Costa Rica vs Algeria
Crypto regulation comparison
Costa Rica
Algeria
No Regulation
Banned
Costa Rica has no specific cryptocurrency legislation. The Central Bank has stated crypto is not legal tender and not backed by the government, but has not prohibited its use. Some businesses accept Bitcoin, and there is a growing crypto community, particularly in tech-focused areas.
Algeria maintains one of the world's strictest cryptocurrency bans. Article 117 of the 2018 Finance Law prohibits the purchase, sale, use, and possession of virtual currencies. Law No. 25-10 (2025) further codified criminal penalties including imprisonment and fines for crypto-related activities.
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
No
Mining
Yes
Mining
No
Regulator
BCCR (Banco Central de Costa Rica), SUGEF
Regulator
Bank of Algeria
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin-specific regulation
Stablecoin Rules
All crypto activities banned including stablecoins
Key Points
- No specific cryptocurrency legislation exists
- BCCR does not recognize crypto as legal tender but has not banned it
- Crypto businesses operate in a legal gray area without formal licensing
- A Bitcoin and crypto community has emerged, especially around tech hubs
- Tax obligations on crypto gains are unclear due to lack of specific guidance
Key Points
- 2018 Finance Law (Article 117) prohibits purchase, sale, use, and holding of virtual currency
- No licensed crypto exchanges operate in Algeria
- Bank of Algeria has issued multiple warnings against cryptocurrency
- Law No. 25-10 (2025) codifies prison sentences and fines for crypto offenses
- Despite the ban, peer-to-peer crypto usage persists informally