FAQs Morocco Travel
Frequently Asked Questions

Moroccan dirhams (dh).

Moroccan dirhams must be purchased inside Morocco. It’s rare to find this currency outside of the country. There are currency exchanges at all international airports and in major cities, but they may not be available in smaller towns and villages. Banks also offer currency exchange services during working hours.

Note: Business hours may be different than what you are used to. Banks and currency exchanges (except perhaps at the airport) may not be open or may have shorter hours on Friday afternoons as this is the Muslim Holy Day. In addition, banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Note: Banks and currency exchanges don’t take torn or cut bills or those that have been written on.  For some currencies, older bills may not be accepted. Coins are also not accepted. So, if you’re bringing cash to Morocco, stick to bills issued in recent years and make sure they’re in excellent condition before you leave home. Also, don’t throw out your exchange receipt because you may need it to convert money back at the end of your trip.

Your driver/guide knows which currency exchanges have the best rates (not at the airport!). If you plan to exchange cash when you arrive in Morocco, let us know so we can take you to a reputable currency exchange with good rates as soon as possible.

All major Moroccan banks have automated bank machines, but you won’t find them on every street corner or in shops. Smaller towns & villages have even fewer. They can be hit and miss on the weekend, but just try another machine or a different bank.

Note:  Some bank’s machines may not be able to “read” your debit (bank) card or your account information, so you may have to withdraw a cash advance from your credit card instead.  It’s a good idea to leave some space on your credit card for this purpose.

Note:  Many bank machines limit cash withdrawals to 2000dh per day.  That’s usually ample, but if you need more and can’t wait, try withdrawing from a different account or credit card, using a different debit card, or using a different bank’s machine.

The bank machine fee for withdrawals with a foreign card is usually a flat rate, so to save a bit of money, withdraw larger amounts less often. Also, don’t forget that your home bank may also charge a fee for each foreign withdrawal in addition to their exchange rate.

Your best bet is to exchange money at the beginning of your trip at a reputable currency exchange in order to limit your need for bank machine transactions.

Plan ahead! Let your driver/guide know (before the weekend!) if you’re running low on cash so he can take you to a bank machine or currency exchange.

Sometimes, but usually only in the big cities.  For example, large carpet sellers often take credit cards, while larger restaurants attached to hotels may take credit cards.  Always ask first.

Your best bet is cash, because most local restaurants and shops, even in big cities, take cash only – Moroccan dirhams or sometimes euros. In villages & rural areas you’ll need dirhams. (See Can I use euros in Morocco? below.)

Your driver/guide can make sure you get to a bank or currency exchange if you need it.

No.  POS (Point of Sale) machines in Morocco don’t take debit cards (at least not foreign ones). While you may be able to use your credit card (see Do restaurants and shops take credit cards in Morocco? above), cash is still the most reliable method of paying for things in Morocco.

Note:  Morocco does not have contactless payment (tap) options. Yet.

Maybe. Some places accept euros, but may not use today’s conversion rate. Instead, a 10 to 1 ratio (10dh = 1€) is often used for simplicity, especially in rural areas.

Note: this is not an accurate exchange rate, so you will end up paying a bit more if you use euros when using the 10 to 1 ratio. While the difference is negligible for smaller amounts, it can become an issue if you’re using euros to pay for larger-ticket items.

Consider downloading a decent currency exchange app for your phone so that you can check conversion rates for yourself.

No!

In Morocco there is no Sales Tax, no Goods & Services Tax, no Harmonized Sales Tax, no Value Added Tax – nothing!

Morocco is quite laid-back about attire for tourists, so it’s more an issue of being respectful to the local culture.  However, in big cities and the more touristic areas, it’s not a problem to wear shorts or sleeveless tops, and you may even see Moroccan men and women with bare arms and legs showing.  In smaller towns and villages, local people – regardless of gender – tend to dress more modestly, but still, the attitude towards tourists is very relaxed.

Generally speaking, short-sleeved shirts, long shorts, capris, and skirts (not minis) are your best choices, but it’s a good idea to bring along a long-sleeved shirt or light jacket and a pair of long pants as well. In the desert, even if it’s hot, you will want long sleeves & long pants, as well as a head scarf to protect you from the desert sun, wind, and cool nights.

