Personal safety in Algiers

[salma]

I'm wondering if anyone could tell me how safe Algiers is to live in for the average Algerian. Particularly the suburb/area of El Harrach. Is it reasonably safe there? And if not, what sort of things are of most concern.
Thanks

[Al-khiyal]

Salam wa mar7aba, ya Salma, welcome to Algeria.com,

I don't think it would be a wild exaggeration to say that El Harrach wouldn't be likely to win any awards for 'Safest area of Algiers' any time soon.

But we will wait for some locals to appear and rush to its defence, perhaps. It would be better if people were honest with you and talked of realities, the social conditions that Algerians actually have to live in, not of some kind of 'Disney Algeria' that doesn't exist.

[salma]

H,,,, ok. Thanks for the reply and yes, hopefully some locals will add a bit to that. I would like a balanced view, rather than either all good in defense or totally negative.

I know that locals do walk around at night for example, but I wonder just how safe it really is. It's hard to imagine when you haven't had the opportunity to go there and see for yourself.

Thanks again.

[left2000]

Living in Algeria and visiting Algeria are completely two different things. If you go there to visit and you don’t know the language, I’d say better walk in the street with someone who knows the area. However if you are there to live in, then I’m sure you’ll blend in no time.

Algerian people will welcome you straightway into their habits and routines. The neighbours first of all could be very supportive.

Now talking about Elharash, it’s been known as an unsafe place just because it’s a community based area. You’ve got the market, and the high number of people living in smaller accommodations.

I’m from Algiers, but I’d say all places are the same. It all depends on you. Better not to wear anything showy while exhibiting yourself to danger.

Alhamdulillah so many places are free of crime and full of tourists. The last month I was there i was surprised to see the number of foreigners sightseeing in Algiers.

Those who warned you about Alharash should also tell you how it changed comparing to years ago.

Finally I would say go and visit and bring us some pictures with you inchallah

[left2000]

Adding up to what I said before, I don’t know the reasons for you going to Elharash, and I have no right to tell you not to go at all. However, I repeat and say it would be better to walk with someone who knows the area and can direct you to where you need to go.

Please feel free to ask for more explanations, and I’ll be more than happy to fill you in.

[salma]

Thanks so much for the reply left2000. Now we are getting a bit more into the subject.

I actually am 'not' going there. I know some Algerians there and I am trying to understand the reality, good or bad, or good and bad, of living in El Harrach.

So you've given me a great start and I would love it if you or someone else would elaborate even more pls.

[left2000]

I'll be more than happy to help. I would say for the moments learn as much as you can from anyone you meet or talk to. Either from the Algerians themselves or others who went there

Places differ and people differ as well. Some are educated and some are simple citizens. Everyone has got a point of view.
All in all the decision is yours, and it all depends on the kind of person you are and how much you can tolerate in life.

One personal piece of advice sister, try to know exactly what you want to achieve from mixing with Algerians in general and those from Elharash in particular. Once you know that, and you believe firmly that this is the route for you, then nothing and no one can get in your way inshallah.