Crypto Law in Algeria: What’s Banned, What’s Not, and How It Affects You

When it comes to crypto law in Algeria, the country’s official stance is one of the strictest in Africa—cryptocurrencies are fully prohibited for use, trading, and exchange by individuals and businesses alike. Also known as Algerian cryptocurrency regulations, this ban isn’t just a suggestion—it’s backed by criminal penalties under Article 6 of the 2021 Finance Law. Unlike countries that regulate crypto, Algeria doesn’t want you to even hold it. The central bank, Banque d’Algérie, calls digital currencies a threat to financial stability and national currency sovereignty. That means no Bitcoin wallets, no Binance accounts, and no P2P trades—even if you’re just trying to send money to family abroad.

But here’s the twist: the law doesn’t stop people from using crypto. With inflation rising and banks restricting access to foreign currency, many Algerians turn to Bitcoin and USDT anyway—through unofficial channels, cash-based P2P deals, or friends who trade on foreign apps. This underground market isn’t legal, but it’s real. And it’s growing. The government has cracked down on crypto-related ads and Telegram groups, but enforcement is patchy. What they can’t fully control is the human need to bypass broken systems. This isn’t just about technology—it’s about survival. The Algerian dinar, the national currency, has lost value over the past decade due to economic mismanagement and oil dependency. Also known as DZD, it’s become harder to trust, pushing people toward alternatives—even if they’re technically illegal. Meanwhile, crypto regulations Algeria, have stayed frozen since 2021, with no updates, no licensing pathways, and no recognition of blockchain as a useful tool. Also known as digital currency ban Algeria, this policy ignores the global shift toward decentralized finance and treats all crypto as a single risk—no matter the use case.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t a list of legal crypto exchanges in Algeria—because there aren’t any. Instead, you’ll see real stories from people navigating this gray zone: how they buy Bitcoin with cash, why they avoid local banks, and what happens when authorities catch them. You’ll also see how this compares to bans in Afghanistan, China, and Iran—places where people still find ways to use crypto despite the law. This isn’t about promoting illegal activity. It’s about understanding what happens when governments try to control money that doesn’t need them to exist.