Morocco Explorer: From the Atlas to the Atlantic

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.

You can visit Morocco without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism.

To stay longer than 90 days, you must request an extension at a Moroccan police station.

UK passport holders require a passport ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you arrive, and for US citizens require at least 6 months at the time of entry.

When entering the country, make sure your passport is stamped. Some tourists have experienced difficulties leaving the country because their passport bears no entry stamp.

Before travelling, make sure your passport isn't damaged. Some travellers have been refused entry when travelling on damaged passports.

Please note that visa requirements may change at any time and it is your responsibility to check current requirements before travel.
 

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: Not widely accepted
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

The DIRHAM is the national currency of Morocco. It is usually shortened to either MAD or DH. You will find Dirham notes of 20, 50, 100 and 200 denominations. Coins are 1, 2, 5 and 10 Dirhams. You will also find small coins of 5, 10 and 50 Centimes (there are 100 centimes in 1 Dirham). The Dirham value is approximately: 1 Euro = 10.8 Dirhams; 1 Pound Sterling = 12 Dirhams (exchange rates are subject to change).

Cash can be changed in many banks in Morocco, and larger hotels often provide exchange services. All exchange rates in Morocco are regulated, so rates in hotels will be the same as banks. Always ask for a receipt for your exchanges and check amounts carefully. You may be asked to produce this receipt if trying to change left-over Dirhams back to foreign currency on your departure.

The Euro, US Dollar and Pound Sterling are the most commonly accepted currencies. 

You will also find ATMs (automated cash machines) in all major towns where you can draw local currency against many major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard), Cirrus and Maestro cards using a PIN. Credit cards can be used in some larger shops and hotels, however most places prefer payment in local currency. (Note - American Express cards are not widely accepted in Morocco!) In major cities you can now also find some ATM machines that have an automated exchange function – you insert your foreign currency and the machine calculates the exchange and issues Dirhams. 

You can only obtain Dirhams in Morocco and they should not be taken out of the country. (NB: there may be strict customs checks on departure for any amount of Dirhams you try to take out of the country.) There are automatic teller machines/cash dispensers and exchange counters in the arrival hall at airports. However, please note that the exchange counters here do not normally accept traveller’s cheques. You will need to change remaining Dirhams back to original currency at an exchange counter in the check-in area of the airport, before passing through passport control. If you have a large amount of Dirham left to change back, you may be asked for proof of legitimate exchange transactions during your stay, such as an exchange receipt. 

TIPS/GRATUITIES

Tipping is a customary practice in Morocco for services provided by hotels, porters, guides, drivers, restaurants, etc. Tipping is a way of showing your appreciation for services provided. There are no set rules on amounts to tip, this is at the traveller’s discretion and depends on the service you are given.

Tour Guides and drivers appreciate a tip at the end of the tour so you may like to contribute to a group tip in appreciation of a good service. We recommend between $5-$10 a day, per person. Please note this is just a guideline, and you may wish to tip more or less at your discretion. 

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)

Please ensure you have adequate travel health insurance and funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.  Please remember to check with your GP or Practice Nurse that you are up to date with your immunisations/inoculations and that you are fit for travel to Morocco.  

Please note that for your own safety you should inform us about any intolerances or allergies against any medications that you may have and also of any medical conditions, for example high blood pressure, epilepsy, asthma, heart conditions, etc.

For detailed and/or definitive medical advice, please consult your physician. Your medical requirements are your responsibility.

Health advice for Morocco taken from www.travelhealthpro.org.uk 

Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK. These vaccinations include for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.

Those who may be at increased risk of an infectious disease due to their work, lifestyle choice, or certain underlying health problems should be up to date with additional recommended vaccines.
•    Courses or boosters usually advised:   Hepatitis A; Tetnus
•    Other vaccines to consider:   Hepatitis B; Rabies; Tuberculosis, Typhoid
•    No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for this country.

UPSET STOMACHS
For us tourists, it is common to experience diarrhoea at some stage especially when it’s hot or when you are over tired. It can be your body reacting to different water or food which carries bacteria that your body has had no previous contact with and to which it has not developed an immune response. In most cases, it is not severe (but if you are worried, please speak to your guide).  You can help prevent this experience by following these simple guidelines:

•    Stay out of the sun
•    Do not drink tap water
•    Do not order ice in drinks 
•    Eat no raw meat, fish that has not been kept chilled or food from establishments that appear unkempt
•    Do not eat unwashed fruit and vegetables, it’s better to peel before eating.

INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAVEL
Make sure you stay hydrated during your international flight.  Do try to move around where possible to keep your blood circulating to avoid DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and swollen ankles.
 

As with travel to anywhere in the world, it’s always sensible to be cautious.  Be observant, and avoid displaying expensive cameras, jewellery or cash in the way of temptation.  Deposit valuables in your hotel’s safety deposit box if there is one. Do not leave your baggage or hotel key unattended.

Always have a photocopy of your passport, and any visas, kept separately from your real one.  It is never a good idea to carry large amounts of cash openly or in one stash.  When you need cash for purchases at local markets keep some in a purse, and the rest in a travel wallet, or a zip pocket.

Violent crime is still quite rare in Morocco but getting harassed by faux guides and petty theft is fairly common. Avoid walking alone at night especially in unlit areas and on the beach. 

Remember that your guide is an expert, so always follow his advice and ask him questions if you are unsure of anything. 
 

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 food is a mix from the French, African and Arab kitchens. Moroccan food is rich in flavour, combining exotic spices with meat, vegetables and pulses to produce tantalising taste sensations. Moroccan cuisine is not typically 'hot spicy' as many people believe, but in some regions you will find a chilli mixture known as harissa which is offered as a sauce on the side. Bread is served with most meals, and is the staple for breakfast. 

