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PayPal in Algeria: six myths

Valid as of 22 October 20265 min read

Guide 14 · valid as of 22 October 2026 · getsahla.com

Yes, a PayPal account opened in Algeria can receive money, as long as you link a Visa credit card. But incoming money is held for 30 days at first, PayPal takes 4.9% plus a fixed fee, and the money then has to come home to your foreign currency account in Algeria.

PayPal publishes a receiving agreement that lists Algeria (last updated 22 September 2026). Here’s what it says, set against what gets shared in Facebook groups.

The myths

“PayPal doesn’t work in Algeria”

False. You can open an Algerian PayPal account to pay online and, under some conditions, to receive money.

“You can only pay, not receive”

False. PayPal’s agreement for Algeria covers receiving money. You need to confirm your email address and link a Visa credit card (or a US bank account, which a resident normally doesn’t have). The agreement only mentions Visa, so don’t count on a Mastercard or a CIB card.

“The money arrives straight away”

False. Each payment is first held for 30 days as a “pending” balance. After that, PayPal automatically sends your available balance to the Visa card in the first three days of each month or quarter, depending on your country. You can also start a manual transfer.

“It’s free”

False. At standard rates, the agreement sets:

  • receiving: 4.9% plus a fixed fee ($0.30 for a payment in dollars);
  • automatic transfer to the card: free;
  • manual transfer to the card: $5, up to $500 a day;
  • limit: $10,000 per automatic transfer.

On a $500 invoice, expect about $24.80 in PayPal fees, plus any currency conversion margin.

“You need a foreign card or a French address”

False, and risky. Linking someone else’s card or opening the account with a foreign address breaks PayPal’s terms and leaves your money outside Algeria (see the methods below).

“Buying a verified PayPal account is easier”

False. The account stays in someone else’s name, and they can take it back or get it frozen at any time, with your money in it (guide 27).

The methods

Legal

Receive on PayPal and transfer to a Visa card linked to your foreign currency account

PayPal is just a pipe: the money ends up in a declared account in Algeria.

  • Cost: 4.9% plus a fixed fee on receipt; automatic transfer free, manual transfer $5.
  • Timing: a 30-day hold at first, then one automatic transfer each month or quarter.

Steps

  1. Open your professional foreign currency account (guides 5 and 6) and ask your bank for an international Visa card linked to it. Check with your branch that the card can receive PayPal transfers.
  2. Declare the project to your bank before the first invoice, and say the client will pay through PayPal (guide 7).
  3. In PayPal, add the card and confirm it. PayPal may charge a small temporary amount and ask for the four-digit code that shows on your statement.
  4. Set this card as the destination for transfers. A card saved for paying doesn’t automatically become the one that receives.
  5. Don’t let your available balance build up: transfer it as soon as it’s released.

An open question. Regulation 26-02 says the money must reach Algeria on the day the client pays. With PayPal’s 30-day hold, you can’t meet that to the letter if “paying” means the money reaching PayPal (guide 9). Ask your bank how it handles these payments, and use a direct transfer or Payoneer for large amounts.

Illegal

Activate PayPal with someone else’s card, a foreign card or a crypto-funded card

The money then lands in an account that isn’t yours, or that’s abroad. For a resident, that’s an asset abroad, which article 8 of Regulation 07-01 forbids, and earnings that aren’t brought home, a foreign exchange offence (Ordinance 96-22, art. 1). With a crypto-funded card, it’s also a use of crypto banned by Law 25-10 (guide 16). PayPal can also limit or close the account and keep the balance during its checks.

Illegal

Keep a PayPal balance for online shopping

Handy, but a balance left on PayPal is an asset abroad (Regulation 07-01, art. 8). Rarely prosecuted, but not allowed. To pay online, use the international card linked to your foreign currency account.

Key points

  • An Algerian PayPal account can receive money, with a linked Visa card.
  • A 30-day hold and 4.9% in fees: PayPal suits small payments, not your main client.
  • The card must be yours, Algerian, and linked to your declared foreign currency account.

Sources