Morocco Basics (updated 2013) - Essential Guide

Quick guide

This is the basic information you need to know before a trip to Morocco.

Time: Local time is GMT. Daylight saving starts on a slightly different day each year, so it pays to check especially as it reverts for the month of Ramadan

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin round plugs are standard. Adaptors are not easily found in Morocco, so bring your own

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 now widely available in the larger towns and are the best and easiest way to get funds. Do not bring travellers cheques or Australian dollars.

Euro and USD notes 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.

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 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 growing in importance and 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. 

Bottled drinking water is available everywhere and is inexpensive, although some restaurants charge an exorbitant markup. From any street-side shop, a 1.5-liter bottle of water will cost no more than 10dh.

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. Do not wear flashy necklaces as these are an easy target. 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.

Alcohol - Morocco has a well established wine industry as well as good beer production (Casablanca, Flag Special)  Many Moroccans drink, but very few in places other than restaurants or bars. . The legal drinking age for Moroccans is 18, however many places will serve most people.  Avoid Moroccan bars,  frequented by Moroccan men and prostitutes. Most top-end restaurants and many riads serve alcohol, as will nightclubs in the resorts of Agadir and Marrakech. To purchase alcohol visit the national supermarket chains Acima and Marjane and Carrefour.  Note that the alcohol departments shut prior to and during religious holidays such as Ramadan and Eid. Do not drink alcohol in a public place.

Ramadan - the dates move back 11 days each year. Check for exact dates if arriving during Ramadan. Try to avoid drinking, eating and smoking in public during the hours of fasting.

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. 

 Government departments work from Monday to Thursday 8:30am to noon and 2 to 6:30pm, and Fridays 8:30 to 11:30am and 3 to 6:30pm.

Communications: Internet Cafes are everywhere but the keyboards are often French (non-qwerty!). Almost every riad and hotel now has free wifi. Connection speeds vary between average and good.

Phones - 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.

Casablanca: 0522 
Oualidia: 0523 

Marrakech, Essaouira, and Ouarzazate: 0524

Agadir, Tafraoute, and Taroudannt: 0528 

Erfoud, Fes, Meknes, and Midelt: 0535

Rabat: 0537 

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 cheap phones ans 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

Handy Hints for Casablanca:  See our story here

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
There is no Automobile Club for emergencies but the universal assistance number is 5050

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

Source: Thomas Brinkhoff: City Population, http://www.citypopulation.de
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, 

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Morocco in Ramadan

Is it difficult to travel in Morocco during Ramadan? Should you schedule your holiday for another time? What exactly goes on? The View from Fez takes a look.

a Muslim family breaks the fast

The holy month of Ramadan will probably start on Wednesday 11 August and end around 9 September. We can't be more specific because the Islamic calendar depends on the moon and the month will start on the sighting of the new moon. Because the Islamic calendar has months of around 28 days, the year is shorter than the Gregorian calendar of the west. That's why Ramadan and other Islamic events take place 11 days earlier each year.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the year, and is considered holy because that's when the Angel Gabriel gave the Prophet Mohamed the Holy Qur'an. During this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset - nothing must pass their lips, meaning no food, no water and no smoking. Exempt are pregnant or breastfeeding women, small children, those travelling and the sick and elderly.

The day starts before sunrise when Muslims get up to have breakfast before the first call to prayer. Then they go back to bed for a bit more sleep. Therefore shops, offices (including banks and post offices) and schools start a little later during this time.

The next breakfast, known as f'tour in Moroccan Arabic (iftah in Modern Standard Arabic), is taken after the call to prayer at around 17h30. This meal starts with dates and harira soup with chebakiya (a sweet, pretzel-like cake), and is followed by milk or milkshakes, eggs dipped in cumin, various breads and mint tea.

Ramadan evenings are festive affairs, with families out for a stroll, an icecream or taking their children to the funfairs. Dinner will be served much later in the evening, probably around 22h00 or 23h00. The month ends with a three-day Eid celebration.

HOW DOES RAMADAN AFFECT THE VISITOR?

The answer to this is, not a lot. In fact it's a very interesting time to visit Morocco and get a peek at one of the most important aspects of the culture and religion. Here are a few points to note:

*restaurants catering to visitors stay open during the day, though Moroccans, of course, do not frequent them at this time. Many cafes become sweet pastry shops, tables piled high with deep-fried sweet pretzels, samoosas and sausage-shaped rolls filled with almond-dotted sesame paste dripping with honey. You'll notice large plastic buckets hanging above the displays which you can buy to take home your purchases.

sweets are popular during Ramadan

*do try f'tour, even if you're not fasting yourself. Best of all would be an invitation to break the fast with a Moroccan family, but you can also try it in a local restaurant (in Fez, Cafe Clock will be serving f'tour, and there are some wonderful hole-in-the-wall restaurants on Boulevard Chefchaouni near the park in the new city, where f'tour will cost around Dh15 per person.

*most restaurants in the new city close for the month to give their staff a holiday (though Maison Blanche in Fez will remain open this year).

*the opening hours of banks and post offices change. They open later, and close earlier to allow staff to get home in time for f'tour. This means that the hours posted outside these offices will differ.

*trains and buses run to the usual schedules, but it's impossible to find a petit taxi from around 17hoo to 18h30, when drivers are at home breaking their fast.

*the alcohol sections of the supermarkets and the alcohol shops in the new city and bars are closed from three days before Ramadan to three days after. As a foreigner, you can still get a drink in the hotel bars, though many of these run out of some drinks towards the end of the month.

*out of respect for the local population, it's a good idea not to wander the medina streets munching on a sandwich or drinking from your water bottle. Try to do this in private. As it's such a holy time, dress is even more important than usual. Bare shoulders and shorts or mini-skirts should be avoided.

*The Eid celebrations at the end of Ramadan last three days. Shops and offices close and public transport is often full as people go home for the holiday.

*Wish everyone Ramadan Mubarak (a blessed Ramadan) at the beginning of the month, and Eid Mubarak at the end!

Morocco - basic info - the essentials

This is the basic information you need to know before a trip to Morocco

Time: Local time is GMT.


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. 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. Travellers cheques can be used in tourist areas, but are not prevalent; they are best taken in Euros or Pounds Stirling.

Currency Exchange Rates:  please check your exchange rates here: EXCHANGE

Language: Arabic is the official language, but Berber, French and Spanish are also spoken. English is generally understood in the tourist areas, but French is the more common.

Visas : For New Zealanders and Australians a passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months.

For United States citizens, a passport, but no visa for a stay of up to three months.

For UK nationals a passport, but no visa for a stay of up to three months, providing the passport is endorsed British Citizen, British National (Overseas) or British Subject, with the right of abode in the U.K. In all other cases a visa is required.

For Canadians: Canadian citizens require a passport, but no visa for a stay of up to three months. 

For South Africans a passport and note you must apply for a visa in South Africa, for travel to Morocco.

For Irish nationals, a passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months.

Proof of sufficient funds are required for visa and entry approval. An extension of six months is available for visa-exempt nationals.

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 expected 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.


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.  


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.


Business: Business in Morocco is based on French customs and is much more formal than in some Western countries. Always check what language a meeting will be  held . Arrange your own translator well in advance. Almost all businesses are closed on Fridays, and some are also closed on Thursdays.


Communications:  Internet Cafes are everywhere but the keyboards are often 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)44 for Marrakech and (0)37 for Rabat. Hotels can add a hefty surcharge to their telephone bills; it is best to check before making long international calls. Three mobile GSM 900 networks cover the north of the country. 

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.

Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news