Area: 2381741.0
Population: 32500000

FLIGHT DURATION
London-Algiers (1029 miles): 2 hrs and 45 mins.

TIME DIFFERENCE
+1h

AIRPORT INFORMATION
The Houari Boumediene International Airport lies 12 miles away from downtown Algiers (30 min drive). Regular, wheezing and overcrowded buses carry passengers to the town centre. So far, although security conditions seem to have improved markedly, we prefer to remain cautious and advice against taking these buses. It is preferable to arrange with the hotel or tour operator for a private vehicle to pick you up or use a taxi. Prepare from 300 to 350 dinars to hire a car in the daytime and close to 500 dinars at night.

SECURITY
Security in Algeria has improved dramatically since 1999 and the country is witnessing a resurgence of tourism offers;
However, individual trips to several regions of the country are still not advisable given that the risk of terrorism persists.
To prepare your trip, it is preferable to contact a serious tour operator. He/she will take care of your reception and movement on the premises.
Otherwise, book a taxi in advance or hire a car from the airport through the services of your hotel. For accommodation, opt for one of the secure hotels where entry is filtered.
At Algiers: El Djazair, Aurassi, Sofitel, Hôtel International, Sheraton (far from town) and Mercure.
At Oran: the Phénix.
A Annaba: the Seybouse.
A Constantine: the Cyrta.
It is advisable to be discreet on the phone, especially with respect to conditions of movement (time, itineraries...). You can stroll freely in the centre of Algiers but not in the outskirts. The Mitidja region surrounding Algiers must be absolutely avoided. The other large cities (excluding the surrounding areas) and the Grand South are not dangerous.
Although no town is completely free from attacks, most of the terrorist actions are committed in rural areas, especially during road blocks. The main targets are security forces and isolated civilians. It is therefore strongly advised not to travel by road, especially at night. Almost all regions have been affected, especially the surrounding areas of Algiers (the Blidean Mountains), the Kabylia Mountains and the West of the country (the Ouarsenis Massives).
In addition, in Algeria as in other countries, there are simple delinquents.

ALL OF THE EDITORIAL TEAM'S ADVICE
Over the last years, Algeria had completely disappeared from the catalogues of French tour operators. Presently, it would still be a hasty decision to travel there. If you want to do so, use the services of a specialised tour operator. Air Algérie links up London-Djanet or London-Tamanrasset, with a mandatory stopover at Algiers. A connecting flight is always available in the day or at night at Algiers. Prepare a valid insurance policy (some contracts exclude risky areas like Algeria) and a substantial budget (close to 47 pounds per day excluding flight ticket).

TELEPHONE
To phone Algeria from UK, dial 00 213 + country code (Algiers: 21 ; Boumerdes : 24 ; Blida : 25 ; Tamanrasset : 29 ; Constantine : 31 ; Biskra : 33 ; Setif : 36 ; Annaba : 38 ; Oran : 41 ; Bechar : 49) + the 6-digit number of your correspondent.

To call the UK from Algeria, dial 00 44 + the number of your correspondent without the initial 0.

Mobile phones are widely used in Algeria. There are actually three operators.