Morocco: Tips & General Information for Your Dream Trip

This colorful and diverse North African country has so much to see and discover. Beautiful royal cities, endless deserts, long beaches, and impressive mountains are just a few examples.
The pleasantly warm climate makes Morocco a popular year-round travel destination.

We have compiled all the information, general facts, and tips that you should consider before and during your trip to Morocco in this post.

MOROCCO IS THE RIGHT DESTINATION FOR YOU IF...

• You want to explore the country on your own with a rental car. All major spots are largely well-developed for tourists.
• You want to connect with hospitable people.
• You’re looking for a mix of city and adventure travel.
• You’re an all-inclusive vacationer, backpacker, flashpacker, active traveler, or road trip enthusiast. In our opinion, Morocco is suitable for all types of travelers.
• You want to try authentic couscous, tajine, and mint tea.
• You enjoy bargaining.

1. THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MOROCCO

Morocco can be visited year-round, so the best time to travel depends on your personal preferences.

From April to October, you can expect ideal weather conditions in the coastal regions for a dream beach holiday.
The Atlas Mountains attract many hikers and active travelers during these months with ideal weather conditions.
Rainfall is relatively low, and the temperatures remain pleasantly warm.

From November to March, it’s perfect for exploring the country’s numerous cities as well as the region around Western Sahara. The temperatures are consistently mild.
Particularly around Christmas and New Year’s, many Europeans are drawn to Morocco’s comparably warmer climate, making this time and the summer months the high season for the country.

2. THE CLIMATE IN MOROCCO

The High Atlas Mountains divide Morocco's climate. In the north and northwest, a Mediterranean climate prevails, with summer temperatures rising to 30°C.
In winter, the climate is mild and humid, with average daytime temperatures around 18°C and nighttime lows of about 10°C.

In the south and southeast, the Sahara creates a dry desert climate, pushing summer temperatures to 36°C or higher.
In winter, daytime temperatures are pleasantly mild at around 20°C, but nighttime temperatures can drop to 10°C or lower.

In the Atlas Mountains, the altitude determines the climate: the higher you go, the colder and rainier it gets. In the winter months, snow falls above 1,000 meters.

3. THE IDEAL DURATION FOR A TRIP

Like the best travel time, the ideal duration for a trip depends on your personal preferences.
Many tourists spend about a week in Morocco, which is certainly enough.
However, if you want to see and experience a lot, it’s possible that within a week you’ll be rushing from one highlight to the next, leaving little time to relax and enjoy.
We recommend a stay of at least two weeks to fully immerse yourself in the country’s unique beauty.

Our general advice: The longer, the better. We spent two weeks in Morocco and believe that an additional week could have easily been filled with more experiences.

4. THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

Arabic and Tamazight (Berber) are the official languages of the country. However, French is also widely spoken as the language of trade, education, and unofficial business.
In northern Morocco, Spanish is also spoken due to its proximity to Spain.

English is mostly spoken in the tourism industry and by young, well-educated people. Away from tourist areas, it’s easier to get by with basic knowledge of French.

5. TIME DIFFERENCE

In winter, there is no time difference between Morocco and many other countries, as the country does not switch between summer and winter time.
However, during daylight saving time, the time difference is -1 hour. This means that when it is 12:00 pm in Morocco, it is already 1:00 pm in countries that observe daylight saving time.

6. CURRENCY & PAYMENT METHODS

The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).

Moroccan dirhams may not be taken in or out of the country. Therefore, we recommend exchanging money after arriving in Morocco or better yet, withdrawing it from an ATM with your credit card, as exchange rates at airport kiosks are usually worse than in the cities.

With common credit cards, you can easily withdraw cash at ATMs (from banks like Attijari-wafa, BMCI, or BMCE) at airports and in cities.
Check in advance whether your credit card can be used to withdraw money in Morocco and what fees may apply.

If you’re planning a road trip, it’s a good idea to have enough cash on hand, as some gas stations in rural areas only accept cash, and ATMs may be empty or out of service.

In tourist areas and larger cities, if you run out of MAD or are about to leave the country and don’t want to withdraw more, you can often pay with US dollars or euros, though the exchange rate will be slightly less favorable.

7. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Travelers can enter Morocco with a valid passport or temporary passport. All travel documents must be valid until the end of the trip.

