Morocco travel & tours here is some general information for travelers who want to visit Morocco.
Airport
To enter Morocco you need a passport valid at least 6 months past the date of expected departure.
In the airport, there is free WiFi. To connect you have to fill your email address first.
Money
The currency of Morocco is Dirham (MAD) and the rate with USD is approximately 1$ ~ 9,5MAD.
It’s better to bring with you some cash and change it in local currency because Morocco is not so familiar with credit or debit cards payment.
To exchange money it’s better to not do it in the airport. It’s better to go to an exchange office in the city of Marrakech or Fes because the exchange offices there have better rates.
There is an exchange office close to Jemaa El Fnaa square in Marrakech and it has the best exchange rate.
You will find a few places that accept payment by credit or debit card but for the transaction, you have to pay an extra fee of 3% – 5%.
Also, you can use your debit or credit card in an ATM machine, and to do withdrawal of Dirham, the daily limit is 2000 MAD ~ 205 $ and the bank will charge you an extra fee of 2% – 3,5%.
Hygiene
Always drink bottled water.
For restaurants you can ask your hotel/riad or your driver for some recommendations.
Moroccan foods are a little bit spicier than American foods and it’s good to have with you some pills for stomach problems in case you will need them. Always have with you some tissues because not all the toilets are equipped with toilet paper and especially in places where are not so touristic.
Walking in the medina (old city)
Generally Morocco is a safe country.
In the medina of Marrakech or Fes, it’s very easy to get lost, because of the small narrow streets, so you can ask your riad/hotel to give you a map of the area and you can also download some offline maps of Morocco in your cellphone.
In case you can’t find your way you can ask someone to help you and for some Dirhams can take you to the place you are looking for.
Always be careful in crowed places like Jemaa El Fnaa square, your personal belongings.
Markets and shopping
If you want to buy something in the markets, you can always ask for a discount, it’s common in Morocco.
Also, you can do your purchases when you will be with the city guide in Marrakech or Fes, he can help you with better prices.
If you want to buy a valuable object like carpets, Berber jewelry, etc. there is a place close to Todra Gorges, where you can make your purchases. The quality of the products is higher and is much cheaper than the big cities.
You can ask from your driver to make a stop there.
Also Morocco is famous for Argan oil.
Argan oil grows up only in Morocco and it’s an amazing product that used for cosmetic reasons.
During your tour, in the High Atlas Mountains, there is a female cooperative that exports and sells excellent quality Argan oil. You can ask your driver to make a stop there if you wish to buy some bottles. Also is a perfect gift for your friends back to your country.
Weather conditions & clothing
There’s a saying that Morocco is a cold country with a warm sun and this couldn’t be more true than from November – March. This means to take with you layers of clothing.
The average temperatures you’ll face in December would be between 5°C and 19°C and depending on your exact destination, you can face more or less also some rainy days. The sunny but cooler days provide a comfortable climate to discover the colorful sights and sounds of Marrakech and Fez. Other regional centers, such as the Atlas Mountains will naturally bring colder weather, particularly in the evenings.
So my advice is to bring with you some warm clothes, but also take with you and some more light clothes that probably you will need during the day. Don’t forget also your sunglasses and comfortable shoes.
Because Morocco is a Muslim country, a lot of clients asking about the dress code of women.
I want to inform you that the female travelers can be dressed normally as they do in their country. Morocco has a lot of tourists and the people are getting used to the American dress code.
Activities
During your stay in the Sahara Desert, you have the opportunity if you wish to hire a quad or alternatively to do sandboard in the highest sand dunes of Morocco.
When you will be in Fes or Marrakech if you wish you can visit a traditional hammam or have a cooking class.
In Morocco, henna tattoos are very common. If you wish to have a henna tattoo, the only place you have to avoid is Jemaa El Fnaa square in Marrakech. You can visit one of the cafés which use to offer good quality henna (Henna Louaya, Henna Art Cafe, Henna Cafe, etc.).
If you wish to have some of those activities you can ask from your driver to help you.
And my last advice.. Enjoy it!
Morocco is a wonderful country with amazing places and people.