Shopping in Algeria - outlets, shopping streets and boutiques

Algeria is not a popular shopping destination if we compare this country with, for example, Morocco. However, it is still possible to find items that are authentic, unique, and inexpensive at the same time. Prices are quite low in Algeria, and this is true about both bazaars and shops. Pay your attention to the fact that it is almost impossible to pay with debit and credit cards in the country. This means that tourists must stock up on cash. Unlike many countries of the world, Thursday and Friday are days off in Algeria. However, many shops are open seven days a week. Travelers should exchange money in official exchange offices only. For example, there is a Western Union office on La Rue Didouche Mourad. This street, by the way, is a wonderful shopping destination.

What are the best souvenirs that travelers can find in Algeria? Desert rose remains one of the most popular choices. These are rosette formations consisting of gypsum that appear in the Sahara Desert. Such a souvenir can amaze even the most hard-to-please friends. There are many other popular items: rugs and carpets handmade by the Berbers, semiprecious stones, household items made of copper and bronze, and various leather goods (purchases, wallets, belts, etc.). Algerians also weave hats and baskets, and they are very skilled in these handicrafts.

If you prefer traditional and comfortable shopping with air conditioning, pleasant music, and polite shopping assistants, then you shouldn’t forget to attend Bab Ezzouar Shopping Mall located in the outskirts of the capital. This mall has shops by many famous brands, such as ZARA and Lacoste. Bab Ezzouar Shopping Mall has thoroughly developed design and features not only shops and boutiques by famous clothing brands but also a supermarket and a consumer electronics shop. Of course, the choice of items for sale is not as big as in some European mall or Dubai. However, visitors still can buy new clothes, eat in the food court, entertain kids by visiting the playground, and play bowling. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

A visit to local bazaars is one more opportunity to get acquainted with local culture and feel the unique atmosphere of shopping in the Middle East. No shopping center can offer this to travelers. Of course, comfort and silence are not typical characteristics of bazaars, but are they really important when there is a chance to visit a true dreamland full of colorful spices, excellent textiles, and carpets? Moreover, local bazaars often host performances and celebrations, so it is hard to find a more authentic place to visit. The Larba market, which is located twenty kilometers to the east from Algiers, is one of such places.

It is hard to leave Market Al Jorf without at least one purchase. This bazaar is open in the capital. The building of the market is also an architectural landmark. Its columns have remained from the Roman Empire times. Other characteristics of Al Jorf are not much different from typical bazaars in the Middle East. Of course, tidiness and accuracy are not strong points of this venue. Many products lie right on the floor because there are no pavilions and stalls. Fruits, ripe tomatoes, fresh greens, fragrant mint, giant baskets with nuts and dried fruit – it is hard to pick just one thing to buy.

Local sellers are always friendly and ready to give a discount to a pleasant buyer. Bargaining is possible, but it will not always help to lower the price. That being said, no harm in trying! Local baked goods and dairy products are particularly delicious. Of course, they are not intended for overseas shipping, but at least tourists can try them and get acquainted with authentic cooking traditions. Markets are also the best place to purchase items by local craftsmen and souvenirs. In order to buy items handcrafted by the Tuareg tribe, it is better to visit the southern part of Algeria. Fine and fashion jewelry, quality leather shoes, and brass items – these are the most popular categories. There are no luxury brands, however. If you happen to see Gucci or Prada, you can be sure that this is a fake.

Not sure what souvenir to buy for a woman? Local oil and cosmetics are always a good idea. In Algiers, tourists can buy argan oil that is good for hair and body. There is also soup with this oil. Black thyme oil and tinctorial woad leaf oil are two more popular treatments in cosmetology. Surma kajal is a traditional cosmetic product that women in the Middle East use for makeup purposes. Handmade jewelry boxes and sand paintings are also good souvenir ideas for girls.