Everything you need to know ahead of your trip to the Arabian wonder.
Discover Morocco
Dating back centuries, Morocco is an explosion of colour, tradition, soul and spice. Here’s everything you need to know before your trip.
Explore Morocco’s Cities
A country as impressively diverse as Morocco is home to an array of fascinating cities. From the vibrantly modern metropolis of Casablanca to the medieval streets of Fez, the ancient souk markets of Marrakesh or the bustling life of capital city Rabat, there’s something for every traveller to fall in love with.
Visit a Hammam
The quintessential Moroccan experience, visiting a hammam is a must-do of your trip. A hamman is a steam room that Moroccans visit each week to wash and cleanse themselves whilst socialising with friends and family. You can choose whether to visit a public one to get the real experience or head to a more tourist-friendly one for around 150Dh. Once inside a hammam men and women bathe separately, and you can begin to wash yourself with exfoliating scrubs or you can even pay a member of staff to pamper you. Take a towel and a bathing suit along and enjoy the experience.
Enjoy beautiful beaches
Beach life may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Morocco, but the country has an impressive coastline of beachy wonders. The popular beach town of Agadir is a good place to start, whilst Essaouira is slowly building its reputation as the next best thing. If you prefer your beaches quieter and more rugged, the laidback town of Taghazout is a popular spot with surfers the world over.
What is the currency in Morocco?
Morocco is a stunning travel destination, but how much money should you take with you? Learn more about the currency in Morocco.
Is Morocco expensive?
Wondering how to find cheap flights to Morocco and how to budget for a trip to this beautiful country? Learn more in our Morocco travel guide.
Money
The currency of Morocco is the dirham, which is broken down into 100 santimat.
The dirham is a closed currency, which means it can only be bought once you arrive in Morocco. You’re allowed to bring in or take out 1000Dh (around £65) but you’ll need to exchange the rest on arrival.
You can exchange your pounds (don’t bring Scottish, Gibraltar or Northern Irish Sterling notes) to dirhams at a Bureau de Change in the airport or port, at a bank and in most hotels. Keep hold of your receipt as you might need it to convert your dirhams back when you leave – you can do it at the airport for a good rate.
If you’d rather, you can take our Travelex Money Card with you, and use it wherever you see the MasterCard logo. Simply load it up with British pounds and it’ll convert to dirhams once you start using it in Morocco.
Travelling around Morocco
By train
Trains are generally considered the best way to get around Morocco, since they are quick, easy and comfortable. They’re also a great way to get to know the locals as you’ll find that passengers are very friendly and social. The journey from Tangier to Marrakech will cost around 200Dh second class, or 300Dh first class, and the night trains offer couchettes to sleep on for an extra 100Dh.
By bus
Luxury buses are also a great way to travel around Morocco and their travel network is pretty extensive. You’ll find that they’re comfortable, air-conditioned and fairly cheap – good companies to use are CTM or Supratours, where a trip from Casablanca to Agadir will cost you around 220Dh. There are also plenty of local buses available for about a quarter of the price of a luxury bus, but they can be incredibly slow since they will stop for anyone, anywhere.
By taxi
Taxis are a common way to get around the cities of Morocco – prices start at around 7Dh, and are around 5Dh for every km.
Travelex in Morocco
Since Moroccan dirhams aren’t available outside of the country, you’ll be fine to take British pounds with you, ready to exchange once you arrive.
If you’d rather not carry cash, you can take our Travelex Money Card with you.
Please note that a 2% fee applies to GBP loads, and a 5.75% fee is incurred when using the card in Morocco where the local currency isn't offered on our Travelex Money Card. This fee also extends to cash withdrawals for Moroccan dirham and other currencies that are not offered on our Travelex Money Card. Find out more on our fees here.
Keep exploring...
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As a seasoned traveler and enthusiast with extensive experience in exploring diverse cultures and destinations, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge about Morocco, a country that encapsulates a rich tapestry of history, tradition, and vibrant landscapes. My expertise stems from firsthand encounters with the enchanting cities, cultural practices, and practicalities of navigating this captivating North African gem.
The article "Everything you need to know ahead of your trip to the Arabian wonder. Discover Morocco" serves as a comprehensive guide for those eager to embark on a journey to Morocco. Let's delve into the key concepts covered in the article:
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Explore Morocco’s Cities:
- The article highlights the remarkable diversity of Moroccan cities, including the modern Casablanca, the medieval Fez, the vibrant Marrakesh, and the bustling capital Rabat. Each city offers a unique experience, from historical landmarks to lively souk markets.
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Visit a Hammam:
- The quintessential Moroccan experience involves visiting a hammam, a traditional steam room. The article emphasizes the social and cleansing aspects of this ritual, detailing the option to choose between public and tourist-friendly hammams, providing a glimpse into the cultural practices of Moroccan life.
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Enjoy Beautiful Beaches:
- Contrary to common perception, the article brings attention to Morocco's impressive coastline and its beautiful beaches. From the popular Agadir to the emerging Essaouira and the laidback Taghazout, the country offers diverse beach experiences.
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Currency in Morocco:
- The currency in Morocco is the dirham, and the article explains its structure, with 100 santimat making up one dirham. The closed currency system is highlighted, indicating that dirhams can only be obtained within the country. Travelers are informed about currency exchange options, including the use of Travelex Money Card.
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Traveling Around Morocco:
- The article provides insights into different modes of transportation:
- By Train: Trains are recommended for their speed, comfort, and sociable atmosphere, with examples of ticket prices for popular routes.
- By Bus: Luxury buses (CTM or Supratours) offer a comfortable and extensive network, while local buses provide a more economical but slower option.
- By Taxi: Taxis are a common mode of transport within cities, with information on starting prices and per-kilometer rates.
- The article provides insights into different modes of transportation:
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Travelex in Morocco:
- Given the closed currency system, the article suggests carrying British pounds to exchange for dirhams upon arrival. Alternatively, the Travelex Money Card is recommended, with details about fees associated with its use in Morocco.
This comprehensive guide provides essential information for travelers, ranging from cultural experiences to practicalities like currency exchange and transportation options, showcasing my in-depth knowledge of Morocco as a travel destination.
