FAQs Morocco Travel
Frequently Asked Questions

Moroccan dirhams (dh).

Some establishments accept Euros, but may use a 10 to 1 ratio (10dh = 1Euro) for simplicity. This is not an accurate exchange rate, so you will end up paying a bit more if you use Euros.

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 will not accept torn bills or those that have been written on.  In addition, older bills may not be accepted (this varies by currency). If bringing cash to Morocco, stick to bills issued in recent years and make sure they’re in good condition before you leave home. Keep your exchange receipt!  You may need it to convert money back at the end of your trip.

Your driver/guide knows the best places to exchange money. If you plan to exchange cash when you arrive in Morocco, let us know ahead of time and we’ll help you get the best exchange rate.

All the major banks in Morocco have bank machines, but they are not on every street corner, and you won’t find them in shops. Smaller towns and villages may only have 1 or 2.

Bank machines can be hit and miss on the weekend.  If one doesn’t work, another may, so try another machine or a machine from a different bank.

Note:  you may not be able to withdraw from your savings or chequing account at a bank machine.  Sometimes you will have to withdraw a cash advance from your credit card.  This varies by bank, but you may not be able to find your preferred bank’s machines in every place you visit.

Note:  Moroccan bank machines usually have a daily limit for cash withdrawals – 2000dh.  This is usually more than sufficient to last you a few days unless you are planning a larger purchase.  If you need more than that, you will likely have to use a different bank’s machine.

Remember that your home bank may charge you a fee for each transaction on top of the exchange rate.  Your best bet is to exchange money at the beginning of your trip so that you can limit your need for bank machine transactions. Plan ahead!  Let your driver/guide know (before the weekend!) if you are running low on cash so he can get you to a bank machine or currency exchange.  If you haven’t already purchased dirhams before the tour starts, let your driver/guide know immediately.

In the big cities, sometimes yes.  Sometimes it depends on the type of shop.  For example, large carpet sellers often take credit cards.  Big restaurants attached to hotels may take credit cards.  Ask first.

Note:  debit cards are not used for payment of goods or services in Morocco.

Your best bet is cash.  Most local restaurants and shops, even in big cities, take cash only – Moroccan dirhams or sometimes Euros.

Shops and restaurants in smaller towns and villages take cash only – Moroccan dirhams preferably, although they may accept Euros.

Note:  when paying in Euros, typically a 10 to 1 ratio (10dh = 1Euro) is used for simplicity.  This is not an accurate exchange rate, so you will end up paying a bit more if you use Euros.

Ask your driver/guide for help.  He will make sure you get to a bank or currency exchange if you need it.

No.  Cash or sometimes credit card (see previous question).

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

Morocco is quite laid-back about attire for tourists.  In big cities and the more touristic areas, it’s never a problem, and you will see Moroccan men and women with bare arms and legs showing.  In smaller towns and villages, local people – both men and women – tend to dress more modestly, but the attitude towards tourists is very relaxed.

Generally speaking, short-sleeved shirts, long shorts, capris, and skirts (not minis) are fine, but it’s a good idea to bring along a long-sleeved shirt or light jacket and a pair of long pants as well.

Note:  in the desert, even if it’s hot, you will want long sleeves, long pants, and maybe a head scarf to protect you from the desert sun and wind, and cooler nights.

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, which allows non-Muslims inside (but not during prayers). You must join a guided tour led by Mosque staff. You can find information about hours, fees, etc. on the Hassan II Mosque website.

Note: Mosque tours are conducted at specific times of day only and the hours vary depending on the time of year, during Ramadan, etc. If you think you’d like to visit inside the mosque, let us know in advance so that we can build time for this into your custom itinerary.

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

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.

Contact us and we’ll work with you to design a custom tour that meets your needs exactly.

Yes, of course!   We can easily build in extra days or rework the existing sample itinerary.

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 is there to give you the best experience possible!

Yes.  All these details will be finalized before you book, and we’ll 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 and we’ll ensure that this is built 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 Marrakesh or Fes. 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.