FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS AND OTHER ANNUAL EVENTS IN Oran

There are a number of festivals, holidays and other events celebrated in Oran each year. The main ones are listed below.

The birth of the Prophet Muhammad is celebrated each year in Algeria. Prayers and celebrations during these two days make them a family-holiday.

49 French-language speaking countries including Algeria celebrate their link with France. Poetry and writing contests are held for the youth, as well as meals and games about French culture and language for everyone.

Labour Day is a public holiday for all Algerians. This day is spent on parades and worker marches.

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan, during which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, is an especially pious time in Algeria, a country with a majority Muslim population. Fasting begins each day at sunrise and ends at sunset. For the entire month, Oran operates at a slower pace during the day and stirs into action at nightfall.

In Islam, this day marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and is a time for celebrations with family and friends.

This holiday commemorates the Independence of Algeria as proclaimed on July 5^th, 1962 by General de Gaulle. It is an opportunity for many official speeches, parades and popular rejoicing.

The Anniversary of the Algerian coup d'état of June 19^th, 1965 which saw Houari Boumédiène take over as president is cause for yearly celebration.

It is considered the most important of the yearly Muslim holidays and honours Ibrahim as a model for all believers. This is also an occasion for sumptuous family gatherings, for which it is recommended to multiply offerings and gifts.

November 1^st, 1954 is the official starting point of the war between France and Algeria. This event is cause for yearly celebrations, official memorial services and political speeches.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER IN Oran

Month	Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°)	Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°)	Average Rains (MM)	Best Time to Travel
January	5	17	44	Not the best period to go
February	6,5	18	44,5	Not the best period to go
March	8	20	35	Good period to go
April	10	21,5	30	Good period to go
May	13	24	27	Good period to go
June	17	28	4	Good period to go
July	19,5	30,5	2	Not the best period to go
August	20	32	3	Not the best period to go
September	18	29	13	Good period to go
October	14	25	25	Good period to go
November	9,5	21	55,5	Not the best period to go
December	7	18	45	Not the best period to go

Oran Ahmed Ben Bella Airport

The Ahmed Ben Bella International airport is 12 kilometres (7 miles) south of Oran.

• One terminal (T1): Air France

• By car
  Directions: Downtown Oran is 20 minutes away from the airport when using the N2A road.
  There is a parking lot with a capacity of 900 in the immediate vicinity of the airport. Entrance ticket is DZD 60 no matter the duration.
  Several car rental companies are located in the arrivals hall.
• Hotel shuttles
  Some hotels organize their own shuttles from the airport. Check with your hotel ahead of time.
• Taxis: Taxis are available at the ranks when exiting the airport. Price must be negotiated beforehand. Allow around DZD 400 for a trip downtown.
• Services :shops, bars and restaurants, free Internet access (Wi-Fi), bank, mailboxes and prayer rooms available in the airport.
• Telephone: +213 41 59 10 77
• *Website: http://lesaeroportsdoran.dz/

GETTING AROUND Oran

In Oran, tramway is the celebrity. It is the most reliable and efficient way to get around the city.

Car

Driving around town may be a difficult experience: lack of signage in some neighbourhoods, heavy traffic during rush hour, shortage of parking spaces… We advise you not to use a car to get around in Oran.

Tramway

Oran's new tramway line opened in 2013. It crosses the city from east to west and stops at several of Oran's main points of interest. From Es Sénia Station, it connects the Othmania garden, the sports arena, the 1^er November Square (city centre) and the Sidi Maarouf bus station. It is operated every day from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. with one train every 4 minutes during rush hour. Tickets are DZD 40. You can buy them at the automated machines in every station or in the tramway. A 5-day pass is also available for DZD 320.

Taxi

Taxis are a good way to navigate the city of Oran, even though you have to consider the dense traffic. Be careful and do not hop into non-official taxis. Taxis in Oran must be yellow and bear a "taxi" sign. The fare must not exceed DZD 40 per kilometre.

Visitor information

Upon your arrival in Oran, you can get in touch with local tourism professionals for further information and to help organise your stay.

• Address: 6, boulevard Émir Abdelkader, 31000 Oran
• Telephone: +213 41 29 34 32
• Website: http://ont.dz/

Medical information

See your doctor before you travel. It is also recommended to take out insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation before your trip. Oran counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists.

Obtaining a booster vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, typhoid, hepatitis A and B is recommended. For longer stays, it may also be recommended to obtain a booster vaccination against rabies.

For more information, contact the Air France Vaccination Centre:

• Address: 38, quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris
• Website: https://www.vaccinations-airfrance.fr
• Telephone: +33 (0)1 43 17 22 00
• To make a vaccination appointment:
  • online (click here)
  • call the centre at +33 (0)1 43 17 22 00

It is recommended to:

• avoid ice cubes in drinks
• avoid eating raw food
• carefully wash your hands before each meal

It is recommended to drink water from sealed bottles.

Administrative formalities

Entry requirements for Algeria

A valid visa is mandatory to enter Algeria, except for residents of certain countries.

For more information, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Algeria:

www.mae.gov.dz/default_en.aspx

Useful addresses

To enjoy peace of mind during your stay in Oran, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.

Essential phrases

Good to know

+213

+ phone number

-1 : 00
of time difference with
Stockholm

No Daylight Savings Time in Algeria.

BANKS
Usually from Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. In July and August, banks are open in the morning only, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

GOVERNMENT OFFICES
Usually from Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. In July and August, administrative offices are open in the morning only, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

220 V - 50 Hz

Tipping

Tipping is not necessarily required, although always appreciated if you are satisfied with the service. You may leave a tip in restaurants and hotels, for 10 to 15% of the bill.