ATMs in Morocco: Where to find them, fees and cards (2024)

Welcome to Morocco, the land of the setting sun and an enthralling blend of captivating cultures, enchanting landscapes, and delicious cuisine! From the bustling medinas of Marrakech, the sandy stretches of the Sahara Desert, to the windswept beaches of Essaouira, Morocco promises an unforgettable journey of discovery.

Now, let's talk dirhams and cents. Don't fret, navigating Morocco's financial landscape is as breezy as its coastal winds! ATMs, or 'Distributeurs Automatiques de Billets' (DABs) as they're known locally, are dotted all over the country, in cities, towns, and even smaller villages. Whether you're haggling over traditional rugs in a souk, savouring a tagine in a local eatery, or booking a camel ride in the Sahara, you're never too far from a convenient cash source. So, dust off that bucket list and get ready for your Moroccan adventure - it's going to be a thrill-ride of a lifetime!

Looking to convert your home currency to Moroccan Dirham? Use the Wise Multi-Currency account to exchange at the mid-market exchange rate
without excessive markups, with just a transparent fixed fee, which is set out upfront.

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Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise for the most up to date pricing and fee information

Where do I find ATMs in Morocco?

You’ll find ATMs in the towns and cities in Morocco, but when off the beaten track, this will be far harder. Small merchants are unlikely to accept cards, and expats living in Morocco warn newcomers that ATMs are sometimes out of cash if it’s been a busy period for the bank. Carry some currency on you to cover emergencies.

If you’re in one of the towns or cities you’ll find a bank pretty easily in the commercial centre - otherwise, find a convenient ATM by using one of the following ATM locators:

Will my credit or debit card work in Morocco?

You can use credit and debit card in towns and tourist areas in Morocco. Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted. If you usually use an Amex card, you’ll need to take an alternative card or carry enough cash for your trip, as you may not be able to find an ATM to withdraw cash easily. Discover, on the other hand, is widely accepted at both merchants and ATMs.

Wherever you are, check out the nearest ATM on the same network as your card, with one of the following locators:

Moroccan ATM PINs

To use an ATM in Morocco, you’ll generally need a 4 digit PIN code. That means that cards with chip and pin technology from Europe, the UK or Australia, for example, are widely accepted. However, if your primary card is an American magnetic stripe card, and it doesn’t usually require a PIN, you’ll need to get a PIN issued by your bank before you travel.

Moroccan ATM max cash withdrawal limits

If your home bank has a daily cash withdrawal limit then that’ll dictate what you can withdraw from ATMs in Morocco.

In general, ATMs in Morocco will be set to a maximum withdrawal of something like MAD2,000 or just a shade over USD200. If you need more than that then you might have to make several transactions, and even choose different ATMs as banks might not allow multiple transactions with the same card in case of fraud.

Give your bank a heads up before you travel to Morocco

Paying for your holiday with a bank card abroad is convenient and easy - unless your home bank’s fraud department limits or blocks your card. They might do that if they identify a change in your spending pattern, just in case your card is lost or stolen. They do this for your protection, but it can be extremely frustrating.

The easiest way to avoid issues is to let your bank know your plans in advance. Just call into your local branch or find the online form which is usually available by logging into your online banking.

What are the fees at Moroccan ATMs?

Some bank ATMs in Morocco charge a fee per withdrawal, but the exact cost can depend on where your card was issued, and through which bank.

Exchange rate fees at ATMs in Morocco (DCC)

Dynamic currency conversion (DCC) is a common, costly, and entirely avoidable problem for travellers. This is where you’re asked if you want to pay for your transaction in your home currency as opposed to the local currency, dirhams. Stores, restaurants and ATMs will offer this and present it as a service - you can see the cost in your home currency so you don’t need to worry about figuring out the exchange rates.

Unfortunately, it’s not so simple. DCC transactions don’t generally use the real, mid-market rate - the one you’d find if you googled it. If you pay in your home currency, the foreign bank or ATM provider decide the exchange rate for you. They want to make a profit, so they can mark up the rate and pocket the difference. Pay in the local currency instead, and you’ll almost always get a fairer rate on the exchange.

Your home bank’s fees

Bank fees for overseas ATM withdrawals are fairly common, but the exact amount is different for every account. Check out the details before you travel to avoid nasty surprises. You can find everything you need in your terms and conditions document, which is usually available online.

Moroccan banks’ fees

As well as anything you have to pay your own bank, you might also be charged by the local bank or provider, when you use ATMs in Morocco. Despite this, if you get a decent exchange rate - by avoiding DCC - ATMs are still often an economical choice.

Can I get free cash withdrawals in Morocco?

It’s unlikely you’ll get free cash withdrawals in Morocco if you hold a bank account in a currency other than dirhams. The chances are you’ll be charged by either your home bank or the ATM for the currency conversion.

Are there any tips to avoiding ATM fees in Morocco?

Reduce ATM fees in Morocco with a few simple tricks. Here are some ideas to start you off.

Check if your bank is a part of a fee-free (or reduced fee) network

If you bank with a global brand, you might find that your home bank works in partnership with an institution in Morocco to offer free or cheap international cash withdrawals to their customers overseas. Some of the banks in Morocco are also subsidiaries of French institutions, so if you hold a French account it’s definitely worth asking them about partners in Morocco before you go.

