 notes are most commonly counterfeited. Tourists rarely notice until attempting to pay at a shop or restaurant, where the counterfeit note is refused.

How it works

With limited tourist-grade accommodation options in Algiers, individuals near the airport and bus terminals offer to assist tourists in finding a hotel, claiming that "everything is full" or that the tourist's pre-booked hotel has "closed." They then transport the traveler to an affiliated guesthouse charging three to five times the normal rate, sometimes DZD 15,000–25,000 per night for a room worth DZD 4,000–6,000. The original hotel is typically open and had the booking all along.

How it works

In the souk areas of La Casbah and in craft shops near Place des Martyrs, shopkeepers invite tourists inside for "free mint tea" and engage them in friendly conversation before presenting handmade carpets, leather goods, or silver jewelry. Once seated and served tea, social pressure builds to make a purchase; prices quoted begin at DZD 20,000–50,000 and items rarely have marked prices. Agreeing to enter and drink tea is treated as a social contract to buy.