Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Algiers, Algeria

1. Barbossa Market Scam Alert

Avoid fake guides offering 'discounted' shopping in the bustling Barbossa Market; stick to known stores and bargain respectfully.

Known Shops: Shop at established, reputable stores to avoid scams.
Bargaining Skills: Practice bargaining respectfully but confidently to avoid overpaying.
Awareness: Stay alert for suspicious individuals offering 'discounted' shopping tours.

Be wary of unofficial taxis at Houari Boumédiene International Airport; use only registered and metered cabs or pre-arrange transportation.

Registered Taxis: Use only registered, official taxis.
Metered Fares: Insist on using the meter to calculate your fare.
Pre-arrangement: Arrange transportation beforehand to avoid hassle and potential scams.

Avoid 'helpful' strangers offering guided tours in the ancient Casbah Quarter; arrange a tour through a reputable agency.

Reputable Agencies: Book guided tours with established, reputable travel agencies.
Ask for Permits: Ensure your guide carries the required permission to guide in the Casbah Quarter.
Research: Research the area beforehand to recognize potential scams.

Be cautious when purchasing souvenirs in Souk El Djedid; verify the authenticity of goods before buying.

Authenticity: Verify the origin and authenticity of any purchased items.
Bargaining: Haggle with sellers, but beware of unusually low prices that may indicate counterfeits.
Reputable Shops: Shop at established, reputable stores to minimize the risk of purchasing fake goods.

Be selective when eating street food; opt for busy, popular stalls and avoid foods prepared in advance.

Popular Stalls: Choose busy, popular street food stalls to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
Freshly Prepared Food: Avoid pre-prepared foods that may have been sitting out for too long.
Local Recommendations: Follow local recommendations for trusted street food vendors.

Exchange money only at official bureaus de change or banks to avoid being overcharged.

Official Bureau de Change: Use only official bureaus de change for currency exchange.
Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid exchanging money with street vendors or private individuals to avoid scams.
Check Rates: Compare exchange rates at multiple bureaus de change before making a transaction.

Only use official ferries at Bouzareah National Park to avoid being overcharged or stranded.

Official Ferry Services: Use only official ferry services for transportation within the park.
Ask for Prices: Ensure you understand and agree on prices before boarding any ferry.
Stay Alert: Remain vigilant when using ferries to avoid potential scams.

Purchase SIM cards only from authorized retailers; verify the authenticity of the shop and the card.

Authorized Retailers: Buy SIM cards only from authorized retailers.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not purchase SIM cards from street vendors to avoid scams.
Verify Authenticity: Check the authenticity of the SIM card and shop before making a purchase.

Book tours only through licensed tour operators to ensure safety and quality.

Licensed Operators: Use only licensed tour operators for any guided activities.
Check Credentials: Ensure the operator has a valid license and proper insurance coverage.
Research Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers before making your choice.

Stay alert for fake police officers who may attempt to extort money; always ask for identification and report any suspicious behavior.

Police Identification: Ask for identification from anyone claiming to be a police officer.
Report Suspicious Behavior: Report any suspicious behavior or encounters with individuals posing as police officers.
Stay Vigilant: Remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings to avoid potential scams.

Avoid giving money to beggars; instead, donate to reputable charities or organizations.

Reputable Charities: Donate to established, reputable charities instead of giving directly to individuals.
Avoid Giving Money: Avoid giving money directly to beggars as it may encourage further begging and scams.
Stay Alert: Remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings when in crowded areas where begging may occur.

Research accommodation prices before arrival; compare rates and book through reputable channels.

Reputable Channels: Book accommodations through established, reputable booking websites.
Comparison Shopping: Compare prices for accommodations across different booking channels.
Location: Choose accommodation in safer, well-populated areas to minimize the risk of scams.

Research restaurant prices before dining out; avoid restaurants with unusually high prices or few customers.

Price Research: Research the average cost of meals in Algiers to avoid overpriced restaurants.
Few Customers: Avoid restaurants with few customers as they may be overpriced or serving poor-quality food.
Local Recommendations: Follow local recommendations for trusted, affordable dining options.

Use ATMs located in banks or well-populated areas; cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks or well-populated areas to minimize the risk of scams.
Cover Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.
Monitor Transactions: Monitor your account transactions closely after using an ATM to catch any suspicious activity.

Use only official city buses; avoid buses with few passengers or those operating outside scheduled routes.

Official Bus Services: Use only official city buses for transportation within the city.
Avoid Unscheduled Routes: Stick to scheduled routes and avoid buses operating outside these routes.
Stay Alert: Remain vigilant when using city buses to avoid potential scams.