Traveling to Morocco 2024

Key Facts

• Official Language: Arabic and Berber. French is widely spoken.
• Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
• Capital City: Rabat.
• Major Cities: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes, and Tangier.
• Time Zone: Western European Time (UTC+0).
• Electricity: Type C and E outlets, 220V, 50Hz.
• Visa: Many nationalities can enter without a visa for up to 90 days; check the Moroccan consulate website for specific requirements.
• Emergency Numbers: Police: 190, Ambulance: 150, Fire: 15.

Before You Go

Ensure to take care of the following elements before your departure:

• Check your passport validity (must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry).
• Acquire travel insurance that covers health emergencies and theft.
• Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid blocked transactions.
• Research cultural norms and appropriate dressing to respect local customs.

Getting There

• Air: Major international airports are located in Casablanca, Marrakech, and Rabat.
• Land: You can enter via the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, and through borders with Algeria (currently closed).
• Sea: Regular ferries arrive from Spain, with popular routes including Algeciras to Tangier.

Transportation Within Morocco

• Trains: Reliable and comfortable, connecting major cities.
• Buses: Extensive network; choose CTM or Supratours for higher comfort.
• Taxis: Petit taxis for short distances within cities, grand taxis for inter-city travel.
• Rental Cars: Available in major cities and airports, an International Driving Permit may be required.

Accommodation

• Hotels: Ranging from budget to luxury, with options for every traveler.
• Riads: Traditional Moroccan houses, offering an authentic stay experience.
• Hostels: Available for budget travelers, primarily in larger cities.
• Apartments: For those preferring self-catering options, especially in tourist areas.

Food and Dining

• Experience local cuisine like couscous, tagine, and mint tea.
• Street food is a must-try, but ensure it's cooked fresh in front of you.
• Drinking water: Bottled water is recommended, especially in rural areas.
• Tipping: Common practice - around 10% in restaurants if service charge is not included.

Safety Tips

• Remain vigilant in busy markets and tourist areas to avoid pickpocketing.
• Respect the conservative dress code, especially when visiting religious sites.
• Avoid sensitive topics in conversations such as politics and religion.
• For women travelers, it's advisable to dress modestly and possibly travel in groups.

Health Advisory

• Consult your doctor for vaccinations like Hepatitis A and Typhoid before traveling.
• Prepare a travel health kit with essential medications and first-aid supplies.
• Medical facilities are decent in cities, but can be limited elsewhere.
• Pharmacies are widely available, but it's best to bring specific prescribed medications with you.

Cultural Etiquette

• Greetings involve a handshake and friendly inquiries about personal well-being.
• When invited to a home, it's polite to bring a small gift, such as pastries or flowers.
• Remove shoes before entering a Moroccan home as a sign of respect.
• Bargaining is customary in markets – begin at about half the proposed price.

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and tourist spots.
• Consider purchasing a local SIM card for data and calls.
• Internet cafes are present in bigger cities for accessing online services.