Whether you are a simple tourist, a professional or a businessman, Morocco will no longer have any secrets for you! This section gives you simple and practical information to understand the customs and daily life of Moroccans, have an idea of the cost of living and the currency used, know the essential addresses, transport infrastructure and useful numbers..
Climate and Seasons
Morocco is a land of contrasts. Bathed to the north by the waters of the Mediterranean, to the west by those of the Atlantic Ocean, it is also criss-crossed by the Rif and Atlas mountains and is subject to all sorts of climatic influences.
The coastal regions are popular with the sun. Throughout the year, it pours its rays and you can enjoy its benefits whatever the season. Thus, Agadir, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and main seaside resort of the country, offers to the amateurs of idleness 300 days of annual sunshine, mild temperatures and light trade winds. Further north, Taghazout, Mogador and Magazan are also worth the detour.
A little further inland, the climate abandons the Mediterranean mildness and becomes continental. The reliefs are more drawn and present sumptuous panoramas. It is the land of wide open spaces, the land of adventurers who can go trekking and hiking in all seasons.
In the south, the country opens onto the immensity of the Sahara. It is in spring and autumn that one must venture there. In the middle of the sands, the sun shines and reflects on the dunes. These desert expanses exude a sense of unreality. Ride a camel and engage yourself in one of the most beautiful paintings ever composed by nature.
Language and essential vocabulary
Morocco has two official languages, Arabic and Amazigh. French is also spoken and understood by almost all Moroccans.
Spanish is widely spoken in the northern and southern regions of Morocco.
The Amazigh language, whose alphabet is Tifinagh, is the common heritage of all Moroccans.
Classical or literary Arabic is only used in administrative contexts. Darija (Moroccan dialect) is the oral language used in Morocco, which is a mixture of Arabic, Amazigh, French and Spanish.
There are certain words in Darija that you need to know in order to communicate with local inhabitants easily. With this vocabulary you’ll no longer be a novice visitor, as you’ll prove that you are making an effort to make the most of your stay.
Currency in Morocco
The official currency unit of Morocco is the Moroccan dirham (DH) which is abbreviate (MAD).
- Tickets: you will find tickets from 20-50-100-200 DH
- The coins: The coins in use are 0.50-1-2-5 and 10 DH and 1-5-10-20 centimes.
How to pay?
In Morocco, like most countries in the world, you can pay by cash or credit card. When paying by credit card, the exchange rate applied is the current rate. The maximum commission varies by issuing institution, typically ranging from 0% to 1%.
Where to change currencies?
In establishments that don’t give the possibility to pay by credit card, it is preferable to pay in dirhams. The best places to change your currency are the exchange offices that are located in the tourist squares of each city in Morocco. You can change your currency at the airport or in hotels as well.
Means of Communication
Phone calls
To make calls from your mobile phone number, don’t forget to contract the “International” option with your telephone operator.
The network is generally well covered in Morocco.
It is also possible to buy a Moroccan SIM smart card provided that you have unblocked your mobile phone beforehand. You can also find refills in all kiosks.
Internet
Generally, all hotels in Morocco have a high-speed connection, and many establishments offer free WI-FI connection: restaurants, cafeterias, airports, etc.
Health and well-being
Apart from universal vaccinations (tetanus, polio, whooping cough, diphtheria, hepatitis B), no additional vaccination is required to visit Morocco.
Some vaccines are nevertheless useful for individual protection of the tourist. In case of extended rural stays, it is strongly recommended to be vaccinated against rabies.
In order to avoid any intoxication or illness, it is recommended to :
- Wash hands before eating
- Wash and peel fruits and vegetables
- Make sure that meat is well-cooked
- Avoid too long exposure to the sun
In case of diarrhea containing mucus, pus, blood or accompanied by a fever, it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor. For simple loose stools, you can use an antibiotic that slows down the intestinal transit. Moroccan pharmacies are often well stocked and doctors are well trained.
In case of a medical emergency, please call the single national toll-free number “141”.
Morocco has all the assets to become a privileged destination for medical tourism. Having a considerable worldclass know-how, the medical staff apply very competitive rates of care which can reach up to 50% compared to other countries.
Morocco’s first “medical city”, called Marrakech Healthcare City, was inaugurated in December 2016.
This medical-hotel complex includes, in addition to a clinic, a 5-star hotel with 40 rooms and a village with 56 apartments with swimming pools and private gardens.
Marrakech Healthcare City covers several specialities such as ophthalmology, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, genetics and maxillofacial surgery, and also has a beauty centre, spa, balneotherapy and hammam to complete the offer.