Meat is often the main base of Moroccan cuisine and meat stock is commonly used for soups. If you are vegetarian, or have special dietary requirements, you may find your choice is limited. You may like to bring some snacks or food supplements in case your food choices are limited. 

Traditional items found on menus include:

• Tagine - meat and vegetable dishes cooked in a special clay pot from which the name is taken.
• Couscous - a kind of pasta that looks like a fine grain, served with meat, vegetables and pulses.
• Harira - a rich soup made from meat stock, vegetables, chickpeas, lentils, pasta and spices (traditionally eaten to break the fast during Ramadan).
• Brochette - grilled kebabs of chicken, lamb or beef.
• Pastilla - a filo pastry parcel typically containing pigeon meat, but also chicken, that is mixed with spices and sugar to give a sweet/savoury sensation. Can also find sea-food pastilla.
• Berber omelette - an omelette containing tomato, onion, peppers and spices.
• Briouette - small pastry parcels containing meat, rice or cheese.
• Fish/seafood - fresh seafood can often be found on menus, particularly in coastal regions.
• Moroccan patisseries - traditional sweet pastries usually eaten at the end of the meal and accompanied by mint tea

Drinks:

Please make sure you drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.  Drinks, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, are not included.  

Atay Nana’ is the national drink, and often referred to by locals as 'Berber Whisky'. It's made from a base of Chinese green tea mixed with fresh mint and lots of sugar.  It is very refreshing, particularly in hot weather, and helps digestion. It is the typical welcome drink when you enter a house or a shop.  Good espresso coffee is also readily available. Fresh orange juice is widely available and very inexpensive and healthy. 

Alcohol is served in licensed hotels, bars and in tourist areas. However, drinking alcohol in the street and anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar isn’t allowed and can lead to arrest.
 

Notes on the weather for our November 2025 trip: 

In the lowland interior of Morocco, we can expect mild and pleasant weather with averages of 22-25 degrees C (72-77 degrees F) during the day, cooling down to between 10-15 degrees C (50-59 degs F) at night. It will be warm and comfortable for sightseeing. Coastal areas maybe slightly cooler and breezy with winds coming off the Atlantic.

As we ascend to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, we can expect temperatures to drop to around 15 degrees Celsius (59 degs F) during the day, and down to 0 degrees Celsius (32 degs F) at night. Visibility is usually good this time of year with bright clear days.  There is always a chance of snow, making the vistas even more stunning!

Morocco is a Muslim country, and as such your dress should be modest. This is particularly so in rural village areas where a traditional way of life and behaviour is more prevalent. Whilst you will see a large amount of European influence in the way that people dress, Moroccans consider showing skin as a lack of style in men, and a lack of decency in women. 

For men, wandering around with a bare chest is not appreciated and can cause offence. You should always keep your shirt on, including in hotel corridors, seaside terraces and in the heat of the desert. The exception is of course at the beach or swimming pool. Men who strip down completely in public will cause extreme offence, even in the local bathhouses or hammam. 

For women, attitudes to what’s acceptable can vary between cities and rural areas, and also between individual’s reactions. Whilst you may well see women (both foreign and Moroccan) wearing revealing clothing in some cities (including shorts and strappy tops), you are more likely to attract unwanted attention from men, such as hissing, whistling and lewd remarks. This kind of clothing in more remote areas can also bring hostility from local women.

Our advice is to err on the more conservative side and choose loose-fitting clothing that covers most of your body.  Ladies, please cover your shoulders and napes of necks, and wear skirts below the knee.

Don’t forget your swimwear in case there is time to visit a hammam and remember to pack some warmer layers for the evenings, and a light jacket for a breeze or rain. 
At night in the Atlas it will be cold, so bring a hot water bottle if you really feel the cold.

Clothing
-    Light Clothes /T-Shirts/Long-sleeve Shirts (things you can layer up and down)
-    Pullover or Fleece-Jacket 
-    Wind- and/or Rain Jacket
-    Underwear & Swimsuit
-    Long Trousers / Skirts
-    Light Trekking Shoes plus a second pair of shoes or sandals that you find comfortable for wearing all day

Other equipment
-    Sun Glasses
-    Security wallet/waist pocket or Hip Bag for money/ documents / passport
-    Photo Equipment
-    Binoculars
-    Adapter Plug (if needed)
-    Alarm Clock
-    Wash-bag
-    Antibac hand wipes or gel
-    Spare batteries
-    Chargers for cameras & phones, etc.

First aid kit
-    Sun cream 
-    Medicine against diarrhoea and headaches 
-    Re-hydration Sachets 
-    Travel sickness pills (if needed)
-    Any prescription medications & a copy of the doctor’s prescription
 

WIFI

Wifi is available in most hotels, and many cafes and restaurants. If you need to stay connected, consider buying an e-sim (check that your phone is e-sim ready). There are many different types on the market including Holafly, Airalo, Nomad, Maya and Saily, and all have different plans that you can purchase, often with top-up options.

MOBILE TELEPHONES
Morocco generally has good network access.  It’s a good idea to make sure you have a package that gives you the best rate for calls abroad.  If it’s not urgent, stick to using SMS messaging.  For further information, please contact your service provider.

TELEPHONE
The international dialling code for Morocco is 212 followed by the area prefix and the individual telephone number. If you wish to make a call overseas, you must first dial 00, then dial the country code, area code of the city or region and the number of the person you wish to call. 
 

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. 220V, 50Hz is standard. In some older places you will also find 110V outlets. Power outlets are round two-pin European style.