Cryptocurrency Legality in Algeria

When it comes to cryptocurrency legality in Algeria, the official stance is a total ban on all digital currencies, enforced by the central bank and telecom regulators. Also known as crypto prohibition in Algeria, this rule makes it illegal to buy, sell, trade, or even promote Bitcoin and other coins within the country. Unlike places like Switzerland or El Salvador, where crypto is welcomed or even adopted as legal tender, Algeria treats digital money like contraband.

The ban started in 2017 and hasn’t changed since. The Banque d’Algérie says crypto poses risks to financial stability, fuels money laundering, and undermines the national currency, the Algerian dinar. But here’s the twist: the ban doesn’t stop people from using it. Many Algerians still trade Bitcoin and USDT through peer-to-peer networks, WhatsApp groups, and unofficial exchanges. Why? Because inflation is high, banks are slow, and remittances from abroad are hard to get. For some, crypto isn’t a gamble—it’s survival.

What makes this different from other crypto bans? In China, platforms like Alipay block transactions automatically. In Algeria, it’s more about fear and control. The government blocks websites, shuts down crypto-related social media accounts, and pressures telecom providers to cut off services linked to crypto trading. Still, people find ways. Some use VPNs to access foreign exchanges. Others trade cash-for-Bitcoin in person, like a black market. It’s not safe, but it’s common.

There’s no official list of legal crypto platforms in Algeria. No exchange is registered. No wallet is approved. Even trying to mine Bitcoin is risky—you could face fines or worse. And if you’re caught promoting crypto? You’re looking at legal trouble. The rules are strict, but enforcement is patchy. That’s why you’ll see stories of people using crypto to pay for food, send money to family, or buy medicine when banks won’t help.

It’s not just about Bitcoin. The same ban covers Ethereum, Solana, Dogecoin, and every other coin you can think of. Even decentralized finance tools, like wallets or DeFi apps, are off-limits. The government doesn’t distinguish between useful tech and scams—it just says no. But that doesn’t mean the tech disappeared. It just went underground.

If you’re in Algeria and you’re thinking about crypto, know this: the law is clear, but the reality is messy. People are using it anyway. The question isn’t whether it’s possible—it’s whether you’re ready for the risks. The posts below show you exactly how it’s being done, what traps to avoid, and how others are staying safe despite the ban. You’ll find real stories, not theory. No fluff. Just what works—and what gets you caught.