Sending money to your family in Algeria: the legal options
Bank transfer, foreign currency account, money transfer operators, postal money order: the legal channels, and the exchange rules to know before sending.
For many families, money sent by a relative living in France, Canada or elsewhere is part of the budget. But between exchange controls, the official rate and the parallel market, sending money to Algeria raises a lot of questions. Here are the legal options, and the rules to know.
1. International bank transfer
From your bank abroad, you can transfer money to a bank account in Algeria. If the recipient’s account is in foreign currency, the money stays in euros or dollars; if it is in dinars, it is converted at the official rate.
It is the most traceable option, suited to larger amounts. Fees and delays depend on your bank.
2. The foreign currency account
Algerian rules allow individuals, resident or not, to freely open an account in freely convertible foreign currency at an Algerian bank, without prior authorisation. Some banks offer products dedicated to the diaspora.
The benefit for the family: money received can be kept in foreign currency, then converted into dinars at the official rate when needed. The account is opened in a branch, with an ID document and often supporting documents.
3. Money transfer operators
International operators (Western Union, MoneyGram, Ria…) let you send money that the recipient collects in cash, in dinars.
Be careful: these operators’ partnerships in Algeria change over time. Algérie Poste, for example, ended its contract with Western Union and is negotiating with other operators. Check on the operator’s website where and how your relative can collect the money before sending.
4. International postal money order
From some countries, including France, the postal service offers international money orders paid out by Algérie Poste. It takes longer than a transfer operator, but relies on the postal network, present across the country.
5. The rules to know
- Cash in your luggage: for Algerian nationals, resident or not, any amount of 1,000 euros or more (or the equivalent) must be declared to customs, on entry and on exit. Rules change: check with customs before you travel.
- The parallel market: exchanging currency outside banks and authorised intermediaries is an offence under exchange control law (Ordinance No. 96-22 of July 9, 1996, as amended). Even with a better rate, you risk penalties and scams.
- Keep your receipts (transfer advices, receipts): they prove where the money comes from, for example to open an account or make a large purchase.
6. What about Centeem?
Centeem does not let you send money from abroad. As set out in Bank of Algeria Instruction No. 06-2025 (article 31), a payment service provider operates exclusively in dinars and within Algeria.
However, once the money is in Algeria, transfers between Centeem accounts are free (see our pricing), so a family can easily share an amount. Centeem’s licence application to the Bank of Algeria is in preparation (see our compliance page). To then withdraw cash, read our guide withdrawing cash without an ATM.
Beware of scams: be wary of exchange or transfer offers that look “too good” on social media. Never send money to a stranger promising a better rate, and never share your codes.
Frequently asked questions
Will my relative receive euros or dinars?
It depends on the channel: on a foreign currency account, they receive euros (or dollars); with a dinar account or a transfer operator, they usually receive dinars converted at the official rate.
Do I need to declare cash brought into Algeria?
Yes. For Algerian nationals, resident or not, any amount of 1,000 euros or more (or the equivalent) must be declared to customs, on entry and on exit.
Can I receive money from abroad on Centeem?
No. Centeem works only in dinars and within Algeria, as Instruction No. 06-2025 requires of payment service providers.
Sources: Bank of Algeria (Instruction No. 06-2025, article 31), Algerian customs (currency declaration, via TSA and Echorouk), Ordinance No. 96-22 of July 9, 1996 as amended, Algérie-Eco (foreign currency accounts), Echorouk (Algérie Poste and transfer operators).