Travel Tips
Getting to and around Morocco is easy. Here are a few tips to help you plan your trip.
Visa Requirements
A valid passport is needed with expiration date at least six months from the date you enter Morocco. No visa is necessary for nationals of the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, Ireland, and most E.U. countries. Other nationalities should check with their nearest Moroccan consulate for information regarding visa regulations. In the U.S., you can contact:
Embassy of Morocco
1601 21st St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 462-7979
It's a good idea to make a photocopy of your passport, carried separately, in case of any emergency.
Getting There
From the U.S., Royal Air Maroc offers direct flights from New York-JFK to Casablanca-CMN, with connection to major cities (Marrakech-RAK, etc.). Other airlines offer connecting flights through Europe. You might also try a consolidator.
From Europe and beyond, there are direct flights from major European cities to Casablanca, Marrakech, and other cities.
Within Morocco, Royal Air Maroc offers flights between major cities for approximately $100 each way.
Health
Morocco is quite safe from a health point of view; however, some precautions will ensure a healthy, enjoyable trip. Visitors should consume bottled water instead of tap, especially outside of major cites. No vaccinations are required for travelers and there is little risk of contracting anything other than sunburn or an upset stomach. Besides sunscreen, we recommend you bring an intestinal medicine such as Imodium or Pepto Bismol just in case.
Safety
Morocco is a comparatively safe country, and the vast majority of people are friendly and honest. That said, as with travel anywhere, it is good to take a few basic precautions. When exploring, particularly in the major cities, carry only small amounts of money, keep valuables hidden, hold your camera close to your body, and be careful in crowds. You may be approached by aggressive young men offering their services as a “fake” guide or by crowds of children looking to sell any number of souvenirs. Your guides arranged by Sahara Soul Travel are officially licensed and can help you discern legitimate offers.
Currency
The national currency is the Dirham (DH, Dh, or MAD). Dirhams cannot be exchanged or purchased outside of Morocco. As a general guide, divide the Moroccan price by 10 to get a rough estimate of cost in $ or €. Current exchange rates can be obtained from several Web sites.
International credit cards are accepted in hotels and by many merchants, although you may get a better price for a cash transaction. ATM machines are abundant in major cities, so a good strategy is use your ATM card to get Dirhams every few days as needed and carry some home currency as backup. ATMs outside the U.S. require 4-digit numerical PINs, so be sure before leaving home that yours complies. It is recommended to keep small change in local currency handy for impulse purchases, tips to restroom attendants, and the like.
Climate and Clothing
Morocco enjoys a Mediterranean climate. The temperature range is more extreme in the desert and in the mountains. Even with warm days, you might want a jacket or a wrap for evenings. Comfortable shoes are a must. Women do not need to cover extremities, but you will feel more comfortable if they avoid short skirts, tank tops, or other more revealing articles of clothing.
With plenty of sunshine, any time is a good one to visit Morocco. However, depending on where you go in the country, and when, you can expect to find substantial variations in climate. Let us know what activities and regions interest you, and we can recommend a favorable travel season, or customize the itinerary to maximize your comfort.
Click here to see current local weather conditions throughout Morocco.
Electricity
Morocco uses French-style 220 volt electrical plugs. Outlets are similar to those in continental Europe. If you want to bring a laptop, electric shaver, or other appliances, you will need a plug adapter as well as a converter if the appliance does not have one built in.
Telephones
The country code for Morocco is 212 (no, it’s not New York!). Cell phones operate on the GSM network. American mobile phone holders should contact their provider to set up international roaming. Voice and SMS service of European carriers should work well. To help you keep in touch with friends and family back home, we can provide local cell phone service for you to receive and make calls upon request.
Travel insurance
We strongly recommend that all of our clients purchase travel insurance. Travel insurance can protect you against baggage loss; missed connections; medical emergency, including evacuation costs; trip cancellation; and trip interruption. Families traveling together, in particular, can benefit from traveler’s insurance, due to the high investment in the trip and the increased risk of one person's illness resulting in the entire trip being cancelled. There are many places on the Internet where you can compare rates and buy insurance.
Languages
Morocco’s rich history has resulted in a multilingual culture, with most people conversant in several languages, sometimes seemingly all at once! The official languages are Arabic (Moroccan dialect) and Berber, a language of the original inhabitants of Morocco, prior to Arabic expansion. Morocco’s close ties to France since the protectorate are still reflected in commerce, education, and the press, as well as daily conversation. Other common foreign languages are Spanish, particularly in the North, and English, which is taking hold in tourist areas. Regardless of where you are in Morocco, a smile is universal.
Bargaining
Outside of hotels, restaurants, and Western merchants with fixed prices, bargaining is a central part of Morocco’s traditional commercial culture. Your best defense is the proper mind-set: the first time you go shopping, resolve firmly to browse (“Tan shouf” means “just looking”) rather than buy. Wander the souk and get a sense of what's available; if you're considering big-ticket items, do some comparison shopping. When you are ready, set your mind to buying. This is not simply a question of buying as cheaply as you can, but, since there are no real fixed prices, buying something you love at a price about which you feel good. Although anything goes among merchants, the usual practice with tourists is to significantly inflate an item's true value. Before engaging in the bargain, have an idea in mind of the limit you want to pay, then offer much less and approach your limit slowly to arrive at an agreeable price for both sides. If the vendor won't come down far enough, try walking away, but you'll have to convince yourself you can't live with that price if you want to convince him in turn. This game can be time-consuming, tiring, and just plain difficult; rest assured that you are not a wimp or a failure if you come home with a few overpriced items. Many travelers leave Morocco without buying things they really want simply because the bargaining process is too daunting. Think in terms of finding yourself a great souvenir rather than go home empty-handed, and things are bound to fall into place. If it all seems too much, your Sahara Soul Travel guide also can help you find quality handicrafts and help you reach a good price.