Morocco | Casablanca to Marrakech

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.

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

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 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%

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.

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

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.