Note: if you plan to tour inside the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca or visit in someone’s home, please be respectful of the culture by keeping bare skin to a minimum. Thank you!

No.  In smaller towns and villages, local women will cover their heads, but it’s not necessary for tourists.

However, if you are visiting inside someone’s home or inside the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, it’s more polite to cover your hair as a sign of respect. A loose scarf is sufficient. It’s not necessary to bind your hair completely from view.

Generally no. However, the one exception is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.

If you wish to visit inside the Hassan II Mosque, you must join a guided tour led by Mosque staff. Tours are conducted Mondays to Saturdays, and hours vary by time of year, during Ramadan, and on Fridays. Tickets are available on site. Details (hours, fees, dress code, etc.) can be found on the Mosque website.

Women should cover their hair when going inside the mosque (see Do women need to cover their hair in Morocco?).

If you think you’d like to visit inside the mosque, let us know in advance so that we can adjust your custom itinerary accordingly.

Washrooms in airports, train stations, and service stations are free.  Some restaurants, cafés and rest stops may ask for a small payment (1-2 dirhams), which can be given directly to the cleaning staff.  Sometimes there will be a small dish nearby for this purpose, even if the person is not visible.

It’s a good idea to keep a few small coins on hand for this purpose.  (It’s also a good idea to always carry some toilet paper or wipes with you – just in case!)

Absolutely!  There are lots of things to see and do in Morocco.

Let us know what you want during the planning phase so that together we can create a custom itinerary built exclusively around your wishes.

Yes, of course!   We can easily build in extra days or rework any itinerary on our website.

This is your vacation.  Contact us. Tell us what you want to see & do. We’ll work with you to make it happen.

Note: If you make changes at the last minute or en route, there may be an additional cost.

Yes.  Your driver/guide will make regular stops for these activities, and will also stop on request.

If you need anything, ask your driver/guide.  He’s there to give you the best experience possible!

Yes.  We’ll finalise all these details with you before you book, and make it clear which meals are included and which are not.

En route, you can check with your driver/guide at any time.

Absolutely!  This can be arranged when we work with you to design your custom tour.

Note: If you choose to have a meal during a period of free time, it will be at your own expense.

Yes.  Let us know in advance so that we can ensure that we build this into your custom tour. In some of the accommodations we use, meals are included. We’ll make sure they’re aware of and can accommodate your dietary needs.
 
Most restaurants offer vegetarian options on their regular menu, but vegan & gluten-free meals may require pre-planning.

You always have the option of walking instead of riding your camel.  The pace is slow and easy.  Your camelman/guide always walks during the tour so don’t worry – you won’t get left behind!  Just give him a shout if you need to dismount.
 
Sometimes a short break is all that’s needed.  Always feel free to ask your camelman/guide to stop for a rest.

All our Sahara Camel-trekking tours start & end at Erg Chebbi in the Sahara Desert – usually from the north end. We’ll let you know exactly where.  You can either arrange your own way there and back, or you can arrange transportation with us for an additional cost.

Note: It takes an entire day to reach Erg Chebbi by car from Fes, and usually 2 days from Marrakesh or other Moroccan cities. If you don’t have your own transportation, we strongly urge you to consider adding an extra day to the beginning and end of your tour. It will break up the long drive and we’ll add some interesting experiences to your trip at the same time!

No, tents are provided.

No. We provide everything you will need for the tour.
 
However, feel free to bring your own if you prefer.  Just let us know so we don’t overburden the camels with extra gear!

Each day of camel-trekking includes rest stops, but if you need an extra break, you always have the option of walking instead of riding your camel.  The pace is slow and easy.  Your camelman/guide always walks during the tour so don’t worry – you won’t get left behind!  Just give him a shout if you need to dismount.
 
Sometimes a short break is all that’s needed.  Always feel free to ask your camelman/guide to stop for a rest.

Yes.  Let us know and we’ll ensure that this is built into your custom tour.