Travel Tips

Travel preparation

Passport

A valid passport (dated no fewer than three months after the date of entry into Morocco) is required.
Minors are currently required to hold an individual passport at any age. However, if your child is less than 15 and is registered on your passport that was issued before June 12, 2006, then the passport registration is valid.

Visa
No visa required for European and US citizens for a stay of less than three months. In any case, you are advised to ask for information at the Moroccan consulate concerning restrictions for your country of residence.

Health
The main health issue in Morocco is related to water and vegetables and it may require a few days for your body to adjust. Always exercise caution regarding what you drink or eat. If you are staying in a hotel, it is recommended that you drink only bottled water, and that you request that the bottle be opened n front of you. If you are going for a trek, your pharmacy may provide you with some water purifying tablets
Moroccan pharmacists are well qualified and knowledgeable so do not hesitate free to ask their advice. In case of a major problem, you may ask your embassy to refer you to the most appropriate health center.
Include the following items in your fist-aid kit: disinfectants, aspirin or an equivalent s, sun block of at least 50SPF, insecticide, anti-gastric and anti-dehydration drugs, particularly if you are planning a visit the south of the country.

Vaccines
A certificate of vaccination is not required for travelers from Europe. If you are going to large cities such as Agadir, Rabat or Casablanca, there is little risk of catching any diseases, as hygiene is excellent in these cities.
If you are doing a country wide trip, it is recommended to be vaccine against hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, cholera, tetanus and typhoid fever as a simple precaution,.Plan your vaccinations several weeks before your departure.

Medical problem on site
The most frequent health problems are diarrhea, respiratory infections and skin diseases. Some insects may cause skin allergies that will not become evident until after your return home. Insect bites may also result in severe infections, and as such, take special care of small scratches. The best defense is correct clothing.

Luggage
For your clothes, remember that nights are cold in the desert and in the mountains. Try to adjust your clothing style to the place where you are: low necklines, dresses and skirts will pose no problem in a seaside resort but are not acceptable attire n the villages.

Customs
Customs regulations
Adults may import up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 400 gr. of tobacco; one liter of wine and one liter of a strong alcohol. It is forbidden to import or export dirham, the national currency. Consider changing only the appropriate amount.

Insurances
Before your departure, you may consider purchasing insurance that will ensure that your repatriation expenses and medical expenses are covered or reimbursed if problems arise
Some credit cards include repatriation insurance as a part of their benefits. Please check with your bank for further details. You may also insure your plane tickets

Clothing tips
Bring light clothes and a sweater for the evenings if you are coming in spring, summer or autumn. During the winter, midseason clothing and warm jackets are required. Shorts and mini-skirts should be avoided. A hat may be helpful. If you are travelling inland or to the South of Morocco, bring some light clothes for the day and warm clothes for the nights. It is advised to avoid wearing clothing that that may be deemed offensives by the largely Islamic culture.

Once in Morocco

Currency
The Moroccan currency is the dirham (MAD), subdivided in 100 centimes. It is recommended that you only change your foreign currency at banks or authorized establishments that will issue you the form required to convert your dirham back into your national currency at the end of your stay.
Banks and large cities offer many ATM, which allows you to withdraw cash using your credit card.
The rough euro/dirham rate
1 Dirham = 0.0885 €
1€ = 11.20 Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

Customs
Morocco is an Islamic country. Religious traditions and customs should be respected. Except for the Great Mosque of Casablanca, mosques are prohibited for non-Muslims;
Don’t tackle political or religious topics.
Do not criticize the King or the Royal Family.
Clothing should be sober (pants and trousers below the knee for women). No mono-kini or nudism at the beach. If your host is removing his shoes, it is recommended that you follow suit.
Moroccans are friendly and sociable. A few Arabic words will get you some surprised smiles and increased hospitality
Tipping is a general practice throughout all the country and a traveler should always bring some coins. At a restaurant, it is customary to leave 10% of the tab. Always keep in mind the hotel and station porters, the toilet guards, the taxi drivers, the museum guards, the parking lot guards, etc…

Holidays
Two calendars are in use: the Gregorian calendar of 365 days and the Muslim lunar calendar of 354 days. Holidays comes from one calendar or the other, according to the origin of the holiday. The holy month of Ramadan is under the Muslim calendar. Here are some official, non-religious holidays that have fixed dates:
January 1st: New Year’s Day
May 1: Labor Day
July 9: Youth Day
July 30: Throne Day (Crowning of Mohammed VI)
August 14: Reunification Eddahab Wadi
August 20: Anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People
November 6: Green Walk Day
November 18: Independence Day

Prohibited access
The praying room of Moroccan mosques is prohibited to non-Muslims. You may however see the inside of the most remarkable religious buildings, including the Hassan II mosque of Casablanca, the mausoleum of Mohammed V of Rabat and the Moulay Ismaïl Sanctuary in Meknès.

Transportion
The road traffic
Roads are generally good in Morocco and the network of highways is quickly developing around large cities such as Casablanca. Speed is limited to 40 kph in cities and 100 kph on roads.
Roadside markings are bilingual, Arab-French. The large roads have shaded and pleasant rest areas. Many gas station may be found downtown and in the suburbs, but do not forget to fill the tank before any trip to a desert area.
Inland, the climatic conditions may cause some dangers. In the mountains and in the desert, snowdrifts may block the mountain roads from November to April. Roads may be flooded if there are heavy showers. Beware of people travelling without any particular markings and of cattle that can block the roads (be especially careful after any sharp turns).
Luxury buses with air conditioning are frequent methods of transportation between large cities. Regional buses are slower and less comfortable.

