Travelling to Morocco: 15 practical tips before you go

Morocco is one of the easiest and most welcoming destinations for a first trip outside Europe. A few good habits will help you make the most of your stay. Here are 15 practical tips for travelling to Morocco, gathered by our local guides.

Paperwork and money

1. Passport and visa: citizens of the European Union, the UK, the USA, Canada and many other countries do not need a visa for a tourist stay of less than 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the whole stay. Check the rules for your country before you leave.
2. Currency: the Moroccan dirham (MAD) can only be obtained in Morocco. Change money at the airport or at exchange offices in town, and keep your receipts.
3. Cards and cash: ATMs are everywhere in cities. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but souks, taxis and small shops work in cash.
4. Tipping: it is part of local customs. Allow about 10% in restaurants, a few dirhams for a porter, and a tip for your guide and driver at the end of the tour.

Culture and etiquette

1. Dress code: there is no obligation, but clothes covering shoulders and knees are appreciated in medinas and villages. Bring a scarf, also handy against the sun.
2. Photos: always ask before photographing someone. Some street performers ask for a small coin.
3. Haggling: in the souks, bargaining is the rule and is done with good humour. Set yourself a maximum price and feel free to walk away with a smile.
4. Mosques: most are reserved for Muslims. A notable exception: the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, open for guided tours.
5. Languages: Moroccan Arabic (darija) and Amazigh are the everyday languages; French is very widely spoken, English and Spanish more and more. A few words like “salam” (hello) and “choukran” (thank you) always go down well.

Health and safety

1. Water: drink bottled water and avoid ice in doubtful places during the first days.
2. Sun: sunscreen, hat and sunglasses are essential, even in winter in the desert.
3. Safety: Morocco is a safe country for travellers. Just keep an eye on your belongings in crowds and politely decline fake guides offering to show you around.

Getting around

1. Transport: trains link Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Fez and Tangier (with the Al Boraq high-speed line in the north). For the desert, the Atlas and the kasbahs, a tour with a private driver is by far the most comfortable.
2. Petits taxis: in town, insist on the meter or agree on the price before getting in.
3. Internet: a local SIM card with a data plan costs a few dirhams at the airport, with your passport.

Ready to go? Discover our Morocco tours, pick the best time to travel and ask for your free quote: we organise everything for you, from the airport transfer to the night in the desert.