Quick answers to common questions about Morocco, with links to the full guides.
Before you go
Do I need a visa? Entry requirements depend on your passport and travel circumstances. Some travellers can visit visa-free for up to 90 days; others need a visa or may qualify for an eVisa, which normally allows a stay of up to 30 days. Check the official Accès Maroc service and the relevant Moroccan consulate before travelling. 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? Spring and autumn often offer comfortable weather for mixed itineraries. Summer can be very hot inland, while coastal conditions vary by location. See Morocco Month by Month.
How long do I need? Three days can work well for one city; seven days allows a limited itinerary across several places. Reaching the desert takes substantial travel time, so leave room for the journey. 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? Carry some cash alongside a card. Cards are accepted in many hotels and larger businesses, but smaller shops, markets and taxis may require cash. See ATMs and Exchanging Money.
Can I get dirhams before I fly? Moroccan dirhams are not widely available outside Morocco, so exchanging or withdrawing money after arrival is often simpler. Travellers may carry up to MAD 2,000 in dirham banknotes into or out of Morocco under the Office des Changes rules. See ATMs and Exchanging Money.
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? Bargaining is common in many souks, but not in fixed-price shops. Agree a price before using a taxi without a working meter.
On the ground
Is the tap water safe? Water quality can vary by location and building. If you are unsure, choose sealed bottled water or properly treated water. See Is Morocco Safe?
Can I drink alcohol? Yes, in licensed restaurants, bars and hotels, and from licensed alcohol retailers and some supermarkets. It is not served or sold everywhere, and availability is more restricted during Ramadan.
What language will I need? Arabic and Amazigh are Morocco’s official languages. Darija is widely spoken in daily life, Amazigh languages are used across many regions, and French remains common in business and administration. English is increasingly useful in tourist areas. See the Darija Phrasebook.
Do I need a local SIM? A local SIM or eSIM can be useful for maps and communication. Check your existing roaming plan first, as some international packages already include Morocco. 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? Police: 19 from a landline, 190 from a mobile. Ambulance, fire and civil protection: 15 from a landline, 150 from a mobile. Gendarmerie in rural areas and on highways: 177 either way. From a mobile, 112 also works and usually reaches the police. Other home emergency numbers, such as 911, 999 or 000, 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 in 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 Travelling in Morocco with Children.
Living here
How much does it cost to live in Morocco? Costs vary considerably by city, housing and lifestyle; compare a realistic local budget rather than relying on a national average. The Cost of Living Calculator can help you build one.
Can I stay longer than 90 days? Possibly, through an extension or a residence permit, both granted by the Moroccan authorities. Start the process early 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, with eligibility depending on your situation. If you use private insurance, check which clinics it covers and whether the insurer pays directly or you pay first and claim reimbursement. See Health and Healthcare in Morocco for Expats.
Can I work remotely from Morocco? Tourist entry does not by itself establish permission to work. Check the appropriate status for your activity with the Moroccan residence service; professional activities requiring authorisation need the relevant approval. 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.