No visa is required for a tourist stay for citizens of many countries, but this can vary depending on nationality.
For specific visa requirements, refer to the entry guidelines on your country’s embassy or government website.

The flight time to Morocco’s most popular airports (Casablanca, Marrakech, or Agadir) is about 3.5 hours on average from major European airports.
‍However, flights from other parts of the world may take significantly longer.
Airlines like Ryanair and Eurowings offer direct flights several times a week. You can find suitable flights on websites like skyscanner.com.

8. TRANSPORTATION IN MOROCCO

To get from A to B, there are several options to get you to your destination on Morocco's more or less well-maintained roads.

RENTING A CAR

If you prefer flexibility and want to explore Morocco independently, consider renting a car.
Many hotels and other accommodations (outside the major cities) offer free parking for their guests, so you won’t need to worry about that.
You can easily book a rental car in advance on rentalcars.com.
Prices for rental cars vary by vehicle class, but on average, we paid about $35 per day, including full insurance and an additional driver.

Driving on your own also means you’ll have a bit of an adventure.
Before setting off in your rental car, here are some things to know:

• You must be at least 21 years old and have had a valid driver’s license for at least one year to rent a car. An international driver’s license is generally not required in Morocco.
• Drive on the right side.
• The maximum blood alcohol level for drivers is 0.2 ‰.
• GPS systems are not usually included in rental cars. You can rent one or buy a local SIM card to use apps like MAPS.ME, WAZE, or Google Maps.
  With the local SIM card, you can also contact someone if needed.
• The speed limit on highways is 120 km/h, on rural roads 100 km/h, and in towns 50 km/h.
• Morocco’s toll highways charge by the kilometer, with toll booths at on-ramps and off-ramps where you can pay in cash or by credit card.
• At gas stations, you don’t need to get out of the car. Attendants will pump the gas for you. You can pay the attendant in cash or by credit card.
  Keep in mind that in Morocco, it’s common to drive long stretches without seeing a gas station, especially in the Atlas Mountains.
  It’s better to fill up more often than risk running out of fuel on the road.
• In cities and larger towns, there are parking attendants wearing reflective vests who help with parking, guard your car, and assist when needed. Fees depend on how long you park.

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

• When planning your routes, keep in mind that you’ll likely take longer than the time shown on your GPS. We often needed a third longer than expected.
• Don’t leave valuables in your car, especially in plain sight!
• Fines for traffic violations are generally quite high, so stick to the rules. Speed cameras and radar guns are common in Morocco.
• We recommend driving early in the morning or during the day and avoiding long trips after dark, as driving conditions can be difficult at night.
• Be sure to try a fresh coffee from one of the many local coffee trucks. These inexpensive cups of coffee are freshly brewed from an espresso machine located in the trunk.
  A friendly chat with the barista is included!

TAKING A TAXI

In the cities and towns, taxis are an easy and affordable way to get around.
The prices are affordable compared to many countries, making taxis a popular choice among travelers.

There are three types of taxis in Morocco: Petit Taxis are small cars, popular in larger cities.
They are color-coded by city (yellow in Marrakech, red in Fès and Agadir, blue in Essaouira, etc.).

Grand Taxis are larger cars, typically used for longer trips outside the city center. They cost more than Petit Taxis.

Taxi Collectif are shared taxis that operate both within and outside the city. If you don’t mind getting close to the locals, this is the way to go.
Up to seven passengers may squeeze into a car, far exceeding the car’s usual capacity.

All taxis are equipped with meters, but they often don’t get used. So, make sure to negotiate the price of the ride in advance with the driver.

A ride within a large city typically costs between 15 and 20 dirhams ($1.50 to $2), depending on the distance.
To catch a taxi, simply hail one from the side of the road. In larger cities, there are also taxi stands.

Beware of scams! Like in any part of the world, there are some unscrupulous taxi drivers in Morocco. Watch out for these common tricks:

• No change: The driver claims not to have change. Always carry small coins (5 and 10 dirhams) and bills (20 dirhams) with you.
• Taking a longer route: The driver might take a detour to increase the fare. Track your destination on Google Maps and speak up if the driver takes an unnecessary detour.

Tipping taxi drivers is not customary, but it’s always appreciated if you want to leave something extra.

