If you just typed "1 usd in algerian dinar today" into a search bar, you probably saw a number around 129.92 DZD.
It looks official. Clean. Reliable.
But honestly? If you're standing on a street corner in Algiers or trying to pay for a taxi near the Grande Poste, that number is basically a ghost. It doesn't exist in the real world where actual people buy bread or trade electronics.
The gap between the "official" bank rate and what’s happening in the famous Square Port Said is massive. We’re talking about a parallel universe of finance.
The Great Disconnect: Bank Rates vs. The Street
Right now, the Bank of Algeria will tell you $1 is worth roughly 130 dinars.
Try to actually get that rate as a regular person, though. It's tough. Most locals and savvy travelers know that the "real" value—the one that dictates the price of a smuggled iPhone or a pair of Nike sneakers—is significantly higher on the black market.
Historically, this gap has hovered around 50% or more. While the bank says 130, the guy at the informal exchange might offer you 225 or 230 dinars.
Why the drama?
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Basically, Algeria has very strict capital controls. You can’t just walk into a bank, hand over a stack of dinars, and ask for dollars to go on vacation. There's a tiny "travel allowance" for citizens, but it’s nowhere near enough for a real trip. Because people need foreign currency to travel, import goods, or save money in a stable asset, they turn to the parallel market.
High demand + low official supply = a skyrocketing street price.
What's Driving the Rate in 2026?
Inflation in Algeria has actually chilled out a bit lately, sitting around 3.9% to 4%. That’s way better than the double-digit spikes we saw a few years back.
But currency value isn't just about inflation. It's about oil.
Algeria’s economy is fundamentally a giant gas station. When Brent crude prices are healthy (around $64 right now), the government feels more confident. When oil prices dip, the dinar feels the heat.
- The Euro Factor: Most Algerians care more about the Euro than the Dollar because of the huge diaspora in France. If the Euro gets stronger against the Dollar, the street price for USD in Algiers often creeps up too.
- Import Bans: The government often restricts what can be brought into the country to save foreign exchange reserves. When a new ban hits, the demand for "black market dollars" to fund unofficial imports goes through the roof.
A Massive Warning for Travelers
If you’re visiting Algiers, Oran, or Constantine, you need to be careful.
As of January 2026, Algeria has really ramped up enforcement of Article 129. This is a big deal.
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In the past, you’d just show up, exchange some cash on the street to get the better rate, and go about your day. Now? Travelers are being asked to provide formal bank or exchange bureau receipts when they leave the country.
If you arrived with $2,000 and you’re leaving with $500, customs might ask where that $1,500 went. If you can’t show a receipt from a legal bank proving you exchanged it at the 130 rate, you could face heavy fines or even have your remaining cash confiscated.
It’s a classic "risk vs. reward" scenario. Do you take the 130 rate at the airport and stay legal, or chase the 230 rate in the Square and risk a headache at the border?
Most experts suggest keeping at least some of your exchange receipts from the bank to show "legitimate" spending.
Where to Exchange Money Legally
- Banque Nationale d'Algérie (BNA): Usually the most straightforward.
- Crédit Populaire d'Algérie (CPA): Good for major cities.
- Airport Bureaus: Convenient, but you’ll get the lowest possible official rate.
- Major Hotels: Places like the Sheraton or Marriott usually have exchange desks, but they are strictly official-rate only.
The "Square" Phenomenon
Square Port Said in Algiers is the unofficial central bank of Algeria. It’s a bustling, slightly chaotic area where men stand around with thick rubber-banded stacks of cash.
It’s not just a place to swap money; it’s a barometer for the nation’s anxiety. If there’s a rumor of a new law or a drop in oil prices, the rates in the Square change in minutes—long before the official bank rate moves an inch.
While it's technically illegal, it's an open secret. However, for a foreigner, wandering into the Square with a pocket full of Benjamins isn't exactly recommended unless you're with a local friend you trust with your life. Scams happen. Counterfeit bills are a thing.
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Actionable Steps for Dealing with 1 USD in Algerian Dinar Today
If you’re managing money in Algeria right now, here is the move:
Check the spread. Look at the official rate (around 130) and then check a site like Algérie Eco or TSA to see what the "parallel" rate is. This helps you understand the local purchasing power.
Declare your cash. If you're carrying more than $5,000 (for foreigners) or €1,000 (for residents), you must declare it at customs when you land. Do not skip this. They are checking 2026 arrivals very closely.
Don't rely on plastic. Outside of high-end hotels in Algiers, your Visa or Mastercard is basically a shiny piece of plastic. Algeria is a cash-first society. Even if an ATM works, it will give you the official 130 rate, which makes everything you buy roughly 40% more expensive than if you had used cash.
Keep your papers. Every time you use an official exchange, shove that receipt in your passport. You’ll thank yourself when you're trying to catch your flight home and the customs officer starts asking questions.
The situation with the Algerian Dinar is complicated, messy, and totally different from the "clean" numbers you see on Google. Stay informed, keep your receipts, and always carry more cash than you think you'll need.