Visiting
A Guide to ATMs and Exchanging Money in Morocco
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| Currency | Moroccan dirham (MAD). ~10.9 MAD/EUR, ~9.4 MAD/USD, ~12.7 MAD/GBP. |
|---|---|
| Import dirhams? | No. Moroccan law prohibits importing or exporting dirhams. |
| ATMs | Widely available. Accept Visa and Mastercard. |
| Credit cards | Hotels, large restaurants, supermarkets. Not souks, cafes, taxis. |
| Exchange desks | Airport and city center. Rates 5-10% worse than ATMs. |
| Best approach | Withdraw from ATMs. Carry cash. Cards as backup. |
Currency Converter
Indicative only, not for transactions. Fixed rate set 9 September 2026; banks and exchange bureaus apply their own margin on top.
Morocco runs on cash. Cards work at hotels and nice restaurants, but for taxis, souks, cafes, pharmacies, and most daily transactions, you need dirhams in your pocket. Getting them is straightforward with a few quirks worth understanding.
ATMs
Moroccan ATMs are everywhere: Attijariwafa, BMCE, CIH, Banque Populaire, Societe Generale. They accept international Visa and Mastercard. Withdraw 2,000 to 4,000 MAD at a time to minimize per-transaction fees. Some ATMs charge 20 to 30 MAD locally. CIH Bank ATMs are frequently cited as fee-free for international cards. Your home bank likely charges 1 to 3 percent per withdrawal. Cards with no foreign transaction fees (Revolut, Wise, Schwab, Monzo) save real money.
Credit and Debit Cards
Visa and Mastercard accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, supermarkets, fuel stations, and larger shops. Amex is rarely accepted outside five-star hotels. Contactless exists at some modern retailers in Casablanca and Rabat but is not widespread. Always have 200 to 500 MAD cash on you.
Exchange Desks
Airport and city center desks offer rates 5 to 10 percent worse than ATMs. Fine for small amounts when you first arrive. Do not exchange large sums here. Hotels offer even worse rates.
Practical Tips
- Always choose 'without conversion' if the ATM asks. Choosing your home currency triggers a poor rate (dynamic currency conversion).
- Keep small bills (20 and 50 MAD) for taxis and tips. Break larger notes at supermarkets.
- ATMs can run out of cash on weekends in smaller towns. Withdraw extra on Friday.
- Notify your bank before traveling to avoid your card being blocked.
- Exchange leftover dirhams at the airport before departure. You cannot take them home.
Related Guides
Accuracy note: Travel information, prices, and practical details in Morocco can change. This article reflects conditions at the time of writing. Verify current details before planning your trip.