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 = 145 DZD.
The parallel market rate (called the "square" in Algeria) is very different: ~1 EUR = 240 DZD.
On a 100 000 DZD stay, it means:
- Credit card : 690 EUR
Cash: EUR 415
Difference: EUR 275 less, i.e. around 40% 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
- You can find your accommodation on algerietourism.com
- If the host proposes the mode "down payment + cash", you see it on the form
- When booking: you pay 15% (or more, host sets rule) online
- 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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