Africa · Destination guide
Morocco
Capital: Rabat (Marrakech is the main tourist city)
🛂Visa requirements
💳Money & payments
Cards: Cards accepted in hotels and larger restaurants. Cash essential in souks, markets, and smaller riads. Dirham cannot be imported or exported — exchange on arrival.
ATMs: Attijariwafa Bank and BMCE/Bank of Africa ATMs are reliable. ATMs in medinas can run out of cash on weekends — withdraw in advance.
Tipping
Expected and culturally important. Restaurant: 10%. Guides: MAD 50–100/day. Hammam staff: MAD 20–30. Taxi: round up.
💬Language
Arabic and Amazigh (Berber); French is widely used in business and tourism
Good in major tourist areas. French more useful in smaller cities.
Useful phrases
- ·Shukran — Thank you
- ·La shukran — No thank you (important for declining persistent vendors)
- ·Afak — Please
- ·Safi — Okay / That's enough
Language preparation
15 min/day for 8 weeks ≈ 672 useful words and phrases
Learn some Arabic before you go
Good in major tourist areas. French more useful in smaller cities. — even basic phrases open doors and locals appreciate the effort.
Start with these
- 1.Shukran — Thank you
- 2.As-salamu alaykum — Peace be upon you (respectful greeting)
- 3.La shukran — No thank you
- 4.Bikam? — How much?
💡 Arabic is written right-to-left. In UAE and Qatar, English is widely used — even a few Arabic words are warmly received.
Not a native English speaker?
English is the international travel language — building confidence before your trip makes every interaction easier.
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🔌Electricity & plugs
Standard European round pins. UK visitors need an adapter.
🤝Local customs & etiquette
- 1.Morocco is a Muslim-majority country. Dress modestly outside of resorts — cover shoulders and knees, especially in medinas and mosques.
- 2.Ramadan: eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight is disrespectful. Many restaurants close during the day.
- 3.Bargaining in souks is expected and part of the culture — never accept the first price. Start at 30–40% of the asking price.
- 4.A firm but polite 'La shukran' (no thank you) is necessary to decline persistent vendors. Acknowledging them at all extends the engagement.
- 5.Mint tea is offered as hospitality — refusing it is rude. Accept it even if you only take a sip.
📶SIM cards & connectivity
Local SIM: Maroc Telecom, Orange Maroc, and Inwi. SIMs available at airports and phone shops. ID required. Data is affordable.
WiFi: Good in riads, hotels, and cafés in tourist areas.
🛡️Safety
Generally safe in tourist areas. Be firm with touts in souks. Use official guides for the medina — unofficial 'guides' take commissions from shops. Solo female travellers should be aware of persistent male attention.
💉Health
Hepatitis A vaccination recommended. Do not drink tap water. Food safety: eat hot, freshly cooked food at busy establishments.
🚨Emergency numbers
police
19
ambulance
15
fire
15
🚗Driving
Explore Morocco