Algeria

Hi Daniel



I have an Algerian friend who was there recently…She certainly would know what the current cost of living is & how safe it is too travel…Not sure if she moved far from Algiers though!

I will get some info for you if you want me too.  Do you speak French?

Hi,

I’m half algerian and i often go there. The big cities are quite safe, the hotel are ok and the life isn’t so expensive. But if you want to go in the country-side you have to be a bit careful but don’t be paranoiac. In the south of algiers (50km), there are still sometimes some killing especially on the road so… If you walk alone don’t carry a big bag, be as simple as possible. 

Actually the people are friendly,  and they will for sure help you. For exemple, when i was in blida, two guys stole my cellular, then more than 30 persons helped me to catch them, and they gave it back to me ... Algeria is really strange and unique. 

What are your plans there? When will you go(i plan to go on october bt not sure)?

I’m planning to go next Ramadan – if I survive this one. Is Oran/Wahran safe?

Yes Wahran is safe, when will you go there? I plan to go to algiers on the 29th of october for one week…

Saha Aid koum.
Photography in Algeria can be tricky. Terrorism is not much of a pb for most photographers. Officials are.
If you have any specific questions email me off LS. I lived in Algiers for a few years and wrote a small practical guide.

I’ll be there in 2006 I think.



Daniel, did I sit next to you at the Alexia lunch @ Perpignian?

Hi David, how do you mean photography is tricky there?  Would a photographer run into trouble with the officials just walking around the streets taking photos?  I’ll be there in a week for an assignment.

Exactly. in Algiers at least every other building is connected to the state: state-owned co at best, military/security installation otherwise. Policemen in civilian clothes will pop out of nowhere to tell you can’t photograph here. Total paranoia. Then there is also the problem of Algerians not wanting to be photographed. The only way is spending lots of time with individual subjects but anything like travel of street photography is a real problem. You won’t get arrested but you won’t get the shot either. Don’t just walk into the Casbah with equipment either. Good luck.

as david says, it’s hard to take pictures freely in the street. for casbah, you rather go with someone on friday.

well it’s always better to walk  around with someone;the number of minor crime(banditism?) is increasing.



but don’t be paranoiac, you just have to be careful. don’t insist.



where are you going in algeria?



allah traounek

Thanks Hagiwara, I’ll be in Algiers and Hassi Messaoud, then off to France and Nigeria after that.  I’ll have locals meeting me though so hopefully they’ll be able to guide me.

Well I just got back and it was great.  Northern Algeria is much more picturesque than I thought.  There were some run-ins regarding taking photos.  Once I was taking photos of the ministry of energy.  The gaurds came out and detained me even though they had no right.  Luckily my client who has some good connections came along and gave these guys an earfull.  They released me and invited me to take more pictures.  The other incidents were pretty minor.

I also strolled through the Casbah and took a lot of photos with no problems.  Turns out the police station offers a security service for tourists that want to explore the Casbah.  We had them escort us and got some good shots.  If anyone else goes, go to the station at the top of the hill and they’ll help you out.



We didn’t have any trouble getting around other than the awful traffic and rain.  Flew to Hassi Messaoud which is easy enough, but you need a desert pass if you want to venture out.  Drove to Tipaza without any troubles.  Locals told me the terrorism has mostly died down and only an issue up north.  Down south it’s just bandits.



People were very nice and suprisingly ok with being photographed for the most part.



Another note, make sure you fill out your customs declaration card. They never gave me one but luckily my client was able to get one and have it stamped for me.  Otherwise, I’ve heard they are pretty strict and will take your gear.

hello Tommy,



thanks for those info but i would like to know more about something that you talked about in your previous messgae. You were talking about getting a desert pass if we want to adventure. I am thinking to go in the desert, near Tamanrasset but deep in the country. i have never heard about desert pass. Can you let me know about it if you have some infos?



thanks



Magali

Magali,



You won’t need a pass for Tam which is a touristic center. Access to the oil centers like Hassi requires a pass. You will have a great time in Tam. it is wonderful. Don’t wait too long though. The temperature must already be rising pretty fast down there.



If you are planning on going far out into the desert, that is different. As you know recently Westerners have had bad experiences and you will definitely need a guide. In any case you will be registered with the authorities at the Tam airport.



David

Thanks David for your answer, i indeed will go in the desert, i don’t think staying too much in Tamanrasset except to land there… will try to have a look to a guide,



thanks again



Magali

Hi,
It seems that all of you know “where-to-stay-what-to-see” in Algiers.
I’m going there in august, for a week assignement. Do you have any tips for hotels/accomodations/etc ?
That could be great.
Thanks a lot,

fcs

It was great to find this posting… I am producing a shoot in Novemeber in Algiers. It is corporate – far from the work I usually do, but they want a documentary style feel – showing the communities etc. At any rate for this “commercial” we have a small, good crew – but I need a fixer type person. I will need to shoot some street shots and people… and after reading this posting I know I will need some help. Do any of you have contacts/recommendations of local producers who could assist me?

thanks,
Kate

ADVISE FOR EVERYBODY TRAVELING TO ALGIERS:

You really need to have some kind of papers from the Government if you want to cross the border with professional photographic or videographic equipment. Is a must, and lately, I always had problems. Check it with time enough before traveling.

Also be aware of the new security conditions. Things are changing fast specially around Kabilia.

All the best!

Unai Aranzadi,