Before You Go

Visa

Citizens of many countries, including the EU, the UK, the US, Canada and Australia, can visit Morocco without a visa for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for your whole stay, and many airlines ask for at least six months. Rules change, so check your government's travel website before you go.

Money

• The currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). It's a closed currency, so most people get it after landing.
• ATMs are easy to find in cities and at airports.
• Cards work in bigger hotels, restaurants and supermarkets. Souks, taxis and small cafés want cash.
• Keep your exchange receipts if you want to change dirhams back before you leave.
• Tipping: around 10% in restaurants, and a few dirhams for porters, guides and drivers.

Budget

What we really spend per day for two people:

Best time to visit

• Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November): warm days, cooler nights. Our favourite seasons.
• Summer: very hot inland, with Marrakech and the desert often above 40°C. The coast stays cooler.
• Winter: sunny days, cold nights, snow in the Atlas and freezing nights in the desert.

Safety

Most visits go smoothly. The usual problems are scams and pushy sellers.

• Fake guides who offer to show you the way, then ask for money or take you to a shop
• "This street is closed" or "the tannery is closed today" tricks
• Petit taxis without the meter: ask for the "compteur" before you get in
• Pickpockets in busy squares: keep your phone and wallet close

Women may get comments in the street. Ignoring them and walking on works best. As a couple, keep affection in public low-key.

SIM cards and internet

Buy a local SIM from Maroc Telecom, Orange or inwi at the airport or in town. Bring your passport, because SIM cards are registered. eSIMs work too. Most riads and cafés have Wi-Fi, but it can be slow inside thick medina walls.

Plugs and power

Type C and E plugs (the two round pins used in most of Europe), 220 V.

Health

• Get travel insurance before you go.
• Many visitors drink bottled water, especially in the first days.
• Pharmacies (green cross) are everywhere, and pharmacists give good advice.
• Sunscreen, a hat and water, all year.

Time zone

Morocco uses GMT+1 most of the year and switches to GMT during Ramadan.

Emergency numbers