Algeria Crypto Ban: What It Means and How People Still Trade

When Algeria banned cryptocurrency in 2018, the government thought it could stop people from using Bitcoin and other digital coins. But Algeria crypto ban, a strict legal restriction on buying, selling, or trading cryptocurrencies in Algeria, enforced by the central bank and financial regulators. Also known as crypto prohibition in Algeria, it didn’t shut down the market—it pushed it underground. The ban made it illegal for banks to process crypto transactions, and local exchanges were forced to close. Yet, peer-to-peer trading kept going. People used cash, mobile money, and foreign accounts to buy Bitcoin and Ethereum anyway.

Why? Because the underground crypto Algeria, a hidden network of individuals and traders who bypass state restrictions using informal channels, cash deals, and foreign platforms. Also known as black market crypto in Algeria, it thrives on scarcity and distrust in the local currency is strong. The Algerian dinar has lost value over time, and many see crypto as a way to protect savings. This isn’t just about speculation—it’s survival. In places like Algiers and Oran, traders meet in cafes, use WhatsApp groups, and swap crypto for cash without ever touching a regulated exchange. The result? A premium. Bitcoin trades for 10–20% more in Algeria than on global markets because of the risk involved.

The cryptocurrency regulation Algeria, the legal framework that prohibits financial institutions from engaging with digital assets and punishes violations with fines or jail time. Also known as Algerian crypto law, it remains unchanged since 2018 despite global shifts hasn’t been updated to reflect how people actually use crypto today. Unlike countries that cracked down and then backtracked—like Nigeria or Pakistan—Algeria doubled down. But enforcement is patchy. Most users aren’t caught. The real targets are large operators, not individuals trading small amounts. Meanwhile, the crypto restrictions, broad legal and financial barriers that limit access to digital assets, including banking bans, exchange closures, and transaction monitoring. Also known as digital asset bans, they create unintended consequences like inflated prices and increased fraud risk have created a breeding ground for scams. Fake airdrops, fake exchanges, and phishing sites target Algerians desperate to get into crypto. Without official guidance, people learn the hard way.

What you’ll find in the posts below aren’t just news updates—they’re real stories from people living under the ban. You’ll read about how traders move money across borders, what tools they use to stay safe, and why some are still buying crypto even when the risk is high. There’s no sugarcoating it: trading crypto in Algeria is risky. But for many, it’s the only way to keep their money from losing value. These aren’t theoretical debates. They’re daily choices made by real people.