Free Call to Algeria from US — $0.20/min (2026)
Call Algeria for $0.20/min with BubblyPhone. WhatsApp + Facebook dominant. Country code +213. Algiers 21. French widely spoken. Government has blocked social media during exams.
Calling Algeria costs $0.20/min with BubblyPhone — $12.00 for a full hour. WhatsApp and Facebook are the dominant platforms in Algeria. The country code is +213, and Algiers' area code is 21. Algeria is Africa's largest country by area, and French is widely spoken alongside Arabic. The government has been known to block social media during exam periods.
Whether you're calling family in Algiers, friends in Oran, or business contacts in Constantine, here's every option for calling Algeria cheaply or for free.
Social Media Blocks During Exams
Algeria's government has a history of blocking social media platforms during national exam periods (typically June) to prevent cheating. WhatsApp, Facebook, and other apps may be temporarily inaccessible. During these periods, traditional phone calls may be the only option.
Free: App-to-App Calls
Both people need the app and internet. No charges, no limits (when not blocked).
1. WhatsApp — Most Popular
WhatsApp is the primary messaging app in Algeria. Free voice and video calls work well in cities like Algiers, Oran, and Constantine. Carriers Djezzy, Mobilis, and Ooredoo DZ all offer data plans with WhatsApp access.
2. Facebook Messenger — Very Common
Facebook is hugely popular in Algeria — one of the most-used platforms in North Africa. Messenger is the second most-used communication tool. Many Algerians use both WhatsApp and Messenger daily.
3. Viber — Used by Some
Viber has a niche presence in Algeria, particularly among some communities. It's not as dominant as WhatsApp or Messenger, but it's worth mentioning as an alternative, especially for voice calls.
4. FaceTime — Limited
iPhone market share in Algeria is moderate — around 15-20%. Samsung and Huawei are more popular. FaceTime works but isn't the default choice for most Algerians.
Calling Algerian Phone Numbers
Algeria is moderately expensive to call:
| Service | Mobile Rate | Landline Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BubblyPhone | $0.20/min | $0.20/min | Browser, iOS, Android |
| Google Voice | $0.15/min | $0.05/min | US Google account required |
| Rebtel | $0.12/min | $0.06/min | Unlimited plans available |
| AT&T / Verizon | $3.00-5.00/min | $3.00-5.00/min | Up to 25x more expensive |
Our honest take: Rebtel ($0.12/min mobile) and Google Voice ($0.15/min mobile, $0.05/min landline) are cheaper than BubblyPhone ($0.20/min) for Algeria. WhatsApp is free and popular — use that first. During exam-period social media blocks, phone calls are the fallback.
How to Dial Algeria from the US
# From a US phone:
011 + 213 + area code + number
# From a mobile (or VoIP app):
+213 + area code + number
# Example — calling an Algiers landline:
+213 21 12 34 56
# Example — calling an Algerian mobile:
+213 5 12 34 56 78
# Example — calling Oran:
+213 41 12 34 56
Important: Drop the leading 0 that Algerians dial domestically. Algiers is 21, Oran is 41, Constantine is 31. Mobile numbers start with 5, 6, or 7 and are 9 digits after the country code. French is widely used in business — many businesses answer in French.
Key Area Codes
- Algiers: 21
- Oran: 41
- Constantine: 31
- Annaba: 38
- Mobiles: 5xx, 6xx, 7xx (drop leading 0)
Carriers & Mobile
- Djezzy: Largest carrier (VEON)
- Mobilis: State-owned carrier
- Ooredoo DZ: Qatari-owned
- Coverage: Good in north, limited in Sahara
- Data: Improving but slower than Europe
Which Method Should You Use?
Calling family in Algeria
WhatsApp — free and widely used. Video calls work well in cities. Voice-only is more reliable on slower connections.
Calling an Algerian business
Google Voice ($0.05/min landline) or Rebtel ($0.06/min). Business is often conducted in French. Many businesses also use WhatsApp and Facebook for inquiries.
During exam periods (June)
Phone call — the government blocks social media during national exams. Google Voice ($0.15/min) or BubblyPhone ($0.20/min) will work when WhatsApp is blocked.
Tips for Calling Algeria
- Algeria is 6 hours ahead of EST (CET, UTC+1). When it's 10 AM in New York, it's 4 PM in Algiers. Best window: 9-11 AM EST (3-5 PM Algeria) or noon-2 PM EST (6-8 PM Algeria)
- French is widely spoken — alongside Arabic and Berber/Amazigh languages. Business communication is often in French. Many Algerians are bilingual (Arabic-French)
- Social media blocks — the government has blocked Facebook, WhatsApp, and other platforms during exam periods (usually June). Plan ahead if calling during this time
- Largest African country — Algeria is massive (2.38 million km²), mostly Sahara Desert. Northern coastal cities have good connectivity; interior/Saharan areas have limited coverage
- Friday is the weekend — Algeria's weekend is Friday-Saturday. Business hours are Sunday-Thursday. Avoid calling businesses on Fridays
Frequently Asked Questions
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Call Algeria for $0.20/min
Open BubblyPhone in your browser and dial +213. A 60-minute call costs $12.00.
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