The Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria fronts the Mediterranean Sea. With a population of over 31.6 million, it has a lengthy history of occupation and strife. Today, with a hilly coastal terrain a mild Mediterranean climate and such sights as the Sahara Desert and the ancient town of Beni Isquen, Algeria is often a tourist destination.The currency of the country is the dinar. It trades under the initials DZN. Both the coinage and the banknotes are dinar. The rate is 100 centimes is equal to 1 dinar. In the past, coinage based its worth on the French Franc.
History
The
coinage in Alegeria has ancient roots. As early as the 3rd century
B.C., the coastal cities had coinage. The money was Cathaginian. Yet,
by 200 B.C., Algeria was minting coins under order of the local kings.
Both Mauritania in the west and Numidia in the east began to produce
coinage. Under Juba I (60-46 B.C.). a large silver denarii made its
appearance. Its purpose was to honor and support the Pompeii faction in
the civil war against Julius Caesar.
In north Africa Roman
coinage soon became the norm. Under both the Marui Kings, including
Juba II and Ptolemy (A.D. 23 – 40) Roman denarii proliferated. Although
local coins continued to exist, by the end of the reign of Augustus
Caesar, the only official coinage was Roman, haling from the Imperial
mint. This was the norm until the take over of the Islamic World around
700.
Islamic coins began to proliferate around the 12th century. Local Moroccan leaders produced them. Muwahhid currency dominated the period until the arrival of the Ottoman Empire. These were of two types: thin gold and small silver coins. Other pre-Ottoman coinage included imported silver coins in the Islamic design. Most came from European mints.
Under
the Ottomans, a mint grew up at Algiers. The early gold coins were
Turkish-style. The early 18th century, saw the arrival of silver
coinage. Meanwhile, there were coins in the areas under Spain’s rule.
The Spanish coins, minted in Toledo, were bronze inscribed with the
letters ORAN.
The French occupied the region in the early 18th
century. The currency of this time varied. In 1834, Abdul Qadir, an
anti-French resistance fighter, minted coins in the Ottoman style.
French coins were also making the rounds. Some were very non-specific,
French francs. This changed during and after the War. German coins
circulated in German occupied territory while French money was the
currency of Free Algiers. There was a major shift in 1949-1952. The
still French coins appeared in 20, 50 and 100-franc coins stamped with
the word ALGIERS.
Independence came on July 5, 1962 with a Republic declared on September 25. The Republic of Algeria produced its own coinage in 1964. Centimes and Dinars replaced the French Franc at par becoming the country’s currency. Banknotes as well as coins made their appearance. The language was Arabic. The designs by 1971 included national agriculture and industries.
Inflation in the 1990s saw a number of changes still in effect today. While, in 1992, the bank introduced the 1,000 dinar-note, the smaller coins began to fail in usage. As a result, while smaller notes and coins exist, including the ¼-dinar and the 1- and 2-centime, the current practice is to use the larger money sums. Banknotes are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 dinars. The current coinage consists of 5,10, 20 and 50 centimes and 1, 5 and 10 dinars.
Obtaining Currency
The Central Bank of Algeria issues the current coinage. You can obtain the money from local banks and large hotels. While some merchants may accept American dollars, you are better off to carry local currency.
Protecting Your Currency
If you wish to ensure the safety of your money, take the usual precautions when travelling. Do not wander off down narrow streets alone. Do not leave your wallet lying exposed while you visit the country’s beaches. Never flash your money around.
Using Your Dinar
Local currency is acceptable everywhere. It is suitable for buying carpets in the marketplace of Ghardaïa with its sand-colored houses or in the Casbah of Algiers. Use it to take local transport or pay a guide. It is especially useful in areas outside the larger urban centers. In fact, some places may only accept dinar.
Travel Tips and Warnings
- It is illegal to travel off alone into the desert. Always go with a guide. It prevents misadventure and so-called acts of terrorism. Police do patrol the region to ensure you are part of a group.
- If you plan to go to the ancient town of Beni Isquen, you need a guide. This is a strict Islamic town. All rules of dress and behavior apply. Be sensible and respectful of this culture.
- The same applies to many areas of Algeria. In some places, you cannot take photos, wear shorts or smoke. Be polite. Follow the rules.
- There is no entry to or exit from the border country of Morroc. It is closed.
- Be sure to visit the Casbah of Algiers and the Turkish palaces, notably Dar Hassan Pacha.
- If you can arrange it, be in Algeria for the Turaeg Music Festival at Tamanrasset.
- Go look at the Roman ruins of Timgud and Djémila.
Overview
Algeria
is a beautiful country bounded by Lybia, Mali, Morocco, Niger, Tunisia
and the Western Sahara. Its economics include gas production and
exportation. With sea, sand and history, it is a fascinating place to
visit. Do observe the religious restrictions and the etiquette
practices of this country. Be mindful of where to go and with whom. If
you accept the restrictions and understand the religious and cultural
taboos, you can have a wonderful trip.
For factual information and data go to www.opec.org. For travel information see www.arab.net.
Currency Summary
Franc – colonial
Centime
Dinar – coins and banknotes
100 centimes = 1 dinar