The View from Fez receives dozens of emails every week asking for basic information on Morocco. Below you will find a quick guide to the essentials and links to further information on topics and destinations.
This is the basic information you need to know before a trip to Morocco.
Time: Local time is GMT. Daylight saving starts on 1 June and lasts til the beginning of Ramadan - this year around 24 August - when the time is GMT + 1hr.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin round plugs are standard.
Currency: The unit of currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), which is divided into 100 centimes. It's a restricted currency, so can only be bought inside the country. ATMs are available in the larger towns, but do read our ATM WARNING.
Cash can be exchanged at banks or official bureaux de changes, which are also widespread in major towns. Dirhams cannot be obtained or exchanged outside Morocco and receipts must be retained as proof of legal currency exchange, as well as in order to re-exchange money when departing. Major credit cards are accepted in the larger shops, hotels and restaurants, but not AMEX. Travellers cheques are not generally very useful; it's best to bring Euros or Sterling.
Currency Exchange Rates are fixed by the government: please check your exchange rates here: EXCHANGE
Language: Modern Standard Arabic is the official language and all TV and newspapers are in Arabic. However, Moroccan Arabic (Darija) is the spoken language. Tachelhit, Tamazight and Tarifit are all derivations of the Berber language. Tachelhit is spoken in south-west Morocco, in an area between Sidi Ifni in the south, Agadir in the north and Marrakech and the Draa/Sous valleys in the east. Tamazight is spoken in the Middle Atlas, between Taza, Khemisset, Azilal and Errachidia. Tarifit (or Rifia) is spoken in the Rifarea of northern Morocco. French and Spanish are also spoken. English is generally understood in the tourist areas, but French is the more common.
Visas : For New Zealanders, Australians, Canadians, EU passport holders and US citizens, no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months.
For South Africans, a (free) visa is necessary from the Moroccan Embassy in Pretoria.
Health: Health insurance should be taken out before you leave your home country. No vaccinations are required to enter Morocco. It is advisable to drink bottled water and be selective in the case of street food. Often street food is safer than some tourist restaurants. Medical facilities are good in all major towns.
Tipping: A tip of 10 % is welcome but some places include a service charge. Giving a few dirhams to the poor is a good thing to do, but never give money to children unless they've provided a service, like showing you the way to your guesthouse, when Dh5 is sufficient.
Safety: Violent crime is not a major problem, but there have been thefts at knifepoint in major cities and especially on beaches. Be sensible in dark streets at night. Walk with a friend. Use official (badged) guides only.
Traditions and customs: Morocco is a Muslim country and it is preferable to keep the wearing of swimsuits, shorts and other revealing clothing to the beach or hotel poolside. Women travelling alone will receive less hassle if dressed conservatively. Smoking is practised widely, and it is customary to offer cigarettes in social situations. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. The giving and receiving of things, and the eating of food, should only be done with the right hand, as the left is considered unclean. Homosexuality is a criminal offence, and sexual relations outside marriage are also punishable by law.
Ramadan 2012. Probable dates are July 21 to August 19 (See our Ramadan Guide here)
Business: Business in Morocco is based on French customs and is much more formal than in some Western countries. Always check in what language a meeting will be held. Arrange your own translator well in advance. Some businesses are closed on Friday afternoons; most are closed on weekends.
Communications: Internet Cafes are everywhere but the keyboards are often French (non-qwerty!). The international access code for Morocco is +212. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)524 for Marrakech and (0)537 for Rabat. Hotels can add a hefty surcharge to their telephone bills; it is best to check before making long international calls. Three mobile networks cover the the country and SIM cards are inexpensive.
Duty free: Travellers to Morocco over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 400g tobacco; 1 litre spirits and 1 litre wine; and perfume up to 5g.
In-country travel: Note that distances are deceptively far in Morocco, so don't try to see too much in too short a time. CTM is the best bus company, though the website is not helpful. Train travel is easy and inexpensive. See www.oncf.ma for train schedules, though you can't book online. If possible, book a day or two in advance and try to travel first class for comfort's sake.
OTHER LINKS
Advice for Solo Women Travellers: See our story here
The Fez Sacred Music Festival For information on Fes Festival of World Sacred Music click here
Hiking and Climbing: See our story here
Motorcycle Touring: See our story here
Surfing in Morocco: See our story here
Horse riding in Morocco: See our story here
The Best Guide Books: See our pick here
Essential Reading List : See our library here
Moroccan Recipes: The View from Fez Cookbook
Beginner's Guide to Moroccan Carpets: See photo essay here
Embassies in Morocco
American Embassy, Rabat: +212 37 76 2265.
Australian representation in Rabat (Canadian embassy): +212 37 687 400.
British Embassy, Rabat: +212 37 63 3333.
Canadian Embassy, Rabat (also responsible for Australia): +212 37 687 400.
Honorary Consul of Ireland, Casablanca: +212 522 27 27 21.
South African Embassy, Rabat: +212 37 706 760.
New Zealand Embassy, Madrid, Spain (also responsible for Morocco): +34 915 230 226.
Moroccan Embassies Abroad
Moroccan Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6290 0755.
Moroccan Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7581 5001.
Moroccan Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 7391.
Moroccan Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 462 7979.
Moroccan Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 343 0230.
Moroccan Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 660 9449.