TAKING THE BUS

Public buses are available in Moroccan cities, but since Petit Taxis are so affordable, it’s not really worth the hassle to figure out the bus routes and schedules.

9. HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

There is a huge and diverse selection of hotels and accommodations throughout Morocco.
From low-budget hotels to mid-range hotels, luxurious all-inclusive resorts, and family-run riads, there’s something for everyone.

In addition to hotels, there are also plenty of self-catering accommodations available.
On platforms like Airbnb or booking.com, you’re sure to find the right accommodation for your stay.

During our 14-day road trip, we stayed in a mix of riads, hotels, and Airbnb apartments.

Here’s a brief overview of the best and most beautiful accommodations we discovered:

• ‍Riad Fes Madaw in Fès
• Aiour Luxury Camp in the Merzouga Desert
• Riad Azzar in Marrakech

Check out our post “Exploring Morocco: 2-Week Road Trip – Route, Tips & Highlights” for a complete list of our favorite and best accommodations.

10. FOOD & DRINKS

Tajine and couscous are Morocco’s two national dishes, and you shouldn’t miss trying them during your stay!
Tajine are slow-cooked stews made with meat and fruit, such as lamb with prunes or chicken with lemon and olives.
Couscous (usually made from semolina) consists of vegetables, meat, and broth, often served on a large platter with various sauces.

Kebab (lamb on a skewer) and Kefta (a type of lamb meatball) with bread or a hearty portion of vegetables are just as typical of Moroccan cuisine and can be found on almost every menu.
For vegetarians, there are plenty of options like chickpea stews, Zaâlouk (an eggplant salad), Moroccan salad (tomatoes, onions, and peppers with vinegar and oil), and Harira (a lentil soup).

Along the coast, you’ll often find fish and seafood on your plate. Grilled sardines with onions and fresh coriander are probably the most common fish dish, often sold as a snack at small food stalls along Morocco’s beaches.

Morocco is also known as the land of spices, with nearly every main dish flavored with intense spices like cumin, saffron, parsley, coriander, cinnamon, and ginger.

For dessert or a snack, we recommend trying the locally grown fruits such as oranges, clementines, grapefruit, figs, or dates.
You can find these delicious fruits at local markets for a small price.
And what could be better than fresh, regional fruit?

Generally, we suggest simply sampling the local restaurants, as you’re unlikely to be disappointed.

If you’re a fan of mint tea, you’re in luck! The country’s most popular drink is Thé à la menthe (mint tea).
Moroccans usually drink their beloved tea with fresh spearmint leaves and plenty of sugar.

After tea, Café au Lait (milky coffee) and Café noir (espresso) are popular hot drinks among the locals.

For those who like fresh and fruity flavors, don’t miss out on the freshly squeezed juices from oranges or pomegranates.

Even though Morocco is a Muslim country, beer is available for tourists. Local brands like Flag and Storck, which are quite similar to German beers and very drinkable, can be found in most of the country’s major cities. However, in rural areas, it may be difficult to find a store selling alcohol, as devout Muslims reject the consumption and sale of alcohol.

11. SPECIAL VACCINATIONS FOR MOROCCO

No special vaccinations are required for travelers going to Morocco.
However, standard vaccinations such as tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A, and typhoid are recommended, especially for trips to rural areas.
For more information, visit your country's embassy or government website.

12. DANGEROUS ANIMALS IN MOROCCO

Morocco is home to several venomous snakes. These include the horned viper, Atlas viper, Moroccan cobra, common puff adder, European ladder snake, and blunt-nosed viper.
Of course, not every snake you may encounter will be venomous, as there are also many harmless species like the diadem and sand racer snakes.

If bitten, seek medical attention as soon as possible. On your way there, if possible, tie off the affected limb with something available.
Do not suck on or press the wound, as this will only worsen the bite.

Additionally, there are spiders and scorpions, whose bites or stings are very painful but are generally not deadly to healthy adults.
Young children and the elderly should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

But don’t panic! Encounters with these animals in the wild are rare, as they tend to avoid humans and are mostly active in desert regions.

Preventive measures:

• Wear sturdy, ankle-high shoes (hiking or trekking boots).
• Shake out your clothes/shoes thoroughly before putting them on.
• Always step firmly, as snakes react to vibrations and flee.
• Don’t walk barefoot in the desert.

