Overview
Everything you need to know before visiting Morocco. From visa requirements to local customs, we've compiled the essential information to help you travel confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
Currency
Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Best SIM Provider
Maroc Telecom
Main Ride App
inDrive
Payment
Cash preferred
⚠️ Important Entry Restrictions
- Closed currency: The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is a closed currency — it cannot legally be imported to or exported from M...
View full entry requirements
Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa requirements vary based on your passport country. For the most accurate information, always check with your country's embassy or the official immigration website.
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Medication Restrictions
Psychotropic and controlled substances
Morocco strictly controls psychotropic substances. Carry your doctor's prescription (preferably in French) and keep medication in original packaging. Cannabis is illegal despite cultural associations.
⚠️ Penalty: Imprisonment and heavy fines
Essential Apps
CareemMain ride-hailing app in Casablanca, Marrakech, and other cities. More reliable than street taxis.
InDriveAvailable in major cities. You set the price — useful for negotiating rides.
Notes for Visitors
- VoIP calls (WhatsApp calls, FaceTime) are blocked in Morocco — use a VPN to make voice/video calls
- Uber does not operate in Morocco — use petit taxis or inDrive
- Download offline maps before entering the medina — GPS signal can be unreliable in narrow alleys
SIM Cards & Internet
Get a local SIM for best rates and reliable data. Maroc Telecom has the best nationwide coverage. Orange and Inwi are alternatives. Data is cheap — 20GB for ~50 MAD.
- eSIM works well with Airalo
- VoIP calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime audio/video) are blocked — use a VPN
- Maroc Telecom has the best coverage in rural/desert areas
- WiFi available in most riads and cafes but speeds vary
WiFi Reliability
WiFi available in most riads, hotels, and cafes but speeds are inconsistent (3-15 Mbps typical). The Sahara and rural areas may have no connectivity. Download offline maps.
eSIM Options
Skip the airport SIM queue with an eSIM
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Money & Banking
Cards vs Cash
Morocco is primarily a cash economy. Cards accepted at upscale hotels, restaurants, and modern shops in Marrakech, Casablanca, and Fez. Cash essential for souks, medinas, local restaurants, taxis, and rural areas.
ATM Tips
ATMs widely available in cities (BMCE, Attijariwafa, CIH). Withdrawal limits typically 2,000–4,000 MAD per transaction. Use ATMs at bank branches during business hours. Decline dynamic currency conversion.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is expected and important. Restaurants: 10–15% (even if service charge included — that doesn't go to staff). Riad staff: 20–50 MAD/day. Tour guides: 100–200 MAD/day. Taxi drivers: round up. Bathroom attendants: 2–5 MAD.
- The Moroccan Dirham is a closed currency — you cannot buy it outside Morocco. Exchange at the airport on arrival or withdraw from ATMs
- Many souks quote in both MAD and EUR — always clarify and pay in MAD for better rates
Recommended Travel Cards
Avoid foreign transaction fees with these travel-friendly cards
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Track your trip prep
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Getting Around
From the Airport
Small metered taxis available at all airports. Insist on the meter. Airport-to-center prices are sometimes posted.
Available at major airports (Marrakech, Casablanca). Cheap and reliable.
Many riads and hotels arrange airport pickup — often the best option to avoid negotiating on arrival.
Local Transport
Small city taxis (usually one color per city). Metered — insist on it. Cheap and convenient.
Shared long-distance taxis. Wait until the car fills up (6 passengers). Very cheap but crowded.
Modern tram systems in Casablanca and Rabat. Clean and efficient.
Medinas are pedestrian — walking is the only way to navigate the narrow streets.
Driving & Rental Cars
International Driving Permit required
Morocco requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive or rent a car legally. Rental agencies often won't ask — but if you're pulled over, local police may require it and fines can be significant. Also required if your license isn't in the local language or script. Costs around $20, takes about a week, and you can't get one once you've left.
