About Morocco

About Morocco: Complete Travel Guide!

Country Demographics

If you’re looking to learn about Morocco, its official Arab name is Al Maghreb (“The West”). The political capital is Rabat, while Casablanca serves as the economic center and the largest city. Morocco is a Constitutional Monarchy led by King Mohammed VI.

Area: 445,050 km²
Population: ~34 million
Official Language: Arabic
Common Languages: Moroccan Arabic (Darija), Berber, French, Spanish, and increasingly English
Religion: Islam
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Calling Code: +212
Electricity: 220V, European 2-pin plugs
Health Tip: No required vaccinations; drink bottled water

Getting to Morocco

Morocco is served by several international airports:

Casablanca Mohammed V Airport (CMN): Largest in the country, with flights from Europe, the Middle East, the U.S. (New York), and Canada (Montreal).
Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK): Popular with low-cost airlines from major European cities.
Agadir Airport: Serves many European routes and charter flights.
Tangier Airport: Important hub for northern Morocco.
Fes Saiss Airport: Expanding rapidly with increasing international connections.

Smaller domestic airports such as Ouarzazate, Al Hoceima, Dakhla, and Errachidia offer convenient internal travel options.

Arriving by Ferry

Ferries operate frequently between Spain and Morocco. Popular routes include Algeciras–Ceuta, Algeciras–Tangier Med, and Tarifa–Tangier Ville.
Tickets can be purchased on arrival, though advance booking is recommended during summer.

Important:

Tangier has two ports:
- Tangier Ville (in the city) – receives ferries from Tarifa
- Tangier Med (45 minutes from the city) – receives most international ferries
A free shuttle bus connects both ports every hour from 10:00 to 00:00.

Money

The Moroccan currency is the Dirham (MAD), which is not traded internationally.
The easiest way to obtain MAD is through ATMs in cities and airports.

Key tips:

Exchange bureaus are widely available.
Euros are often accepted, but change is given in Dirhams.
Credit cards are accepted in major tourist areas, typically with a 5% surcharge.
Exchange any remaining Dirhams before leaving Morocco, as they cannot be exchanged abroad.

Visas

Citizens of the USA, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries do not require a visa for stays under 90 days.

Requirements:

Passport valid for at least six months before entry.
Completion of a landing card with your accommodation address.

Traveling Around Morocco

By Train

Trains are reliable, comfortable, and affordable. Overnight trains operate on routes such as Tangier–Marrakech.
Schedules available through the National Office of Moroccan Railroads.

By Bus

Long-distance buses are modern and air-conditioned. Reliable companies include Supratours, CTM, and SATAS.

By Taxi

Petit taxis: For travel within cities; fares should be metered.
Grand taxis: For intercity routes; negotiate prices when meters aren’t used.

Driving

Minimum driving age: 21
Roads are monitored by police
Car rental can be relatively expensive

Domestic Flights

Royal Air Maroc connects major cities such as Ouarzazate, Dakhla, Agadir, Zagora, and Errachidia.

Dress Code

Morocco is welcoming but culturally conservative.

In major cities (Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Agadir), Western clothing is common.
In rural areas, modest clothing is recommended—avoid very short skirts, revealing tops, and tight outfits.

Seasonal tips:

Summer: Lightweight cotton or linen; hats or turbans recommended.
Spring/Autumn: Light jacket or fleece.
Winter: Warm clothing, especially in the mountains and desert.

Tipping

Tipping is part of Moroccan culture.

Restaurants: 10–15% if not included
Drivers & tour guides on organized tours: 8–10% of the total cost
Trekking or city guides: 300–500 MAD

Avoid giving money or gifts to children; donate to local schools or charities instead.

Shopping & Bargaining

Shopping in Morocco is an experience, from spices and carpets to handcrafted jewelry.
Bargaining is expected—starting prices may be several times higher than the final price.
Be patient, negotiate politely, and walk away if needed.

Weather

Morocco has varied climates:

Coastal areas: Mediterranean weather, wet from November to March
Mountains: Cool year-round, snowy in winter
Desert: Hot days, cold nights

Best seasons:

March–May
September–October

Summer is ideal for coastal towns and mountain trekking. Winter offers fewer crowds and beautiful snow-capped landscapes.

Culture

Morocco is among the most liberal Islamic countries, but cultural respect is important.

Non-Muslims cannot enter most mosques, except:
- Hassan II Mosque (Casablanca)
- Mohammed V Mausoleum (Rabat)
- Moulay Ismail Mausoleum (Meknes)

During Ramadan, some restaurants close during the day but options remain available.

Alcohol is available in hotels, restaurants, and licensed shops, though public drinking is prohibited.

Food & Drink

Moroccan cuisine is world-famous. Must-try dishes include:

Tagine
Couscous
Kefta
Fresh seafood
Fresh fruit juices (especially orange juice)
Traditional mint tea

Tips:

Avoid tap water—use bottled water.
Be cautious with raw salads.
Inform your host or tour operator about dietary restrictions.

Meals with local families can be arranged. Traditionally, you may sit on the floor and eat from a shared plate—using the right hand.

Digestive issues are common among new travelers and usually pass within 24 hours.

Alcohol

Alcohol is accessible despite religious restrictions.

Served in many hotels, riads, bars, and restaurants
Sold in supermarkets and licensed shops
Public drinking is forbidden
Many travelers purchase drinks for desert nights—your driver can stop at a store if needed
Morocco produces excellent local wines and beers, including Casablanca beer.

Hotels & Accommodation

Morocco offers diverse lodging options:

Riads

Traditional homes in old medinas with interior courtyards, often intimate and charming.

Auberges

Mud-brick accommodations in rural areas and small towns, offering comfort and authenticity.

Gîtes d’Étape

Simple accommodations for trekkers, providing meals and hot showers.

Many tours (including ours) offer stays in riads, auberges, hotels, Berber tents, and even local family homes.

Safety

Morocco is generally safe.

Petty theft can occur in busy areas—stay aware.
Avoid unlit streets at night.
Use licensed guides who carry official badges.

Health

Private clinics and public hospitals are available.
Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended.
Bring basic medication from home (pain relievers, stomach treatments, insect cream).
No vaccines are required for entry.

Telephones & SIM Cards

Morocco’s main telecom companies: Maroc Telecom, Orange (formerly Meditel), and Inwi.

Prepaid SIM cards are inexpensive and widely available.
Ensure your phone is unlocked.
Mobile data is available, but many travelers rely on hotel Wi-Fi.

Internet

Most hotels and riads offer Wi-Fi. Internet cafés are widespread and affordable.
Speeds may be slower than in Europe.
Drivers can often share mobile data via hotspot during tours.