Morocco Travel Guide

Marrakech

RAK · Marrakech Menara International — 6km from the medina. Taxis: ~70–100 MAD. No reliable public bus — take an official petit taxi or pre-book a transfer.

Casablanca

CMN · Mohammed V International — Morocco's main hub with the most international connections. Train to Casa-Voyageurs station: 45 min, 45 MAD.

Fez

FEZ · Fès–Saïss Airport — 15km from the medina. Taxi: ~100–150 MAD. Small airport — most visitors connect via Casablanca or fly budget carriers from Europe.

Getting Around

Intercity trains (ONCF) connect Casablanca, Fez, and Tangier. Al Boraq high-speed rail: Casablanca–Marrakech: 2h10. CTM buses serve all major routes.

Currency

Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
~10 MAD = 1 USD. The dirham is a closed currency — exchange on arrival, not before. Euros widely accepted in tourist areas.

Cash

Cash is essential in the medina, souks, street food stalls, and smaller riads. ATMs available in all cities — use Banque Populaire or Attijariwafa machines.

Tipping

Expected and appreciated across Morocco. Restaurants: 10%. Guides: 100–200 MAD/day. Hotel porters: 10–20 MAD/bag. Hammam attendants: 20–50 MAD.

Bargaining

Expected in souks and markets — never in restaurants or fixed-price shops. Open at roughly half the asking price and negotiate warmly. Agree prices before any service.

Time Zone

WET — Western European Time
UTC+1 year-round (Morocco observes DST but stays on UTC+1 during Ramadan).

Vs. US Eastern

Morocco is 5 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time in winter (4 hours when US clocks go forward).

Marrakech

Best: Mar–May, Sep–NovVery Hot: Jun–Aug (35–45°C) Spring and autumn are glorious — warm days, cool evenings.

Fez

Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct Slightly cooler than Marrakech due to altitude. Spring is beautiful with wildflowers on the surrounding hills.

Casablanca

Best: Apr–Oct Atlantic coastal climate — milder and more temperate than inland cities. Can be grey and cool Nov–Feb.

Languages

Darija (Moroccan Arabic) is everyday language. French is widely used in business, restaurants, and tourism. Tamazight (Berber) in rural areas.

French is Key

French is the most practical language for tourists — menus, signs, and most tourism professionals speak it. Basic French goes a very long way.

Key Phrases (Darija)

As-salamu alaykum — Peace be upon you
Shukran — Thank you
La shukran — No thank you (essential in souks)
Bshal? — How much?

Visa-Free Entry

US, Canadian, UK, EU, and Australian citizens enter visa-free for up to 90 days.

Entry Requirements

Valid passport (6 months recommended). Return ticket and proof of accommodation may be requested.

General Safety

Exercise Caution Morocco is generally safe. Tourist areas of Marrakech, Fez, and Casablanca are well-policed. Solo female travellers should be aware of persistent attention in medinas.

Emergencies

190 — Police · 15 — Ambulance (SAMU) · 19 — Urban Police

Medina Tips

Beware "unofficial guides" — agree on any price before accepting assistance. Ignore anyone who says a mosque is "closed today" — it's a common scam to redirect you to a shop.

Dress Code

Dress modestly outside tourist resorts — cover shoulders and knees, especially in medinas and religious sites. Morocco is a Muslim country — this is respected and appreciated.

Morocco

Destinations in Morocco

Marrakech

Fez

Casablanca