Side of road
Right
Speed limit (km/h)
60 city / 120 hwy
Alcohol limit
Zero tolerance
Right on red
Not allowed
Min rental age
21
Renting a car in Morocco
- Book early for busy seasons, and book an automatic ahead of time if you need one (manual is the default in many countries)
- Choose a "full to full" fuel policy so you only pay for the fuel you use
- Use a credit card in the driver's name, since the desk will hold a deposit on it
- Photograph or film the car at pickup, including every existing scratch
- Ask about tolls, cross-border fees and extra drivers before you sign
- Minimum rental age here is 21, and drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee
EconomyBookings
Compare rental car prices in Morocco across hundreds of agencies — often cheaper than booking direct.
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Safety & Accessibility
For Women Travelers
- Morocco is manageable for solo female travelers but requires awareness — verbal harassment (catcalling) is common, especially in medinas
- Dress modestly — covering shoulders and knees significantly reduces unwanted attention
- Walk with purpose and avoid eye contact with men who catcall — engagement encourages more
- Riads with female staff are worth seeking out for a more comfortable experience
- Marrakech, Essaouira, and Chefchaouen are generally the most comfortable cities for solo women
LGBTQ+ Friendliness
Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco and can carry prison sentences. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise significant discretion. Avoid public displays of affection. Morocco is generally welcoming to tourists but LGBTQ+ expression should be kept private.
- Homosexuality is criminalized — exercise discretion at all times
- Same-sex couples should book separate beds or present as friends
- Marrakech and Tangier are relatively more tolerant than rural areas
- Use dating apps with extreme caution — there have been reports of entrapment
Wheelchair Accessibility
Accessibility in Morocco is very limited. Medinas have narrow, uneven cobblestone streets that are inaccessible for wheelchair users. Modern hotels in the Ville Nouvelle areas are better. Very few ramps, accessible toilets, or elevators in older buildings.
- Modern hotels in Guéliz (Marrakech) and Casablanca have better accessibility
- Medina alleys are universally inaccessible for wheelchairs
- The Al Boraq high-speed train has some accessible seating
- Private tours with accessible vehicles can be arranged through specialized operators
Pickpocket Hotspots
- Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakech
- Crowded souks in Fez and Marrakech medinas
- Bus and train stations
- Outside major tourist attractions
Travel Insurance
Don't travel without coverage
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Scams to Watch Out For
Faux Guide (Unofficial Guides)
Locals approach tourists offering to 'help' navigate the medina, then demand aggressive payment for the unsolicited tour.
Prevention: Say 'la shukran' (no thank you) firmly. Use Google Maps or Maps.me offline. If you want a guide, book through your riad.
Henna Scam
Women in tourist areas grab your hand and apply henna without consent, then demand 200-500 MAD payment.
Prevention: Keep hands in pockets or wave away firmly. If interested, negotiate price before they start — it should be 20-50 MAD.
Carpet Shop Setup
A 'friendly' local offers to show you something interesting which always ends at a carpet shop where high-pressure tactics begin.
Prevention: Decline firmly and keep walking. If you want carpets, visit shops independently or with a licensed guide.
Taxi Meter Refusal
Petit taxi drivers refuse to use the meter and quote inflated prices to tourists.
Prevention: Insist on the meter (say 'compteur'). Walk away if they refuse — another taxi will come. Most city rides should be 10–30 MAD.
Monkey Photo Scam (Jemaa el-Fnaa)
People place a monkey on your shoulder without asking, then demand 100-300 MAD for a photo.
Prevention: Walk away quickly if someone approaches with an animal. If it happens, offer 10-20 MAD and leave.
Traveler Safety Essentials
Traveler Safety Essentials
These safety tips apply everywhere you travel. Small habits can prevent the most common security problems travelers face — from phone theft to home break-ins.
Don't forget anything
Turn these tips into a trackable checklist so nothing slips through the cracks.
Weather & Climate
Morocco's climate varies by region. Here's a seasonal overview to help you plan.
Dec – Feb
9-18°C (48-64°F)
Medium rainfall
Cool, occasional rain
Mar – May
13-24°C (55-75°F)
Low rainfall
Pleasant, ideal travel season begins
Jun – Aug
22-37°C (72-99°F)
Very Low rainfall
Peak heat, Marrakech 40°C+
Sep – Nov
15-27°C (59-81°F)
Low-Medium rainfall
Pleasant, ideal travel season
Packing Tip
Check the specific month you're traveling for detailed packing suggestions. Weather can vary significantly by region and elevation.
BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
Shop on AmazonSun hoodie (UPF)
Lightweight UPF layer that covers your arms and neck, so you skip reapplying sunscreen all day. Sized by fit — pick your cut.
Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
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Tap Water
Don't drink the tap water.
Use sealed bottled water, or water that has been boiled or treated, for drinking and for brushing your teeth. Skip ice unless you know it was made from safe water. Check that the bottle seal is unbroken, because refilled bottles are sometimes sold.
A travel water filter can help, but filters differ. One that removes bacteria and parasites does not remove viruses, so for that you need a purifier, or you can boil the water. Boiling is the best way to make water safe.
Sources: CDC, food and drink considerations when traveling; CDC, water treatment while hiking, camping and traveling.
Power & Electricity
Voltage
220V
Frequency
50Hz
Plug Types
C, E
Morocco uses European-style Type C and E plugs. US/UK travelers need an adapter. Power can be unreliable in rural areas and the Sahara — bring a power bank.
What You May Need
- •From US/Canada/Japan: Likely need adapter and possibly converter for non-dual-voltage devices
- •From UK: Likely need adapter, voltage usually compatible
- •From Europe/Australia: Check plug type, voltage usually compatible
EPICKA 70W GaN travel adapter
3 USB-C + 2 USB-A ports with 70W GaN fast charging, so the whole family's devices charge off one plug. Not a voltage converter.
Shop on AmazonAnker power bank
A dead phone is as useless as a stolen one. Compact fast-charging backup power.
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Most modern phone chargers and laptops work with 100-240V. Check your device's power adapter for compatibility before traveling.
Language & Communication
Languages Spoken
Official Language(s)
Commonly Spoken
English Proficiency
French is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas. English is growing among younger people and in major tourist spots like Marrakech and Fez, but not reliable outside tourist areas. Learn a few French or Arabic phrases.
Essential Phrases
Shukran
Thank you
SHOO-kran
Salam
Hello / Peace
sah-LAHM
La, shukran
No, thank you
lah SHOO-kran
Bslemah
Goodbye
beh-SLEH-mah
Bshhal?
How much?
besh-HAL
Iyeh / La
Yes / No
ee-YEH / lah
Smeh liya
Excuse me
smeh LEE-ya
Dietary Options
🌱 Vegan Friendly
Moroccan cuisine uses plenty of vegetables (tagines, couscous, salads) but meat and dairy are central. Many vegetable dishes are cooked with meat stock or butter. Say 'bla lhem, bla hlib' (no meat, no milk). Marrakech has some dedicated vegan restaurants.
🥗 Vegetarian Friendly
Vegetarian options are available — vegetable tagine, couscous with vegetables, harira soup (check if meat-free), and salad plates are common. Be specific about 'no meat, no chicken' as chicken is sometimes not considered 'meat'.
🌾 Gluten-Free Friendly
Bread (khobz) is a staple at every meal and shared communally. Many dishes are naturally gluten-free (tagines, grilled meats, salads) but couscous contains wheat. Awareness of celiac disease is very low — explain clearly.
Traveling with a Pet
Requires pre-clearance tracking, localized clinical validation, and advanced government import licenses.
Timeline
30-45 days minimum
Quarantine Risk
Medium if permit missing
Regulatory Framework
Advance Government No Objection Certificate (NOC) / Import Permit.
Key Constraints
Banned from commercial flight cabin spaces on specific airlines. Supplementary vaccine sets required.
Pet Culture
Highly structured or fragmented urban terrain. Best within dedicated expat pockets and private developments.
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Cultural Tips
Morocco is a Muslim-majority country — dress modestly, especially in medinas and outside tourist areas. Shoulders and knees covered for both men and women
Greet people with 'Salam alaikum' (peace be upon you) — it goes a long way. Response: 'Wa alaikum salam'
Never eat, handle food, or greet with your left hand — the left hand is considered unclean
Refusing tea or food is considered impolite — accept at least one cup as a sign of respect
Photographing people (especially women) without permission is very disrespectful — always ask first
Tipping: 10–15% at restaurants. Tip riad staff, guides, and drivers separately — it matters to them.
