Frequently Asked Questions

The questions people actually arrive with, answered briefly. Each one links to the full guide if you want the detail.

Before you go

Do I need a visa? Most Western nationalities do not, and get 90 days on arrival. Indian, Nigerian and several other passport holders do need one, usually applied for online before travelling. Rules differ by nationality and change, so confirm yours rather than assuming. See Morocco Visa and Entry Requirements.

Is Morocco safe? Broadly yes, with the usual caveats about petty crime in crowded places and persistent sales pressure in tourist areas, which is annoying rather than dangerous. Road safety deserves more caution than street crime. See Is Morocco Safe?

When should I go? April to May and September to October are the best all-round months. July and August are punishing inland and excellent on the coast. See Morocco Month by Month.

How long do I need? Three days is enough for one city done properly. Seven covers a realistic loop. Anything involving the Sahara needs more time than people expect, because Merzouga is nine to ten hours from Marrakech. See A 3-Day Itinerary or the 7-Day Itinerary.

What should I pack? Layers, and more modest clothing than a beach holiday. Evenings are cold in the desert and mountains even when days are hot. See What to Wear in Morocco.

Money

Cash or card? Both, but carry cash. Cards work in hotels and larger restaurants. Souks, taxis and small cafes are cash only. See ATMs and Exchanging Money.

Can I get dirhams before I fly? Not really. The dirham is a closed currency, so change money after you arrive and do not try to leave with a large amount.

How much should I tip? Small amounts, often. Round up taxi fares, a few dirhams for a coffee, more in restaurants. See A Guide to Tipping in Morocco.

Am I supposed to haggle? In souks, yes. In shops with marked prices, no. Agree a price before you touch merchandise or get into an unmetered taxi.

On the ground

Is the tap water safe? It is treated and generally safe in major cities, but most visitors and residents drink bottled water. See Is Morocco Safe?

Can I drink alcohol? Yes, in licensed restaurants, bars and hotels, and from supermarkets like Carrefour and Marjane. It is not served everywhere, and availability is more restricted during Ramadan.

What language will I need? Darija is the everyday language, but French is what Morocco runs on administratively and commercially. French takes you much further than English outside tourist areas. See the Darija Phrasebook.

Do I need a local SIM? Almost certainly. Most foreign plans do not cover Morocco, and maps and ride-hailing are considerably more useful than a paper map in a medina. See SIM Cards and Mobile Data.

Can I photograph people? Ask first. Some will refuse, some will expect payment, and photographing children without a parent’s permission is not acceptable. See A Photography Guide to Morocco.

What are the emergency numbers? 112 from any mobile, even without a SIM. 19 for police, 177 for gendarmerie in rural areas. Your home emergency number will not work. See Embassy and Emergency.

Travelling as

Is it comfortable for women travelling alone? Many women travel solo in Morocco without difficulty, though street harassment is more common than most European destinations and requires a different set of habits rather than avoidance. See Solo Female Travel in Morocco.

What about visiting during Ramadan? Entirely possible and for some travellers a highlight, but the rhythm of the day changes substantially. Reduced hours, many daytime restaurant closures, and a very different evening atmosphere. Plan for it rather than discover it. See Ramadan in Morocco for Non-Muslims.

Is it good with children? Yes, and Moroccans are notably welcoming to families. The practical challenges are heat, distances and medina navigation with a pushchair. See Traveling in Morocco with Children.

Living here

How much does it cost to live in Morocco? Considerably less than western Europe, though this varies sharply by city and lifestyle. Use the Cost of Living Calculator rather than a single national figure.

Can I stay longer than 90 days? Yes, through a residence permit, and you should start the process rather than relying on border runs. See How to Get Your First Carte de Séjour.

How does healthcare work? Public coverage runs through the AMO system, but most foreign residents use private clinics and private insurance, paying upfront and claiming back. See Health and Healthcare in Morocco for Expats.

Can I work remotely from Morocco? Many people do. Working for a foreign employer while on a tourist entry is a common and legally grey arrangement, and staying beyond 90 days means dealing with residency regardless. See the Digital Nomad Guide.

Still not answered?

Everything here is covered in more depth in the guides. If something is missing, or wrong, tell us.