Travel Guidance & Tips
Before You Travel
Passport & Visa
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, with blank pages for entry stamps.
No visa is required for citizens of the US, Canada, UK, or the EU for stays under 90 days.Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering medical assistance, trip delays, and cancellations.Currency & Payments
The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
Approximate rates:
• 1 USD ≈ 9.5 MAD
• 1 EUR ≈ 10.6 MAD
• 1 GBP ≈ 12 MAD
ATMs are available in all major cities. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and upscale boutiques, but small cash is useful in the souks and rural areas.
American Express is not always accepted.
Packing Essentials
Lightweight clothing for daytime and a warmer layer for cool desert evenings.
Long sleeves and light fabrics for sun protection.
Comfortable shoes or sneakers for walking and excursions.
A scarf for visiting religious or traditional sites.
Sunglasses, hat, and high-SPF sunscreen.
A universal plug adapter (220V).
Bring a carry-on for the desert stay – your main luggage can remain with the driver.
Weather Overview
Morocco enjoys a sunny, dry climate most of the year.
Spring (Mar–May): Pleasant temperatures, ideal for travel.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot in Marrakech and the desert; cooler in the Atlas and on the coast.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Warm days, mild evenings — perfect for exploration.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Cool in cities, cold in the Atlas and desert nights.
Dress Code
Morocco is a modern and tolerant country.
During the day: casual and comfortable.
Evenings: smart casual for fine dining.
Religious sites: shoulders and knees covered par respect culturel.
Nothing changes compared to Europe in terms of everyday style — just dress elegantly and respectfully.
Tipping
While tipping in Morocco is always appreciated, it is entirely at your discretion. For your convenience, all tips for drivers, guides, and other service staff can be arranged in advance or handled on-site through our team. This ensures a seamless experience without the need to worry about carrying cash. Suggested tipping amounts are typically aligned with international luxury standards, and our local concierge can advise you on appropriate gestures based on the services provided.
Health & Safety
Tap water is safe in most cities, but we recommend bottled mineral water.
Morocco is one of the safest destinations in Africa.
Our guests are accompanied by trusted chauffeurs, licensed guides, and our local concierge team throughout their journey.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, riads, and cafés. SIM cards and portable hotspots can be arranged upon request.
Shopping & Etiquette
Shopping is an art in Morocco — enjoy it leisurely.
Bargaining in souks is part of the experience, but always done with a smile and respect.
Our guides can accompany you to trusted artisans and boutiques to ensure quality, authenticity, and fair pricing.
Cultural Notes
Marhaba! – Welcome
Choukrane – Thank you
Besslama – Goodbye
La shukran ‘ala wajib – You’re welcome
Moroccans are known for their kindness and hospitality — don’t hesitate to engage in conversation and share a smile.
Recommended Reading & Viewing
The Caliph’s House – Tahir Shah
A Year in Marrakech – Peter Mayne
Game of Thrones (filmed in Aït Benhaddou and Essaouira)
Our Commitment
Traveling with Morocco Luxury Highlights means you are accompanied by a dedicated team: private driver, licensed guide, local concierge, and support 24/7.
Every itinerary is carefully designed for comfort, authenticity, and emotion — offering a true journey through the senses.
An exotic fusion of Southern Mediterranean, Arabic and African influences, Morocco is an enticing combination of ancient cities and Roman ruins, sweeping deserts and centuries-old medinas, mosques and minarets, winding alleyways and vibrant markets, gorgeous beaches and rugged mountains. The Imperial Cities of Fes, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat have all had a stint as the national capital and are liberally studded with attractions, including a plethora of ancient architecture, museums and souks (markets). The coastal city of Casablanca boasts one of the largest mosques in the world, while Tangier, on the Mediterranean coast, features some beautiful bays and sandy coves. Visitors can look forward to sampling exotic Berber cuisine, sipping on a fresh cup of coffee or a mint tea at a streetside cafe, hike Toubkal - North Africa’s highest peak or enjoy camel trekking in the desert.
