Djezzy's offers, and the valid ID it asks for
Djezzy's Legend page describes an evolved offer with internet up to 200 GB, unlimited calls and options ranging from 100 to 4,000 dinars. At the time of checking, 4,000 dinars bought 200 GB with unlimited calls to all networks for 30 days, and the page lists smaller options, including 1 GB for 24 hours at 100 dinars and 15 GB for 30 days at 1,000 dinars. A new feature lets customers add leftover data to a new option when it costs 1,500 dinars or more.
The page says that to benefit from the new advantages you should go to the nearest Djezzy sales and service centre or an approved point of sale with a valid identity document and a 200 dinar purchase fee, and it gives the SIM card price as 200 dinars with a welcome bonus of 50 MB. It lists 4.99 dinars per MB for internet use outside an option. It does not say what a foreigner must show, though a passport is the obvious document. Djezzy also has a youth brand, iZZY, with prepaid offers starting from 300 dinars.
Ooredoo's internet packs, from 50 to 1,500 dinars
Ooredoo Algérie's internet pack page lists packs bought by dialling *151#, through its web page or in the My Ooredoo app. At the time of checking, Forfait 50 gave 50 MB with unlimited Facebook until midnight for 50 dinars, Forfait 100 gave 700 MB with unlimited YouTube for 24 hours for 100 dinars, Forfait 300 gave 3 GB for 72 hours for 300 dinars, Forfait 500 gave 6 GB for 30 days for 500 dinars with discount coupons, Forfait 1000 gave 15 GB plus 5 GB of YouTube data for 1,000 dinars and Forfait 1500 gave 40 GB for 1,500 dinars.
The page says the packs are available on all prepaid and postpaid offers, and consumption is checked by dialling *151# and choosing the consumption section. It does not describe a visitor SIM or what identification is needed. We could not read Mobilis's website, so we make no statement about that operator.
5G, listed by wilaya, and the coverage gap in the south
Ooredoo's 5G page describes its 5G service with speeds of 900 Mbps to 1 Gbps and very low latency from 10 milliseconds, and offers a coverage tool where you choose a wilaya and a commune. The wilaya list we could see included Tamanrasset, Illizi, Djanet and El Meniaa, among others. These are the operator's claims, and we found no regulator measurement.
The UK Foreign Office says mobile phone coverage can be patchy or unavailable in more remote areas, particularly in the south of Algeria, and that some online maps may not be accurate there. Before a trip to the Sahara, download offline maps, tell your guide your route, and carry a plan from an operator that your guide confirms works along it.
Drones, binoculars and photography equipment
The UK Foreign Office says it is illegal to bring drones, binoculars, telescopes and certain types of photography equipment into Algeria without authorisation, and advises contacting Algerian customs if you have any doubt about items you plan to bring. It also says Algeria has a clear security presence, which can feel intrusive, and that at military or police checkpoints you should approach slowly, not cross boundaries without permission and be prepared to show photo ID.
Check any camera gear or drone with Algerian customs before you travel. Ramadan, which the page says next starts in February 2027, brings rules about eating, drinking and smoking in public in the daytime.
A visa in advance, cash declarations and areas to avoid
The UK Foreign Office says you must have a visa to visit Algeria and should apply through the Algerian Consulate in the UK, although you may be able to get a tourist visa on arrival at some airports if most of your travel is in the south and you have a confirmed reservation with an approved local travel agency. Your passport must have an expiry date at least six months after arrival, and you need it to check in to any hotel, though you need not carry it at all times. Cash above 5,000 euros or the equivalent must be declared on entry and exit, and smuggling antiquities can bring a prison sentence, so keep proof of authenticity for souvenirs.
It advises against all travel within 30 km of the borders with Libya, Mauritania, Mali and Niger, and in parts of the Tunisian border, and against all but essential travel within 30 km of the rest of the Tunisian border, with the page updated on 25 September 2026. The safety page says the land border with Morocco is closed. Read the full advice for your route.
Emergency numbers
The UK Foreign Office lists 1021 for an ambulance, 14 for fire and 17 or 1548 for police in Algeria. It also says that the authorities do not always inform the British Embassy when British nationals are arrested, so insist on your right to contact it. Our Algeria plan page covers data before you arrive.
Networks our Algeria plans use
These are the operators named on our plans for Algeria, taken from the plan data, so the list follows the catalogue.
- Algerie Telecom Mobile (ATM)4G
- Djezzy4G
- Mobilis4G
- Ooredoo5G