Essential Morocco Guide

Morocco is exceptionally welcoming to international travelers. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. You will simply need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, and one blank page for the entry stamp.

Pro Tip: Always carry a printed copy of your return flight and your first night's accommodation details, as border control officers may request to see these upon arrival.

The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), which is a closed currency—meaning you cannot officially obtain it outside of Morocco. ATMs are widely available in cities and airports. While high-end restaurants and hotels accept credit cards, cash is king in the souks and rural areas.

Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is deeply ingrained in Moroccan culture. We recommend 10% in cafes and restaurants, 20-50 MAD for porters, and a discretionary tip for your private driver and guides at the end of your tour, reflecting the quality of service.

Morocco is a conservative, predominantly Muslim country. Out of respect for local customs, both men and women should dress modestly. Women should aim to cover their shoulders, cleavage, and knees (maxi dresses, loose linen trousers, and tunics are perfect). Men should avoid sleeveless shirts and exceptionally short shorts in the medinas.

Desert Packing: Bring a warm fleece or light jacket for the Sahara, as temperatures drop significantly at night, even in the summer.

Morocco is a very safe country for tourists, with low levels of violent crime. However, to avoid the infamous "traveler's tummy," strictly drink bottled or filtered water—avoid tap water, even for brushing your teeth. Ice in high-end hotels and restaurants is typically made from purified water, but it is best avoided in street cafes.

Pharmacies: Moroccan pharmacies (marked by a green cross) are excellent, highly regulated, and pharmacists are usually fluent in French and English, capable of treating minor ailments.

Staying connected is incredibly easy. Wi-Fi is complimentary in almost all riads, hotels, and luxury camps. However, for seamless connectivity on the road, we highly recommend purchasing a local physical SIM card or an eSIM (like Airalo) before you arrive.

Local Providers: Maroc Telecom, Orange, and Inwi all offer excellent 4G coverage. You can purchase a tourist SIM right at the baggage claim in Marrakech or Casablanca airports for around $10-$20 USD, which includes ample data.

Moroccans are incredibly hospitable, but privacy is highly valued. Never photograph local people, especially women in rural areas or merchants in the souks, without asking for explicit permission first. It is often customary to offer a small tip (5-10 MAD) if they agree.

Greetings: The standard greeting is "Salam Alaikum" (Peace be upon you). Use your right hand for eating communal tagines and giving/receiving money, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.