Emergency Numbers
City Police 19
Rural Police 177
Ambulance 15
Tourist Office Moroccan National Tourist Office, Rabat: +212 37 673 918 or www.visitmorocco.com
When planning a trip, remember there are other cities and towns other than Marrakech, Casablanca, and Fez! The following is a list of populations of cities in Morocco. The towns or cities marked as links will take you to The View from Fez stories on those places - Have fun - Explore! Enjoy!
| City | Population |
| Agadir | 346,106 |
| Aïn El Aouda {Ain El Aouda} | 25,105 |
| Aïn Harrouda {Ain Harrouda} | 41,853 |
| Aïn Taoujdate {Ain Taoujdate} | 22,030 |
| Aït Melloul {Ait Melloul} | 130,370 |
| Aït Ourir {Ait Ourir} | 20,005 |
| Al Aaroui | 36,021 |
| Al Hoceïma {Al Hoceima} | 55,357 |
| Amalou Ighriben (Moha Ou Hammou Zayani) | 28,933 |
| Aourir | 21,810 |
| Asilah | 28,217 |
| Azemmour | 36,722 |
| Azilal | 27,719 |
| Azrou | 47,540 |
| Benahmed | 21,361 |
| Benguerir | 62,872 |
| Beni Ansar | 31,800 |
| Beni Mellal | 163,286 |
| Ben Slimane | 46,478 |
| Berkane | 80,012 |
| Berrechid | 89,830 |
| Biougra | 25,928 |
| Bouârfa {Bouarfa} | 25,947 |
| Boujad | 40,513 |
| Bouznika | 27,028 |
| Casablanca (Dar El Beida) | 2,946,440 |
| Chefchaouene | 35,709 |
| Chemaïa {Chemaia} | 21,859 |
| Dcheira El Jihadia | 89,367 |
| Demnate | 23,459 |
| El Aïoun {El Aioun} | 34,767 |
| El Hajeb | 27,667 |
| El Jadida | 144,440 |
| El Kelaa M'Gouna | Rose Festival |
| Erfoud | 23,637 |
| Errachidia | 76,759 |
| Er-Rich (Rich) | 20,155 |
| Essaouira | 69,493 |
| Fès [Fes] {Fes} | 946,815 |
| Fnideq | 53,559 |
| Fquih Ben Salah | 82,446 |
| Guelmim | 95,749 |
| Guercif | 57,307 |
| Ihddaden (Ihaddadene) | 25,480 |
| Imzoûrene {Imzourene} | 26,575 |
| Inezgane | 112,753 |
| Jerada | 43,916 |
| Jorf El Melha | 20,581 |
| Kasba Tadla | 40,898 |
| Kenitra | 359,142 |
| Khemisset | 105,088 |
| Khenifra | 72,672 |
| Khouribga | 166,397 |
| Ksar El Kebir | 107,380 |
| Laattaouia | 20,237 |
| Lahraouyine | 47,261 |
| Lamkanssa | 33,940 |
| Larache | 107,371 |
| Lqliâa {Lqliaa} | 38,220 |
| Marrakech | 823,154 |
| Martil | 39,011 |
| M'Diq {MDiq} | 36,596 |
| Mechra Bel Ksiri | 27,630 |
| Meknès {Meknes} | 469,169 |
| Midelt | 44,781 |
| Missour | 20,978 |
| Mohammedia | 188,619 |
| Moulay Ali Cherif (Rissani) | 20,469 |
| M'Rirt {MRirt} | 35,196 |
| Nador | 126,207 |
| Ouarzazate | 56,616 |
| Oued Zem | 83,970 |
| Ouezzane | 57,972 |
| Ouislane | 47,824 |
| Oujda | 400,738 |
| Oulad Ayad | 21,466 |
| Oulad Teïma {Oulad Teima} | 66,183 |
| Rabat | 621,480 |
| Sabaa Aioun | 21,513 |
| Safi | 284,750 |
| Salé {Sale} | 760,186 |
| Sefrou | 64,006 |
| Settat | 116,570 |
| Sidi Bennour | 39,593 |
| Sidi Ifni | 20,051 |
| Sidi Kacem | 74,062 |
| Sidi Slimane | 78,060 |
| Sidi Slimane Echcharraa | 22,904 |
| Sidi Taibi | 19,979 |
| Sidi Yahya El Gharb | 31,705 |
| Skhirate | 43,025 |
| Souk El Arbaâ (Souk Larba Al Gharb) {Souk El Arbaa} | 43,392 |
| Souk Sebt Oulad Nemma | 51,049 |
| Tabounte | 21,168 |
| Tahla (Tahala) | 25,655 |
| Tanger [Tangier] | 669,685 |
| Tan-Tan | 60,698 |
| Taounate | 32,629 |
| Taourirt | 80,024 |
| Taroudannt | 69,489 |
| Taza | 139,686 |
| Temara | 225,497 |
| Tétouan {Tetouan} | 320,539 |
| Tiflet | 69,640 |
| Tinrhir | 36,391 |
| Tiznit | 53,682 |
| Youssoufia | 64,518 |
| Zagora | 34,851 |
| Zaïo {Zaio} | 29,851 |
| Zaouiat Cheikh | 22,728 |
| Zeghanghane (Segangane) | 20,181 |
See also our stories on these interesting destinations: Azlag, Figuig, Sidi Kaouki, Oualidia, Al Jadida, Lixus, Sebta (Ceuta), Tissa, Merzouga, Imichil, Tamegroute, Erg Chebbi, Moulay Idriss,
1 comment:
I arrived at Stanstead Airport in London, from Fez last week, and there is a currency exchange in the arrivals area that will buy Moroccan Dirham from you.
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