The problem of the official rate vs square

When you pay a stay in Algeria 100% by credit card, you are exposed to the official bank rate: ~1 EUR = 155 DZD (May 2026).

The parallel market rate (called the "square" in Algeria) is very different: ~1 EUR = 277-280 DZD (May 2026).

On a 100 000 DZD stay, it means:

• Credit card: ~645 EUR
• Cash: ~360 EUR

Difference: ~285 EUR less, i.e. ~44% savings.

The Algeria Tourism solution : deposit + cash

Our platform allows hosts to accept a hybrid mode:

• 15% minimum deposit paid online by card (secured via Stripe)
• The rest paid in cash DZD upon arrival at the host

You change your EUR to the square once on site, and you pay the balance in DZD. Massive savings guaranteed.

How it works in practice

1. You can find your accommodation on algerietourism.com
2. If the host proposes the mode "down payment + cash", you see it on the form
3. When booking: you pay 15% (or more, host sets rule) online
4. Upon arrival: you give the rest in DZD to the host

Security

The host can request a ** bank footprint** (pre-authorized deposit on your card, not debited) to secure in case of a problem. It's returned when you leave without incident.

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