Algiers, Algeria

• Algiers sits on Algeria's Mediterranean coast with a mix of French colonial buildings and North African architecture. The UNESCO Casbah with its narrow alleyways sits below modern neighborhoods with embassies and cafes. Most people speak Arabic and French - English is rare outside major hotels.
• This is a conservative city. Cover your shoulders, chest, and knees minimum. Expect catcalling and street harassment even when dressed modestly. Tourist areas and upscale neighborhoods feel relatively safe during the day, but streets empty out fast after dark and the atmosphere changes.
• The metro is clean and works well during the day. Avoid crowded public buses where harassment is more common. After dark, use rideshare apps like Yassir or Heetch rather than walking to find taxis. Tourist Police (1548) patrol main sites - some speak basic English but French is more reliable.
• Cash is essential. Over 98% of transactions are cash-only and most ATMs reject foreign cards. Bring euros or US dollars to exchange at banks or the airport. Eating alone feels awkward in traditional areas. In upscale cafes in Hydra or along Didouche Mourad, it's more acceptable during daytime.

Arabic and French are the main languages. English is rare outside major hotels. Tourist Police (1548) have some English-speaking operators but French is more reliable. Learn basic French - 'Bonjour', 'merci', 's'il vous plaît' are essential.

• Dress conservatively - cover to elbows and knees minimum with loose-fitting clothes. Tank tops, shorts, and tight clothing get unwanted attention. In the Casbah and traditional areas, consider covering your hair.
• French is more common than English, even in tourist areas. Learn basic French - 'Bonjour', 'merci', 's'il vous plaît', 'excusez-moi'. Tourist Police (1548) have some English speakers but don't count on English elsewhere.
• Expect catcalling even when dressed modestly. Don't engage - keep walking and ignore it. Walking with a male companion reduces harassment significantly. Don't point with your index finger or use your left hand for eating or greeting - it's considered unclean.
• Algeria is 98% cash-based. Most ATMs reject foreign cards. Bring euros or US dollars and exchange at banks (open Sunday-Thursday 9am-3:30pm) or the airport. Declare amounts over €1,000 at customs. Credit cards only work at major international hotels.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Police: 17. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• The metro opened in 2011 - it's the Maghreb's first metro system. Clean and efficient during the day with 19 stations. Rides cost DA50 (about $0.35), but the network is limited so you'll need other options.
• Use rideshare apps Yassir, inDrive, or Heetch instead of flagging taxis. All are cash-only. Regular taxis often skip the meter, so agree on price before getting in. After dark, call a taxi or rideshare - don't walk around looking for one.
• Public buses (ETUSA) are cheap but get packed during rush hours. Harassment is more common on crowded buses. The tram system is modern and covers several districts. During the day, metro and trams are fine. At night, use rideshares.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Algiers with local guides and curated experiences.