Railroads
All the large Moroccan cities are served by train. The most frequented line is the Fast Shuttle Trains between Casablanca and Rabat. The main lines of the country go from Casablanca.

Bus
Private companies are serving most cities and towns of the country.

Taxis
Large cities have their traditional taxis. However, other kinds of taxis may be found in Morocco.
The “Big taxis” (grands taxis) will travel from one city to another. Little taxis, with a roof gallery, can accommodate one to three passengers for urban journeys. For longer journeys or excursions, the collective Big Taxi is a solution. They are generally quite spacious. Don’t forget to negotiate the fare before you begin.

Airport
Mohammed V Airport, the airport of Casablanca, is the largest in Morocco. The second largest is the airport of Agadir, which is directly linked to many European capitals, as are the airports of Rabat, Marrakech, Tangier and Ouarzazate. Interior flights of Royal Air Maroc serve the cities to the south of the country.

Opening hours
Most administrative buildings are opened from 8:30 am to 12 pm and 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm, with a longer break on Friday for the noon prayer.
In the newer cites, shops usually close between 12 pm and 3 pm. Opening hours of museums vary, but they generally take a break at noon.

Car rental

Many car rentals companies are competing for clients. The minimum legal age for driving a car is 21, and sometimes 25. The most convenient payment system is credit card, which will allow you to avoid paying a considerable deposit; some companies may permit you to take and return the car in different cities.

Media
Moroccan newspapers are published in Arabic, French and Spanish. They can be found in large cities. Moroccan TV is broadcast in Arabic and French. Hotels frequently offer French, Italian, German or English-speaking satellite TV.

Photographs
Military areas, ports, airports and some museums may not be photographed. Always request permission before taking a picture of somebody.

Camera films can be purchased in cities and in gas stations if you’re using an analog device. Beware of merchandise that may have been damaged by heat and light exposure.

Security
Security wise, Morocco is perhaps the safest African country. The Moroccan authorities took some effective steps in order to protect and organize tourism and continue to constantly improve the safety of the country and its visitors. A specialized tourism police has s been created.

Even though theft has decreased considerably in the past few years, do not expose your valuable goods in ostentatious ways; make sure your bags and cameras are firmly attached to your body if there are many people around. Don’t forget to lock your hotel room and do not keep your valuable objects in plain sight.

More basic tips: never exhibit wads of cash or ostentatious or showy jewelry. Keep your valuable objects in the hotel safe. When in a market or in a station, beware of pickpockets.

Personal safety is rarely an issue however you are advised to stay away from poor districts, especially if you are alone. Never travel o alone during the night in the alleys of the medinas, especially in Tangiers.

Police
The helpful city police manage traffic and assist tourists with courtesy and respect. The Sûreté Nationale (National Safety) is in charge of the fight against urban criminality and monitors the main roads. Gendarmerie is in charge of safety, and may setup roadblocks in any risky area. In case of emergency, wherever you are, you may dial 19 or 112 from your mobile phone.

Emergency numbers

Police: dial 19 on your landline, or 112 from your mobile.
Gendarmerie (outside cities): 177
Fire Brigade: 15

Post and telecommunications
Phone booths accepting cards and coins can be found at train stations or road stations, cafés or other public locations. You can also call directly from your hotel. Mobile networks function well in large cities and tourist areas.
You will find stamps for your mail at post offices and kiosks. Your mail will be processed faster if you directly use the post offices mailboxes. Please note the post office opening hours: Mon-Sat, 8:30 am to 2 pm

Phone calls:
To call Morocco:
Dial 00 212 + 8 digits
Calling a landline : dial +212 5 followed by 8 digits
Calling a mobile phone: dial +212 6 followed by 8 digits

To call from Morocco:
Dial 0 + country code + 8 digits
Calling a landline: dial 0 5 followed by 8 digits
Calling a mobile phone: dial 0 6 followed by 8 digits
Learn more on the website of Maroc Telecom

Local time
All year long, Morocco uses GMT, i.e. Paris time minus 1 hour in winter and minus two hours on summer.

Restrooms
If you have the opportunity, always use the restrooms of luxury hotels. Public restrooms may be found in airports, train stations, restaurants and cafés. It is best to always bring your own toilet paper.

Voltage
The standard in hotels is 220 V. Some cities are still equipped with 110 V.

Handling problems

If you are not satisfied with services
If you think a merchant cheated you in a souk after the sale is final, there is no way to seek redress. Always negotiate the price of a good or a service beforehand Negotiating is part of Moroccan culture. The initial price will always too high, it is a part of the culture to bargain.
In hotels and restaurants, ask for the manager if you are not satisfied with the service.

Harassment by fake guides.
In almost every tourist information office, a sign warns you: non-authorized guides or unethical people may offer you city tours, and it is highly recommended that avoid using their services. This “fake guides” are a significant problem in tourist areas. Politely decline offers. Most of the time, they will lead you to merchants who give them a sales commission. Stay firm and ignore them. If they persist, tell them that you do not intend on making g any purchases. If you are lost in a souk, ask a child to bring you back.

Drugs
The Moroccan culture is paradoxical when it comes to cannabis. Thanks to a historical privilege, the region of Rif may grow it, but it is strictly forbidden to sell, buy or use cannabis anywhere in the country. Some dealers are also stool pigeons, and the penalties for purchase or sale may be severe. Do not try to cross the borders with cannabis; there are significant and considerable risks.