13. LOCAL SIM CARD?

If you’re not planning a pure all-inclusive vacation and intend to leave your hotel or take a road trip, it’s worth getting a Moroccan prepaid SIM card.

Especially when using a rental car, Google Maps and similar apps will be your most important companions.
Thanks to widespread network coverage, you’ll be able to use these tools anywhere. In case of emergency, you’ll also have the option to contact someone.
Of course, you can also use your standard apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, etc., anywhere.

The most common providers are Maroc Telecom, Orange au Maroc, and Inwi.

You can purchase a prepaid SIM card at a kiosk in the city or at the airport. Depending on the amount of data, a SIM card costs between $5 and $10.
The internet speed varies by location but is generally a bit slower than in some other countries.

By the way, in Morocco, data volume is referred to as GO (giga-octet).

14. TRAVEL INSURANCE

HEALTH INSURANCE

Medical treatment costs in Morocco are not covered by most national health insurance plans. Therefore, it’s essential to get private international health insurance.
Some credit cards include private international health insurance.
If yours doesn’t, we recommend using well-known comparison portals like Check24 to find the right insurance for you.
Insurance generally costs only a small amount per year, and in the event of an emergency, it’s worth every penny.

Our tip: When taking out insurance, make sure it includes comprehensive coverage with no limit and repatriation in the event of a serious illness.
Additionally, keep all receipts for medical treatments and medications for which you’ve paid upfront so you can file them with your insurance company later.

TRAVEL LUGGAGE INSURANCE

Unfortunately, it can always happen that luggage or individual valuable items go missing during a trip.
That’s why, especially because of our expensive (technical) equipment like cameras, drones, etc., we took out additional travel luggage insurance for the duration of our trip.
This insurance usually costs only a small amount per trip or per year and is always worth it in the event of loss.
Use check24.de to find and compare the best travel luggage insurance for you.

Our tip: If you’re carrying expensive equipment, be sure to get comprehensive coverage with no limit!

15. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• No plug adapter needed! The voltage in Morocco is 220 volts, so in most cases, you won’t need an adapter as the voltage is similar to that of many other countries.
  However, this may vary depending on where you're from.
• No rush! The key to enjoying your stay is taking your time and not getting frustrated if things take longer than expected. Punctuality, as we know it, isn’t ingrained in Moroccans.
• Avoid tap water! Unless you want to spend most of your time in the bathroom, stick to bottled water—even for brushing your teeth.
• Tipping is an important part of many Moroccans’ incomes, especially for those in the service industry. It’s customary to tip 10% to 15% in restaurants. Porters and housekeeping staff should always be given a small tip, as they are often forgotten, unlike waitstaff.
  The parking attendant, gas station attendant, and friendly reception staff will also appreciate a small tip. It’s a good idea to keep some change handy during your trip.
• Bargain for almost everything! Many Moroccans live in poverty or below the poverty line, so you can’t really blame them for charging tourists a little extra.
• Be careful when taking photos of locals! If you want to photograph people, especially women, always ask first, as strict interpretations of the Quran prohibit the depiction of human beings.
  In contrast, musicians, water carriers, and street performers are generally happy to be photographed but will expect a tipof a few dirhams.
  This can get quite expensive at the Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakech, where performers may demand as much as 30 dirhams.
• Modesty is essential! Morocco is an Islamic country with different rules than non-Islamic countries, so respect these and avoid dressing provocatively, even in your hotel.
• Importing drones is strictly forbidden! Devices will be confiscated by customs, and a fee will be charged until your departure.
• Be aware of customs regulations! You’ll find plenty of counterfeit goods at the markets. However, these “bargains” could cost you a lot of money if customs catches you bringing them into your home country. The same applies to the import of tobacco products like cigarettes or cigars. You can find the relevant customs regulations on your country’s customs website.

Planning a trip around Morocco? Then our following posts might be interesting for you:

• Exploring Morocco: 2-Week Roadtrip – Route, Tips & Highlights
• Marrakech – Sights, Highlights & Tips
• Fès in Morocco – Sights, Highlights & Tips

Have fun browsing and planning!

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Discover the best accommodations
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Incredible Tours across Morocco
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• The best Travel Guides for Morocco

‍

Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we earn a small commission. There is absolutely no change to the price for you.