Banking and Currency
Currency:
Local currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Symbol: د.م. or MAD
ISO code: MAD
Subunit: Cent (1/100 of a Dirham)
Banknotes: 20, 50, 100, 200 dirhams
Coins: 1, 5, 10 dirhams; 1, 5, 10 cents
Banking:
Card Transactions: Widely accepted
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes
Diner’s Club: Less common
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 08:00 – 12:00, 14:00 – 17:00
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: Closed
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Royal Air Maroc, Air Arabia, among others
International Airports: Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, Marrakesh Menara Airport, Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport
Domestic Airports: Numerous, including those in Fez, Agadir, and Ouarzazate
Road:
Driving on the: Right
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes (Uber in some cities)
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Yes
Subway System: No (except in Casablanca with a light rail system)
Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: Yes (primarily in coastal areas)
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Generally, it is advised to drink bottled water. Tap water may not always be potable.
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes (ensure they are washed thoroughly)
Ice: Generally safe if from reputable places
Meat: Yes (ensure it is well-cooked)
Street food: Yes (as long as it’s from busy, reputable vendors)
Local cuisine:
Moroccan cuisine is rich and diverse, featuring dishes like couscous, tagine (slow-cooked stew), and pastilla (savory pie). Spices such as saffron, cinnamon, and cumin are commonly used. Traditional dishes are often enjoyed with mint tea.
Drinks:
Notable local drinks include Moroccan mint tea and a variety of fresh fruit juices.
Tipping: 10-15%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Approximately 600 mm (varies by region)
Average temperature: 20°C
Summer:
Average highs: 30-35°C
Average lows: 18-25°C
Winter:
Average highs: 15-20°C
Average lows: 5-10°C
Best time to visit:
The ideal time to visit Morocco is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when temperatures are moderate and pleasant for exploring.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer:
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn:
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General:
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No (unless traveling to mountainous regions)
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type C and Type E
Voltage (V): 220 V
Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz
* A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
From the remarkable beauty of Sam Mountain and Halong Bay to the numerous sacred temples and pagodas, Vietnam has a lot to offer. It is a country that features everything from exotic culinary delights to breathtaking scenery. Seemingly endless, tranquil rice paddies stand in stark contrast to bustling cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi which embrace all the technology and conveniences that the modern world has to offer. The well-preserved colonial buildings of Hoi An play host to a slew of charming boutiques and tempting cafes while, further north, the local hill-tribe people of Sapa sell a wide variety of exquisite crafts and handmade trinkets. Beyond the urban areas, this diverse country is characterised by vast, verdant jungles and lush mountainous regions as well as an enticing coastline peppered with golden sand, palm-lined beaches.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Vietnamese Dong
Symbol: ₫
ISO code: VND
Subunit: Hào
Banknotes: ₫1000, ₫2000, ₫5000, ₫10000, ₫20000, ₫50000, ₫100000, ₫200000, ₫500000
Coins: None
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: No
Diner’s club: No
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air
International Airports: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
Domestic Airports: Da Nang International Airport, Cam Ranh International Airport
Road:
Driving on the: Right
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: No
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Yes
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine:
Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and diverse dishes. Pho (noodle soup), banh mi (sandwich), and spring rolls are popular street foods. Vietnamese cuisine is characterized by the use of herbs like mint and cilantro, fish sauce, and a variety of meats and seafood. Notable local drinks include Vietnamese coffee, iced tea, and sugarcane juice.
Tipping: 5-10%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: 1500 - 2500 mm
Average temperature: 25°C
Summer:
Average highs: 35°C
Average lows: 25°C
Winter:
Average highs: 20°C
Average lows: 15°C
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Vietnam is from November to April when the weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for exploring the country.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: No
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type A, Type C
Voltage (V): 220V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
