Robbery in remote areas in Algeria

Rural, mountainous, border and remote desert areas. The southern border carries a specific warning against travel.

How it works

Travellers face a heightened risk of robbery in remote areas. No particular robbery method is described.

Warning signs

You are travelling on an isolated minor road.
You are far from help, especially after dark.

How to avoid it

Avoid travel near the southern border.
Avoid travelling after nightfall and using minor roads.
Use flights for long distances where possible, or public transport.
Ask police or gendarmes for advice if you are unsure about your surroundings.

If it happens to you

Do not resist if threatened. Get to safety and seek police or medical help as soon as possible.

Get somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or resist someone who threatens you.
Check whether anyone is hurt. Seek urgent medical help if needed.
Freeze stolen cards and secure affected accounts. If your phone is missing, use its remote lock feature if available.
Save the details you have: time, location, receipts, booking records, vehicle details and a description of what happened.
Report the incident to police. Ask for a written report or reference number for insurance.
Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate. Report any app-booked ride through the booking service too.

Where it happensRural, mountainous, border and remote desert areas. The southern border carries a specific warning against travel.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in AlgeriaTaxi overcharging: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the robbery in remote areas scam in Algeria?

Travellers face a heightened risk of robbery in remote areas. No particular robbery method is described.

How can I spot it early?

You are travelling on an isolated minor road. You are far from help, especially after dark.

How do I avoid robbery in remote areas in Algeria?

Avoid travel near the southern border. Avoid travelling after nightfall and using minor roads. Use flights for long distances where possible, or public transport. Ask police or gendarmes for advice if you are unsure about your surroundings.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Do not resist if threatened. Get to safety and seek police or medical help as soon as possible.

Where in Algeria does this happen?

Rural, mountainous, border and remote desert areas. The southern border carries a specific warning against travel.

How common is this scam in Algeria?

Occasional. Algeria has little tourist-scam culture, but taxi overcharging and unofficial guides can cause problems. Watch for theft on buses in Batna, and pickpocketing and theft by passing motorbike riders in Constantine. Robbery is also a concern in remote areas.

Are there similar scams in Algeria?

Yes: pickpocketing and bus theft, theft by passing motorbike riders.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report theft, threats or suspected fraud. Give the location, time and any useful evidence. The police number listed for Algiers is 1548. Gendarmes: ask for help or local safety advice if you are unsure about your surroundings. No contact number is provided. Card issuer or bank: use the issuer's official app or contact number to freeze a stolen card and report any unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Algiers has many embassies. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its claims or assistance service. Keep receipts, evidence and the police report. Taxi booking service: if you booked through Yassir or Heetch, use the service's support channel and provide the trip details.

What number do I call in an emergency in Algeria?

Police — listed for Algiers: 1548, Fire department — listed for Algiers: 14, Paramedics — listed for Algiers: 0 213 23 54 44 28.

Reviewed by @snuck