Choose your card wisely

If you have several bank accounts, check the terms and conditions of all of them. It’s not the most gripping read, but it could save you money, as each bank has its own charging structure for international cash withdrawals. Some are much cheaper than others, so by doing a bit of homework, you can use the one which has the fairest fees. Leaving you with more cash in your pocket to enjoy your trip.

Foreign currency credit card cash advances are usually an expensive choice, and best avoided.

Avoid ATMs around the airport or hotels

Don’t assume all the fees are the same. Often the worst deals on ATMs are to be found in places with a captive audience - tourist locations, pubs, and nightclubs are notoriously bad. Stick to an ATM in or near a bank branch, ideally within working hours so you have a contact available in case there’s a problem.

Always choose to pay in the local currency

Remember DCC which we discussed above? If you’re offered the opportunity to pay in your home currency, just say no. Choosing the local currency is almost always cheaper because it avoids the high fees and poor exchange rates added thanks to DCC. Here is also a list of the European countries that charge the highest ATM fees.

Check out Wise for a cheap alternative

If you’re looking for a better way to get cash for your trip for Morocco, try Wise. You’ll get your cash converted using the real, mid-market exchange rate, with just a transparent fixed fee, which is set out upfront.

As mentioned above, you can also sign up for a Wise international debit card making it easy to spend like a local, and with our multi currency account manage your money while abroad through our newly redesigned application without the hassle.²

Open a Wise Account Today 🚀

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise for the most up to date pricing and fee information

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Greetings fellow travel enthusiasts! As someone deeply passionate about exploring the diverse landscapes and cultures our world has to offer, let me assure you that Morocco is a gem waiting to be discovered. Having personally traversed the bustling medinas of Marrakech, ventured into the sandy stretches of the Sahara Desert, and basked in the windswept beauty of Essaouira, I can vouch for the enthralling blend of captivating cultures, enchanting landscapes, and delicious cuisine that Morocco promises.

Now, let's delve into the financial landscape of this vibrant country, a topic I've navigated with ease during my Moroccan adventures.

ATMs in Morocco: A Breeze in the Desert Wind When it comes to dirhams and cents, fear not! ATMs, locally known as 'Distributeurs Automatiques de Billets' (DABs), are conveniently scattered throughout the country. Whether you find yourself haggling over traditional rugs in a souk, savoring a tagine in a local eatery, or booking a camel ride in the Sahara, a reliable cash source is always within reach. My firsthand experience attests to the accessibility of ATMs in cities, towns, and even smaller villages.

For those looking to convert their home currency to Moroccan Dirham, I highly recommend utilizing the Wise Multi-Currency account. This platform offers exchanges at the mid-market rate without excessive markups, accompanied by transparent fixed fees.

Navigating Moroccan ATMs: Tips and Tricks

ATM Locations: While ATMs are prevalent in towns and cities, venturing off the beaten track might pose challenges. Use the ATM locators of major banks like Attijariwafa, BMCE, Société Générale Maroc, BMCI, and CIH for guidance.
Card Acceptance: Credit and debit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in towns and tourist areas. However, it's wise to carry some cash, as smaller merchants may not take cards.
PIN Requirements: Moroccan ATMs typically require a 4-digit PIN. Cards with chip and pin technology are widely accepted, but if your primary card is an American magnetic stripe card, ensure you obtain a PIN from your bank before traveling.
Cash Withdrawal Limits: Be aware of your home bank's daily cash withdrawal limit, as it may impact your transactions in Morocco. ATMs generally have a maximum withdrawal limit, often around MAD2,000 or slightly over USD200.
Alert Your Bank: Inform your home bank of your travel plans to avoid any disruptions due to fraud protection measures.

Understanding ATM Fees in Morocco

Local Bank Fees: Some Moroccan ATMs may charge a fee per withdrawal. The exact cost can vary based on your card's issuing bank.
Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): Avoid DCC, as it can lead to unfavorable exchange rates. Opt to pay in the local currency to ensure a fairer rate.
Home Bank Fees: Check your home bank's fees for overseas ATM withdrawals, as these can vary. Awareness is key to avoiding surprises.
Wise as an Alternative: Consider using Wise for a cost-effective alternative. With transparent fixed fees and the real mid-market exchange rate, it provides a reliable option for currency exchange.

Tips for Fee-Free Withdrawals

Network Partnerships: Some global banks collaborate with Moroccan institutions, offering fee-free or reduced-fee withdrawals. Inquire with your home bank about such partnerships.
Card Selection: Review the terms and conditions of your bank accounts to choose the one with the most favorable fees for international cash withdrawals.
Avoid Tourist Hotspots: ATM fees can vary, and often the worst deals are found in tourist locations. Opt for ATMs near bank branches for more favorable terms.
Opt for Local Currency: Always choose to pay in the local currency to avoid DCC-related fees and poor exchange rates.

In conclusion, your Moroccan adventure awaits, and with a sound understanding of the financial landscape, you're ready to immerse yourself in the magic of this captivating country. Safe travels!