Algeria

Greetings

Man greeting Man - Men usually shake hands when greeting one another. Good friends and family often kiss once on each cheek. Handshakes tend to be warm and may linger a bit. If you do not know someone at all or are in a formal setting, a hand shake or a simple nod is appropriate.

Woman greeting Woman- A light handshake is common during initial meetings. Good friends and family usually greet each other with kisses, once on each cheek. If you do not know someone at all or are in a formal setting, a hand shake or a simple nod is appropriate. When greeting friends, it is common to ask how the family is doing and touch on other general topics.

Greetings between Men & Women- A simple handshake is common during initial meetings. It is best to allow the woman to extend her hand or offer her cheek first. If the hand is not extended, than a slight bow or nod is the polite thing for men to do. Good friends and family usually greet each other with kisses, once on each cheek.

Note: It is taboo for religiously observant men to touch women and vice-versa.

Communication Style

• Algerians tend to be somewhat direct in their communication style but are not confrontational. One should never criticize another publicly as it can cause shame on oneself and one’s family. In these cases an indirect style is more appropriate.
• Avoid talking about politics, sexuality, and religious issues until a stronger bond has been established, and even then tread lightly. Good initial topics of conversation include sports, family, Algerian music, food, and culture.

Personal Space & Touch

• Algerians are generally quite close to each other when speaking. A bit less than an arm’s length is normal. This space tends to be greater when interacting with members of the opposite sex and less when with members of the same gender.

• Touching is acceptable if you know the person otherwise, touching is reserved for family and good friends.

• It is common to see members of the same gender holding hands or walking arm in arm in public. However, public displays of affection between opposite genders is usually looked down upon heavily in most areas.

Eye Contact

• Eye contact is a sign of respect and one should certainly make eye contact when being introduced. However, overly direct eye contact should be avoided.

Gestures

• Wagging an index finger at someone is considered rude as is pointing with your index finger. It‘s better to point with the whole hand.

Views of Time

• As in many Mediterranean countries, time tends to be viewed loosely in Algeria. People and relationships often take precedence over tasks and deadlines.
• Being punctual in social situations is not as important as in business situations.

Gender Roles

• Many women are still expected to stay at home with the kids and do the cooking, cleaning and take care of the home. While many work and opportunities are becoming more and more available, the country is still dominated by men.

Taboos

• Avoid smoking, eating or drinking in public places during the time of Ramadan.
• Homosexuality is illegal and penalties include imprisonment.

Law & Order

• Although alcohol is forbidden to Muslims and is often viewed poorly in public, it is somewhat easy to find and widely sold. The legal drinking and purchasing age is 18.
• Homosexuality is illegal and penalties include imprisonment.
• Photography of military or sensitive sites, including military or security personnel, may lead to arrest or detention and possibly deportation.
• It is against the law to attempt to convert Muslims to another faith or to distribute material that may be seen by local authorities as an attempt to convert Muslims to another faith.
• Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.