The USDT cryptocurrency, favored by many Algerian consumers for online purchases on foreign platforms, is currently trading between 250 and 260 dinars. This rate, recorded on October 20, 2026, places the digital asset higher than the dollar on the parallel market and nearly double the official rate set by the Bank of Algeria (134.42 DA).
Despite this usage, the Algerian authorities have imposed a strict ban on such assets since July 2025. Under Law No. 25-10, the purchase, possession, use, or promotion of cryptocurrencies is illegal. Penalties for these violations range from two months to one year in prison, coupled with fines reaching up to 1,000,000 DA.
These measures are part of the state's anti-money laundering framework, offering no exemptions for personal use. While some users turn to these assets due to the difficulties of accessing international payment methods, they remain exposed to significant risks of fraud, legal prosecution, and the total absence of consumer recourse.