Helpful travel and cultural information about Morocco

Language

While classic Arabic and Amazigh are Morocco’s official languages, the most widely spoken is the local dialect darija. French is also spoken in business, government circles, schools and universities. It is common to hear people mixing Arabic and French when speaking. Different Berber dialects are spoken in the Atlas Mountains (Rif, Middle Atlas, Anti-Atlas, High Atlas), while Spanish is used in the north, particularly around Tangier and Tétouan. English is becoming more common among businesspeople and government officials and can be used in most hotels.

Visas

Most visitors do not need a visa and are allowed to remain in the country for 90 days. However, depending on the passport used to enter the country, visitors might need an electronic travel authorisation It is advisable to check the latest visa requirements prior to travel as some exceptions exist. A 90-day, single-entry tourist visa costs $22. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry.

Currency

The dirham is the local currency. The country’s ATMs can be used to withdraw cash using internationally accepted bank cards. Some local banks only accept withdrawals that amount to a minimum of Dh500 ($52). Coins and bills with denominations of up to 200 are used on a regular basis.

Dress

As Morocco is a Muslim country, visitors are advised to dress conservatively. However, in major urban centres and tourist areas, dress is more liberal. Non-Muslims are generally not allowed to enter mosques. When entering a mosque, shoes should be removed and women should cover their hair.

Etiquette

It is typical to inquire about family and health. In business settings, a handshake is usually the first introduction. Once a relationship is established, it becomes more common to kiss on both cheeks, starting with the left, and shake hands. In a greeting between a man and a woman, the woman must be the first to extend her hand. If she does not, a man should bow his head. Avoid offering items with the left hand.

Business Hours

Business hours run from 9.00am to 6.00pm, although public sector institutions normally close at 5.00pm. Ramadan should be taken into consideration when planning meetings as normal business hours are likely to change. Daylight savings time was formerly observed between the last Sunday of March and the last Sunday of October, with the exception of the month of Ramadan. However, Morocco made daylight savings permanent in 2018, effectively changing from the GMT+0 to GMT+1 time zone.

Communication

Mobile phone use is widespread, and it is advisable to buy a local SIM card on arrival, which typically costs around $2. The connection may not always be optimal, but wireless internet is widely accessible and 4G is available in the largest cities.

Transport

Morocco has a relatively efficient public transportation system, connecting the main urban centres and points beyond. Domestic flights are available daily, and are recommended for destinations like Agadir, Ouarzazate or Dakhla.

In Rabat and Casablanca, trams are available, as well as buses and taxis. “Petits taxis” are used for short distances, are usually shared with other travellers and typically have an initial fee of Dh2 ($0.21). Meanwhile, “Grands taxis” are used to travel over longer distances, such as the trip from Mohammed V Airport to downtown Casablanca, with a general fee of Dh300 ($31). Ride-hailing apps such as Heetch and Careem are also now available in some major cities.

Electricity

Standard electrical outlets are 220-V/50-Hz AC, type C or F, the same as in most European states. Bringing an adaptor is advisable, as these are sometimes not readily available outside of the major urban centres or areas frequented by tourists.

Tipping

A 10% service charge on top of 10% tax is added at hotels. Some restaurants add a charge of 5-15%. Where this is not applied, it is advisable to add 10-15% to the bill. For taxis and other services, it is common practice to round up to the nearest Dh5 ($0.52).