Local Quirks & Fun Facts
Moroccan mint tea is poured from a great height to create foam — and yes, they make it look easy but it's genuinely skilled
Haggling in the souk follows unwritten rules: start at about a third of the asking price, settle around half, and always stay friendly
If a shopkeeper offers you tea during negotiation, you're in for a long (but enjoyable) conversation — the tea is part of the deal
'Inshallah' (God willing) can mean 'yes', 'maybe', 'probably not', or 'absolutely not' depending entirely on tone
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not haggling in souks — fixed prices are rare in medinas. If you pay the first price, you overpaid by 2-3x
Drinking tap water — always buy sealed bottled water
Wearing revealing clothing in medinas — this draws unwanted attention and is disrespectful
Following 'helpful' strangers in the medina — they are unofficial guides who will demand payment
Only visiting Marrakech — Fez, Chefchaouen, Essaouira, and the Sahara are equally incredible
Exchanging money at hotels — rates are poor. Use bank ATMs instead
Tours & Experiences
Book ahead — the best tours sell out fast.
Tours and experiences in Morocco
Browse bookable tours, tickets and day trips on Viator, our tours partner.
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Gear to make your trip easier
Pack smart
4BAGAIL compression packing cubes
Six compression cubes plus vacuum bags and a hand pump, so you can squeeze bulky items down hard when mesh alone isn't enough. Sold as a bundle; every piece is also available on its own.
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Notabag packable backpack/tote
Folds into its own pocket, then opens into a backpack or tote for market runs, day trips, and overflow on the way home.
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FYY electronics organizer
Keeps chargers, cables, and adapters untangled in one place, so you're not digging through your bag at security.
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TSA toiletry containers (3oz set)
Refillable, TSA-approved bottles so you carry your own products in a carry-on without the airport surprise.
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Rest on the way
7Mavogel sleep mask
Blocks light completely for sleep on planes, in bright rooms, or across time zones — contoured so nothing presses on your eyes.
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Sea to Summit Aeros neck pillow
Inflatable, so it packs down to nothing but still holds your head up on long flights and buses.
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Twelve South AirFly SE
Pairs your own headphones with any 3.5mm jack — seatback screens, gym equipment, whatever doesn't have Bluetooth. Reusable, so you're not relying on (or wasting) a disposable pair every flight.
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Children's EarPlanes
Reduces the pressure change in a child's ears during takeoff and landing — less pain, less crying. 3-pair value pack.
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Pedialyte electrolyte powder packets
Single-serve oral rehydration packets — lightweight, no fridge needed, and often not available at your destination.
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Compression socks
Keep your legs from swelling and aching on long flights and bus rides — the cheap habit frequent flyers swear by.
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Loop Quiet earplugs
Reusable, low-profile earplugs that dull engine drone, snorers, and noisy streets so you actually rest.
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Keep it safe
9
NordPass
Keep every login and a passport photo encrypted, so losing your phone doesn't lose your accounts. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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NordVPN
Encrypts your connection on sketchy public and hotel WiFi. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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Apple AirTag
Slip one into a checked bag, daypack or even your wallet, then find it in Find My. For iPhone users.
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Tile tracker
The same idea for Android and iPhone. Great in luggage, a daypack, or a wallet.
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Pacsafe crossbody
Locking zippers and a slash-resistant strap. The bag I wish I'd had when mine got unclipped.
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Peak Gear money belt
A hidden belt for cash and a backup card, out of reach of pickpockets.
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Guard Dog door lock
For when you're in the room. Adds a sturdy lock to almost any hotel or rental door so no one can open it while you're inside or asleep.
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TSA locks with cable
For when you're out. Use the cable to lock your bags to each other or to a fixed piece of furniture, so they're harder to grab and more obvious if someone tries. TSA-approved, 2-pack.
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TORRAS phone lanyard
Keeps your phone on your body, much harder to snatch out of your hand.
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Weather ready
3BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
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