Algeria is a large country in North Africa. With being such a large country, it comes with many beautiful landmarks, such as Oran, an Algerian port city, the ruins in Constantine, and the ancient history of the roman empire in Djemila.
Roaming with your provider can be expensive, which is why you want to know about your local SIM card options when visiting Algeria. In this article, I will go over every you need to know about buying a SIM card in Algeria. Let's find out.
Original publication: 19th of January 2020. Last updated: 15th of January 2024.
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Telecom Providers in Algeria
Algeria has 3 telecom providers: Djezzy, Mobilis, and Ooredoo Algeria. All operators have 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE networks throughout the country. Djezzy is the largest operator, followed by Mobilis. Both operators operate solely in Algeria, whereas Ooredoo is known in multiple countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Best SIM Card in Algeria
If you want to buy a SIM card in Algeria, I would recommend going with Djezzy because they have the best coverage throughout Algeria. If you want a lot of data, then Ooredoo should be considered.
SIM Card Registration Regulations in Algeria
Like most countries in Africa, you need to show your passport when buying a SIM card. Additionally, a copy of your Algerian address has to be given to the operator too. This can be the address of your ho(s)tel or Airbnb.
Unlike most countries, where you pay a tourist premium for buying a SIM card at the airport, you pay the same price for SIM cards and packages at the airport as in regular stores. Therefore, it is highly recommended to buy your SIM card at the airport so that you are connected as soon as you arrive instead of trying to find a store in town.
At the airport, the salespeople may only ask for your passport and not for your address. Just have it ready in case you will be asked for it.
With that said, let’s see what Algeria has to offer to us.
Djezzy
Djezzy is the mobile brand of Optimum Télécom. It has most of the Algerian customers with a market share of more than 45%. 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE can be found in all provinces in Algeria, which is referred to as Wilayas.
Djezzy has the best coverage in Algeria. Coverage in cities is great, while it may be hard to get 3G or any service at all in rural Algeria. Nevertheless, Djezzy is recommended for those who wish to explore more of the country than only the cities.
SIM Card Price – Djezzy
A Djezzy SIM card costs 300 DZD ($2.50) and can be bought in Djezzy stores. The starter pack, called Djezzy Carte, comes with 50 DZD in credit and 50 MB for 7 days.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Djezzy Hayla Maxi, their packs, can be added for the following allowances and prices. They come with unlimited calls and texts to Djezzy numbers:
- 100 DZD: 2 GB and 200 DZD credit for 24 hours
- 500 DZD: 10 GB and 1000 DZD credit for 7 days
- 1000 DZD: 20 GB and 2000 DZD credit for 30 days
- 1500 DZD: 40 GB and 3000 DZD credit for 30 days
- 2000 DZD: 60 GB and 4000 DZD credit for 30 days
If you are only interested in data, then Djezzy Speed, their data packs, can be added:
- 30 DZD: 100 MB for 24 hours
- 50 DZD: Unlimited data for 1 hour between 12 AM and 7 AM
- 50 DZD: 250 MB for 24 hours
- 100 DZD: 1 GB for 24 hours
- 300 DZD: 3 GB for 7 days
- 500 DZD: 6 GB for 30 days
- 1000 DZD: 15 GB for 30 days
Mobilis
Mobilis is the mobile brand of Algérie Télécom, which is an Algerian state-owned company. Mobilis is the second-largest operator in Algeria. Mobilis covers most of Algeria, although their coverage is not as extensive as Djezzy.
SIM Card Price – Mobilis
Mobilis SIM cards are sold for 100 DZD and come with 200 DZD in credit in Mobilis stores or from authorized resellers. Do note that Mobilis sells 3G and 4G SIM cards. The 4G SIM cards will only work in areas where 4G is available, while the 3G SIM cards will work where Mobilis has coverage (with 2G, 3G, or 4G/LTE).
If you manage to get a 3G SIM card and want to use 4G/LTE, you can get 4G/LTE activated by visiting a Mobilis store.
With Mobilis, you need to bring your passport and a notarized copy of your passport to purchase a Mobilis SIM card.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
The following Mobilis combo packs, also called Pixx, can be added. They all come with unlimited on-net calls:
- 500 DZD: 5 GB and 500 DZD credit for 15 days
- 1000 DZD: 13 GB and 1000 DZD credit for 30 days
- 2000 DZD: 30 GB and 2000 DZD credit for 30 days
You can also get a Mobilis data-only SIM card called Navigui 4G. They are sold for 2400 DZD and come with 3 GB and unlimited WhatsApp and Facebook for 30 days. You can add regular data packs to this SIM card. However, you would be better off buying a normal SIM card and the 2000 DZD plan, and you would still have some money left compared to buying Navigui 4G.
Ooredoo Algeria
Ooredoo Algeria, just Ooredoo, is the smallest operator in Algeria. Ooredoo is a Qatari company that is active in multiple parts of the world. Ooredoo has the “worst” coverage with not covering all of Algeria with their 3G and 4G network (in terms of Wilayas covered). However, they are fine in the cities and offer a lot of data for low prices compared to the other operators.
SIM Card Price – Ooredoo Algeria
Ooredoo SIM cards can be bought from Ooredoo stores and from authorized resellers. They sell several starter packs called either LA Switch or Hashta. The LA Switch comes with unlimited on-net calls and is valid for 30 days. Its perks are highlighted below:
- 1500 DZD: 50 GB, 10 international minutes, and 1500 DZD credit
- 2500 DZD: 120 GB, 30 international minutes, 2500 DZD credit
- 4000 DZD: Unlimited internet, 50 international minutes, and 3000 DZD credit
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
The Hashta packs are also valid for 30 and come with unlimited Facebook usage but without international minutes:
- 1000 DZD: 4 GB and 2000 DZD credit
- 2000 DZD: 10 GB and 5000 DZD credit
With all plans, you can add the following data packages:
- 100 DZD: 1400 MB for 24 hours
- 200 DZD: 3 GB for 48 hours
- 300 DZD: 5 GB for 72 hours
- 1000 DZD: 20 GB for 30 days
- 2000 DZD: 45 GB for 30 days
- 3000 DZD: 60 GB for 30 days
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Algeria
Getting a SIM card from Djezzy would do you well when considering an Algerian SIM card.