"Discover the beauty of Morocco"

Travel tips

Our travel tips help you to prepare for your trip by giving practical information about Morocco…


Time

 

  • Time zone in Morocco is UTC/GMT+1.
  • Note: on October 26, 2018 Daylight Saving Time (DST) was abolished in Morocco and the country moved to GMT+1 year-round. (However this is said to be only an experiment, final decision will follow.)

 

 

Entering Morocco and visa requirements

 

  • For citizens from (most of) the European Union, United States and Canada no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days. (Note: holding a resident card or green card to any country does not mean that you can enter Morocco without visa.)
  • Depending on your nationality, to enter Morocco, your passport has to be valid for at least three or six months after date of entry to Morocco and you should also have a return ticket.
  • For further information visit here.
  • Before coming to Morocco (or even before booking with us) please check visa requirements for citizens of your country or ask the nearest Moroccan consulate or embassy.
  • Every time before entering – and leaving – Morocco you have to fill in a form (in English or French) with your basic personal data (name, date and place of birth, nationality, passport number etc.) and information on your stay (purpose, duration etc.). The form can be collected around the counter at the border (or sometimes it is distributed in the craft before arrival). As in this form you have to indicate your Moroccan address (the name of your hotel), please do not forget to have it with you when arriving to the (border)counter.

 

 

Money

 

  • Morocco’s official currency is Moroccan dirham (MAD or DH).
  • It is not allowed to bring or take out Moroccan dirhams in/of the country, however holding Moroccan currency is tolerated within the limit of MAD 1,000.
  • Many currencies (EUR, USD, GBP etc.) are changed in the banks and exchange offices or in some hotels, though exchange rates can vary.
  • EURO and USD travel cheques can be changed in the banks as well.
  • ATM machines (Visa/Mastercard/Switchcard/Cirrus) to withdraw cash are available only in large cities.
  • Check for approximate current exchange rates here

 

 

Health and hygiene

 

  • Due to the risk of possible stomach upsets, we advise you to avoid drinking tap water, diluted fruit juices and adding ice (made of tap water) to any drinks. Please check with the vendor before drinking. (For more info about water consumption see 'General trip info' section.)
  • No obligatory vaccinations are required for visitors from most countries (except those where yellow fever exists) to enter the country. However vaccination against hepatitis A and B and typhoid is recommended. Before arriving, please check with your local vaccination centre for the latest information.
  • Please note that Morocco is a rabbies-effected country. As such you are advised to avoid contact with (unknown) animals while you are in the country. If you are bitten, scratched or licked by an animal you must wash the wound or site of exposure with plenty of soap and water and seek medical advice without delay.
  • Please take your personal pharmacy to cure your existing illnesses or smaller health problems or injuries occurring during the trip. In case of any more serious medical problems, your guide will help you to find a doctor.
  • In most places (cafés, restaurants, public washrooms) taps and soap to wash your hand are available. However in some places it can be useful to have a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you, in case there is no possibility to wash your hand. (Hand sanitizers are available in Moroccan supermarkets, however if you wish to avoid triclosan, it is better to bring one with you.)
  • Be prepared for Moroccan style toilets:
    • note that in some places where we stop for a break, you will find only traditional Moroccan toilets (squat toilets) and no Western style toilets are available;
    • make sure you always have toilet paper with you as in most cases no paper is provided, however please do not flush the paper down as it can clog the plumbing (it might be useful to have a paper bag with you in case there is no trash bin around);
    • to learn more about Moroccan toilets visit here.

 

 

Security

 

  • Morocco is a safe country and police has strong presence all around the country.
  • Violent crime is very rare and most visitors will experience no serious problems during their stay.
  • However it is wise to be careful anywhere and you should pay attention for pickpockets, especially in large cities and tourist places.

 

 

Electricity

 

  • Moroccan electricity network is of 220V and the socket-outlets are of European type. (For more info visit here.)
  • International adaptors are very hard to find within the country, so we advise you to bring your own if you need one.

 

 

Phone and internet

 

  • Private teleboutiques can be found in every village, town and city. You can make local and international calls from there, though you will need a stack of coins. Card-operated public phones are also scattered everywhere.
  • Mobile networks (4 operators) are available all over the country, however reception can be very weak or even non-existing in some – mostly rural or mountain – areas.
  • To economise your phone expenditure, it is also possible to buy your own Moroccan (pre-paid) SIM card. It is easy to arrange for (you can buy it in many small shops), and can be much cheaper than roaming prices.
  • Useful numbers in Morocco:
    • Country code: 212
    • Directory enquiries: 160 (only in French and Arabic)
    • Police emergency: 190
    • Fire brigade, Ambulance: 150
    • Road accidents: 177
  • Internet cafes and wifi zones are available in many places and some of our hotels offer free wifi as well. Mobile internet in the cities is also available for reasonable rates (10 MAD/day).

 

 

Tipping

 

  • Morocco is a tipping country, i.e. tips are regarded as essential means of supplementing income and are of great significance for those working in many sectors (incl. tourism).
  • So if you are satisfied with the services during your tip – even if tipping is not a common practice in your home country –, feel free to give a tip (in cafés and restaurants, for porters, drivers, muleteers etc.), it will be surely appreciated.
  • At the end of your trip, if you feel your tour leader did an outstanding job, tipping is also expected and appreciated.
  • However the precise amount of tipping is entirely at your personal preference, the following can be used as general guidelines for tipping (or you can ask your tour leader as well for guidance):
    • in cafes and restaurants: 10-12% of the bill;
    • for hotel staff (porters, housekeepers etc.): 5-10 dirhams at a time;
    • for small service providers (like camel drivers, muleteers, cooks, local guides): 15-25 dirhams per person per day or per occasion;
    • for driver: €10-12 per person per week;
    • for tour leader: €15-25  per person per week.
  • Note: in the unexpected case of getting very disappointed by a particular service, please inform your tour leader or let us know right away, so that we can make the necessary steps.