Expatriate Forums in Algeria

SHOPPING IN ALGERIA / ALGERIA SHOPPING GUIDE

Algeria Info — Sat Feb 24, 2007 7:33 am

Author: Algeria Info

Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 7:33 am

SHOPPING IN ALGERIA

Algeria is a wonderful place to shop for beautiful, souvenirs and gifts at bargain prices. It has many street markets and handicraft shops that sell just about everything imaginable. Some of the local products include leatherwear, rugs, copper and brassware, local-made dresses and jewellery.

Algeria has a thriving handicrafts industry. Part of the charm of the country is the richness of its production. From carpets to ceramics, from leather to lute making, from pottery to glass working to silverwork, the country has a tremendous variety of skills that produce goods which are sold in many other countries as well as to tourists. From the Sahara comes the beautiful finely dyed basketwork and primitive-style pottery.

Never accept the first price of a product stated to you. Bargaining is a way of live and a matter of survival for some in Algeria, it is customary in street markets and in smaller shops. Although there are two state-run craft markets that has fixed rates and does not accept bargaining. The best shopping experience is in rue Didouche Mourad street in Algiers, where street artist play their selections of art throughout the day to entertain the consumers market.

The exchange of currency is rather difficult in Algeria, although it has improved a little over the years. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at most banks and at some luxury hotels. The acceptance of debit and credit cards are very limited and is only accepted in bigger rural areas. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other available services. Take note that most foreigners may have difficulty using ATM cards.

Traveller's cheques are accepted only in top-class (4-star and above) hotels, Government-run craft (souvenir) shops and in certain establishments. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Euros.

The shopping hours of shops in Algeria are usually from Saturdays to Thursdays from 09:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 14:00 pm to 19:00 pm. However some shops are also open on Fridays.

Currency

Dinar (DZD) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of DZD1000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of DZD100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 centimes.

Note: Because of the very strict adherence of the authorities to these regulations, visitors are strongly advised not to be associated with the black market, which tends to concentrate on the Euro and portable electronics.

FOOD & DINING IN ALGERIA / ALGERIA DINING GUIDE

Algeria Info — Sat Feb 24, 2007 7:26 am

Author: Algeria Info

Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 7:26 am

FOOD & DINING IN ALGERIA

GENERAL

Traditional Algerian food shows the historic influences of Berber, Arab, Turkish, and French tastes. It can be mild or very spicy and many flavourings are used. Algiers and popular coastal towns have a fair selection of good restaurants, serving mainly French and Italian-style food, though even classic dishes will have an unmistakable Algerian quality. Fish dishes are exceptionally good.

The sale of alcohol is not encouraged. Alcohol is only available in more expensive restaurants and hotels. There are no licensing hours and hotel bars tend to stay open for as long as there is custom. Algeria produces some good wines but very few of them seem to be served in the country itself. The major hotels may have a reasonable cellar of European wines.

National specialties

• In the towns, stalls sell brochettes (kebabs) in French bread and covered in a spicy sauce (if desired). The range of foodstuffs in the south is more limited.

• Couscous, a semolina-like pasta made from cracked wheat, is a staple food in Algeria and throughout North Africa.

• Rice is also a popular staple, and chickpea-cakes make a cheap and tasty accompaniment for food.

• Stews like shakshuka, with vegetables, and tajine, with lamb or chicken, are popular everyday dishes. Sugar or honey can be added to savoury dishes to create a sweet-and-sour taste.

• The traditional diet of desert nomads is based on couscous and the meat of the sheep or goats they herd. When traveling, desert people carry pressed dates or figs, and hard cheese, which keeps for a long time.

National drinks

• As in much of North Africa and the Middle East, refreshing, golden-colored mint tea and strong, sweet coffee (sometimes called Turkish coffee) are drunk wherever people gather to talk and relax, a legacy of French rule.

• If available, try Medea, Mansourah and Mascara red wines and Medea, Mascara and Lismara rosés.

PLACES TO DINE

Arzett Loubnane
Lebanese/International
97 Chemin Sfindja (El Biar)

Des Facultes
Continental/European/Coffee Shop
1 Rue Didouche Mourad

El Behdja
International
Route de l'Universite Bp 12 5juillet Bab Ezzouar

El Waha Poolside
Continental/European/International
Pins Maritimes, El Mohammadia

Il Ponte
International
Pins Maritimes, El Mohammadia

Kantara
International
Pins Maritimes, El Mohammadia

L'Esplanade
International/Family/Coffee Shop
16, Rue Hassen Achour BEO

Le Bernais
Family/French/Coffee Shop
5, Rue Ahmed et Boualem Khalfi

Le Taj Mahal
Indian/Pakistani/Coffee Shop
7, Rue Idir Toumi Ben Aknoun

Restaurant Astrolab
International
Rue des arcades Riadh el Feth

Restaurant Chez Sauveur
International/Family
Port El Djamila Ain Benain

Restaurant El Marsa
Continental/European/International
Sidi Fredj, Staoueli, Alger

Restaurant La Casbah
Continental/European/Cafe
248 Route Neuve Bouzareah

Restaurant La Colomba
Continental/European/Cafe
113 Rue Didouche Mourad

Restaurant Le Mouflon d' Or
Continental/European/Cafe
Parc Zoologique Ben Aknoun

Restaurant Moncada
Continental/European/Cafe
Parc Zoologique Ben Aknoun

Restaurant Viva
Continental/European/Cafe
21 Rue Mellal Mohamed

Sirene de Mer
International/French/Family
8, Rampe de la Pecherie

NIGHTLIFE IN ALGERIA / ALGERIA NIGHTLIFE GUIDE

Algeria Info — Sat Feb 24, 2007 7:06 am

Author: Algeria Info

Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 7:06 am

NIGHTLIFE IN ALGERIA

Most people who visit Algeria do not do so to enjoy a beach resort lifestyle. They do so to enjoy the unique culture, architecture and people. However, this does not mean that there is nothing entertaining to do in Algeria. Besides a number of outdoor activities, you may even find that the city or town you are staying in enjoys a fairly vibrant nightlife. The nightlife in Algeria may not be quite what you'd expect, but that does not mean that it is un-entertaining.

If you are visiting a smaller city or town, you may well find that the various nightlife activities available cater mainly for men. Most often it involves getting to know the locals better over a cup of tea or coffee at the nearest cafe. However, after a little chatting you may well discover that there is a discotheque or bar in the vicinity! The majority of discotheques in Algeria are provided by the local hotels and are enjoyed by any number of local men and a variety of tourists who may be visiting at the time. Some of these discotheques are only open to those staying at the hotel as mixed dancing may be frowned upon by the locals. The discotheque may feature various live music groups or the night's entertainment may be provided in the form of a DJ who will usually provide music from about 8pm until well after midnight.

Care should be taken by visitors attending such a nightclub in Algeria - especially by women. Many Algeria men may view a woman dancing about wildly in scant clothing as being promiscuous or inviting sexual intimacy. This is not usually a problem if the club is open to hotel visitors only but in a mixed environment, you would usually do best to take note of that which is happening on your arrival. If women seem to be more withdrawn, it is usually an indication to stay out of the spotlight. Alcohol may be expensive and entrance fees for guests are high but usually include one or two drinks. Hotel-operated discotheques or nightclubs are the most common form of nightlife in Algeria.