Visiting Algeria soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing an Algeria SIM card.

Fortunately, Africa is one of the best places to buy a SIM card easily. You should be able to find a cheap SIM card pretty much anywhere in Africa.

In fact, most data packages are affordable, which makes the whole thing easier!

This guide will explain where to buy a SIM card in Algeria in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them. 

Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Algeria. If you don’t mind not having Internet, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.

That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Arabic or French – you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Algeria.

Oran, Algeria

Best SIM Cards In Algeria

If you’re traveling in Algeria, we recommend using a SIM card from Ooredoo, Mobilis, Djeezy, or Airalo. (I’ll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)

That said, if you’re planning on visiting other countries during your trip to Africa, you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other African countries.

How To Buy A SIM Card In Algeria

You can either buy an Africa prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.

Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.

That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.

For this reason, I’d recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.

Although, this means you won’t get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase an African prepaid SIM card online.

Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by Ooredoo, Mobilis, and Djezzy.

Algiers, Algeria

Ooredoo SIM Cards

Ooredoo offers several different types of prepaid plans:

  • 3 GB, valid for 15 days for DZD 500 ($3.60)
  • 8 GB, valid for 30 days for DZD 1200 ($8.63)
  • 30 GB, valid for 30 days for DZD 1500 ($10.79)
  • 50 GB, valid for 30 days for DZD 2000 ($14.38)
  • 70 GB, valid for 30 days for DZD 3500 ($25.17)

Mobilis SIM Cards

Mobilis has several different prepaid plans available:

  • 10 GB, valid for 30 days for DZD 500 ($3.60)
  • 30 GB, valid for 30 days for DZD 1000 ($7.19)
  • 60 GB, valid for 30 days for DZD 1500 ($10.79)
  • 90 GB, valid for 30 days for DZD 2000 ($14.38)

Djezzy SIM Cards

Djezzy has several different prepaid plans available:

  • 1 GB, valid for 1 day for DZD 100 ($0.72)
  • 2 GB, valid for 7 days for DZD 200 ($1.44)
  • 4 GB, valid for 15 days for DZD 400 ($2.88)
  • 8 GB, valid for 30 days for DZD 800 ($5.75)

Overall, we think Ooredoo is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person. That said, any would do if you can’t find their store!

How To Buy An Algeria Prepaid SIM Card Online

If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.

You’ll find different plans on Amazon. For example, Orange Holiday World SIM works in more than 100+ countries and gives you up to 10 GB of data for 14 days. Algeria is included.

But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.

Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Africa.

How To Buy An eSIM Card For Algeria

eSIM is a new concept that allows you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone. If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s definitely one of the best options to get data in Algeria.

Curious? Learn more about eSIM for travelers on esimroamers.com.

I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. And I first tried it when visiting my family in Canada. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo. Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs in Algeria.

Airalo Algeria

If you want an eSIM for Algeria, you could purchase one on Airalo. This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for Africa and Algeria. I’ve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine.

Here are the options available:

  • Algecom: 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $7
  • Algecom: 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $13
  • Algecom: 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $17.50
  • Algecom: 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $27
  • Algecom: 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $49

Airalo eSIM Algeria

Here’s an overview of the options available in Africa:

  • 1 GB, valid for 30 days for $27
  • 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $59

The options mentioned above are part of their Hello Africa plan and offer coverage in 27 countries, including Algeria.

Now, one important thing to note about Airalo is that you’ll need to keep an eye out for the provider in each country.

Suppose you ever have trouble connecting to the Internet during your trip. In that case, it might be because you’re connecting automatically to networks and need to select a network manually instead.

When you purchase the eSIM, you’ll get access to the list of networks supported in each country.

Holafly Algeria

Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly. You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.

I’ve also tried this eSIM provider in Europe, and it worked fine.

Holafly offers the following plan for Algeria:

  • 6 GB for 15 days for $44

Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Algeria

As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Algeria or even an eSIM for your travels in Algeria is pretty easy.

You’ll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in Africa without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase an African SIM card.

I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Algeria if you wish to have data upon your arrival. This way, you won’t need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.

You need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.

Traveling soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

About Melissa Giroux

Melissa Giroux founded abrokenbackpack.com in 2015. She is been living abroad since 2014. Originally Canadian, she has been living and working online in many destinations around the world. She is passionate about traveling, technology, entrepreneurship, and CrossFit.

She has traveled extensively in Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. She is now living in Thailand.


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