Crypto Illegal in Algeria: What You Need to Know

When you hear crypto illegal in Algeria, a strict government policy that bans all cryptocurrency transactions and trading. Also known as Algeria’s crypto ban, it’s one of the toughest stances in North Africa — no exchanges, no mining, no peer-to-peer deals, and no using crypto to pay for goods or services. The Central Bank of Algeria made this clear back in 2017, and since then, enforcement has only gotten tighter. Unlike countries that regulate crypto, Algeria outright forbids it — no gray area, no exceptions.

This ban doesn’t just target big traders. It hits everyday people trying to send money home, students using crypto to buy online courses, or small businesses accepting digital payments. Even holding crypto in a wallet can raise red flags. Authorities monitor bank transfers, flag suspicious activity, and have cracked down on local crypto ATMs and P2P platforms. The government says it’s about protecting the national currency, the Algerian dinar, and preventing money laundering. But in practice, it’s pushed crypto use underground — and into riskier hands.

People in Algeria still trade. They use foreign exchanges, crypto platforms based outside Algeria that don’t require local KYC. Also known as non-KYC exchanges, these sites let users deposit via gift cards, bank transfers from abroad, or even cash couriers. Some use privacy tools, VPNs, burner wallets, and decentralized apps to hide their activity. Also known as crypto evasion methods, they’re the same tactics used in sanctioned countries like Iran or Venezuela. It’s not safe. If caught, you could face fines, asset seizure, or even jail time. But for many, the risk beats the cost of inflation — which has hit over 10% in recent years.

The posts below show how people in Algeria and similar regions keep trading despite the risks. You’ll find real case studies on how crypto moves across borders, how users avoid detection, and what tools actually work. You’ll also see what happens when enforcement ramps up — and how some projects quietly adapt to survive. No fluff. No theory. Just what people are doing right now to stay in the game.