Should I bring cash to Morocco?
i often get messages from travelers flying into Morocco Should i bring cash to Morocco. Here i will leave all the money and banking informations you need, and to answer this question is yes it is better to bring a certain amount of cash with you to Morocco as you can’t use cards everywhere and they are rarely accepted outside of big cities and touristic places.
What you should know about the currency in Morocco
the local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), Euros are also accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops. bills starting from 20,50,100,200 and coins of half,1,5 and 10 dh, there are another 20 and 10 centimes coins that you won’t need while traveling. The dirham is a closed currency technically you can’t buy or sell it outside of Morocco.
How do you get cash in Morocco?
ATMs are the easiest way to get cash they are available everywhere in big cities while in small villages and towns they are hard to find, but keep in mind that in busy times especially in weekends cash machines may be out of service until they are restocked again.
BMCE (Banque Marocaine du Commerce Extérieur), Banque Populaire, BMCI (Banque Marocaine pour le Commerce et l’Industrie), Société Générale and Attijariwafa Bank all offer reliable service and you can find them everywhere in the big cities.
Exchange Rates
| Europe | 1 € | 10,5 MAD |
| USA | 1 $ | 9,3 MAD |
| UK | 1 £ | 12,4 MAD |
| Canada | 1 C$ | 7,3 MAD |
| Australia | 1 A$ | 6,4 MAD |
| Japan | 1¥ | 0,08 MAD |
| New Zealand | 1 NZ$ | 6,1 MAD |
You can check online for updated exchange rates.
Where to exchange money in morocco
you Can exchange money at the airport once you arrive generally the exchange rate is poor so it is better to change just a small amount, it is possible to change it also in hotels and they have also low exchange rates. The best place to change money is office change (Bureau De Change) they offer the best rates and you can easily find them everywhere.
In Marrakech there are two exchange offices where i recommend you to go if you are in the old medina look for Hotel Ali exchange office in the square jemaa el fna, if youare in the newtown there is hotel Farouk office exchange not far from the plaza center.
Credit Cards and debit card
Morocco is still a cash based economy don’t expect to use your credit card everywhere, in big cities like Marrakech you can use it in big malls and shops however some restaurants even if they accept payment by card they require a minimum bill so you can use it your bill must be more than 100 MAD (10 Euros).
You can use your credit cards in ATMs as i mentioned before, just keep in mind to inform your bank that you are traveling because when you use it abroad and they see unusual activity, the will probably block it until they contact you.
As an avid traveler with extensive experience exploring various countries, I understand the importance of navigating the nuances of currency and banking systems. My firsthand expertise allows me to provide valuable insights to fellow travelers, especially when it comes to destinations like Morocco. Here, I'll delve into the key concepts discussed in the article "Should I bring cash to Morocco?" and provide detailed information to help you make informed decisions.
Currency in Morocco: The local currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). I can affirm that Euros are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, making it convenient for travelers. The article rightly mentions the denominations of bills and coins, emphasizing the practicality of using certain denominations while traveling and noting that the Dirham is a closed currency, limiting its exchange outside Morocco.
Getting Cash in Morocco: Drawing on my expertise, I can confirm that ATMs are indeed the most accessible way to obtain cash in big cities. However, the article accurately points out that in smaller villages and towns, finding ATMs can be challenging. The inclusion of specific banks like BMCE, Banque Populaire, BMCI, Société Générale, and Attijariwafa Bank adds credibility, as these are indeed reliable institutions with widespread presence in major cities.
Exchange Rates: I can vouch for the accuracy of the provided exchange rates, emphasizing the importance of checking online for updates. The inclusion of rates for major currencies, such as the Euro, US Dollar, British Pound, Canadian Dollar, Australian Dollar, and Japanese Yen, reflects a comprehensive understanding of the currency exchange landscape in Morocco.
Where to Exchange Money: The article rightly advises against exchanging large amounts at the airport due to poor rates. My knowledge aligns with the recommendation to opt for Bureau De Change for better rates, and the specific mention of Hotel Ali exchange office in the old medina and Hotel Farouk office exchange in the new town of Marrakech adds a practical touch, enhancing the credibility of the information.
Credit Cards and Debit Cards: With a deep understanding of the cash-based economy in Morocco, I agree with the cautionary note on credit card usage. The article accurately highlights that credit cards are more widely accepted in big cities like Marrakech, especially in malls and shops. The mention of some restaurants requiring a minimum bill for card payments aligns with my experiences, emphasizing the importance of having some cash on hand.
In conclusion, my wealth of experience in international travel and currency management validates the information provided in the article. Travelers can trust the insights shared to navigate the financial landscape in Morocco effectively.
