In this guide
The most useful Morocco travel tips for first-timers are: pay in dirhams, withdrawn from bank ATMs; dress with shoulders and knees covered, especially outside Marrakech; tip 10% in restaurants and small change for services; agree prices before any service; and respect prayer times and Ramadan customs. EU, UK, US and Canadian citizens need no visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Money: dirhams, ATMs and cards
The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is a closed currency: you can only obtain it inside Morocco, and you are not supposed to take more than 2,000 MAD out of the country. In 2026, €1 is worth roughly 10.6–10.9 MAD, and $1 roughly 9–10 MAD; rates move, so check before you go.
- ATMs are widespread in cities and at airports. Banks such as Attijariwafa, BMCE (Bank of Africa) and CIH typically allow 2,000–4,000 MAD per withdrawal. Decline the "conversion" offer and let your own bank convert.
- Cards work in hotels, larger restaurants and supermarkets, but medina shops, taxis, tips and entrance fees are cash.
- Euros are accepted by some riads and tour operators, rarely in shops, and usually at a poor rate.
- Exchange offices (bureaux de change) offer fair rates for euro and dollar cash; keep receipts if you want to change dirhams back.
Tipping in Morocco
| Service | Typical tip (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | 10% or round up; small cafés 2–5 MAD |
| Porter or riad staff carrying luggage | 10–20 MAD |
| Local city guide (half day) | 50–100 MAD per group |
| Driver on a multi-day tour | 100–150 MAD per day per group |
| Hammam attendant | 20–50 MAD |
| Parking guardian | 5–10 MAD |
Tipping is expected but never mandatory; reward good service.
What to wear
Morocco has no legal dress code for tourists, but modest clothing is respectful and reduces unwanted attention.
- Women: loose trousers or long skirts, tops covering shoulders, a light scarf for mosques and the sun. Headscarves are not required.
- Men: shorts are acceptable in Marrakech and on tours, but long trousers are better in Fes, rural villages and mosques.
- Swimwear only at pools and beaches.
- Footwear: closed, comfortable shoes for uneven medina lanes.
- Layers: desert and mountain nights are cold even in spring and autumn.
Religious and social etiquette
Mosques
Non-Muslims cannot enter most active mosques in Morocco. The notable exception is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, which offers guided tours. Madrasas such as Bou Inania in Fes and Ben Youssef in Marrakech are open to all.
Ramadan
During Ramadan (expected to begin around 8 February in 2027), avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight. Tourist restaurants and hotels remain open, and it is a rewarding time to experience iftar evenings.
Everyday manners
- Greet with "salam alaikum"; "shukran" means thank you.
- Eat and pass items with your right hand.
- Ask before photographing people; some will ask for a small tip.
- Public displays of affection are best kept minimal.
- Friday midday is prayer time; some shops and sites close for an hour or two.
- Alcohol is sold in licensed hotels, bars and some supermarkets, not in the medina.
Haggling
Bargaining is normal in souks, not in supermarkets or restaurants. Decide what an item is worth to you, open around a third to half of the first price, and stay friendly. Walking away politely is part of the process. If you accept tea in a shop, you are not obliged to buy.
Staying connected and getting around
- SIM cards: Maroc Telecom, Orange and inwi sell prepaid SIMs at the airport and in town; data packages of 10–20 GB cost roughly 50–100 MAD. Bring your passport.
- Taxis: red petit taxis in Marrakech and Fes should use the meter within the city. Grand taxis run fixed routes between towns.
- Trains: ONCF connects Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Tangier; the Al Boraq high-speed line runs Tangier–Rabat–Casablanca.
- Remote areas: the Sahara, Atlas and gorges are easiest with a driver.
Health and water
Drink bottled or filtered water, especially in rural areas. Peel fruit, choose busy food stalls, and carry hand sanitiser and basic stomach remedies. Pharmacies are well stocked and pharmacists often speak French. Get travel insurance with medical cover.
Language
Moroccans speak Darija (Moroccan Arabic) and Amazigh languages; French is widely used in business and signage, and Spanish in the north. English is increasingly common in tourist areas.
Plan the rest of your trip
Once you know the basics, choose a route: the classic 7 day route from Marrakech to Fes suits a first trip, and our honest look at whether Morocco is safe for tourists answers the most common concerns. For medina shopping, our Marrakech souk haggling tips gives fair price ranges.
Arrival checklist
- Check your passport is valid for at least six months and has a blank page.
- Withdraw dirhams at the airport ATM and keep small notes (20, 50, 100 MAD) for tips.
- Buy a local SIM or activate an eSIM for maps and WhatsApp.
- Pre-arrange your airport transfer or agree the fare before getting into a taxi.
- Save your riad's address and phone number offline, with a photo of the entrance.
- Save the emergency numbers: police 19, gendarmerie 177, ambulance 15.
Frequently asked questions
Is English widely spoken?
In riads, tour companies and larger shops, yes. In rural areas and with taxi drivers, a few words of French help a lot.
Can I drink alcohol in Morocco?
Yes, in licensed hotels, restaurants and bars, and from supermarkets such as Carrefour. Drinking in public streets is not acceptable.
Are drones allowed?
No. Drones are generally confiscated at customs unless you hold prior authorisation, so leave them at home.
How do I deal with touts and street hustlers?
Keep walking, smile, and say "la, shukran". Don't accept directions from people who approach you unprompted, and don't hand over your phone or bag to "help". Persistent cases are rare and usually stop once you enter a shop or café.
Which side of the road, and is it easy to cross?
Traffic drives on the right. In cities, scooters and carts ignore lanes, so cross with locals and don't assume vehicles will stop at pedestrian crossings.
A first trip without the guesswork
If you'd rather not handle ATMs in the desert, bus timetables and false guides on your first visit, our 7-day Imperial Cities and Sahara tour covers transport, a desert camp night and a licensed guide in Fes, from €690 per person with free riad pickup in Marrakech. Browse all our multi-day tours in Morocco or send your questions on WhatsApp.
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