Scattered around my website you will find bits and pieces of information about making a trip to Morocco. For the first-timer, thinking of travel to Morocco can be overwhelming and sometimes even confusing. In most cases, you’ll have no idea what to expect when you arrive. Many people also have hesitations because it is as Muslim country and they don’t know what to expect.

The things that I now take for granted are the things most people have questions about. With a good friend of mine coming to visit for the first time, I’ve put together this ultimate guide to Morocco for anyone making a trip.

The Ultimate Guide to Morocco: Travel to Morocco Decoded

Booking A Flight To Morocco

From North America, there are a few flight options to Morocco.  The only non-stop flights are from New York JFK to Casablanca and from Washington DC IAD to Casablanca.  These flights operate on Royal Air Maroc/American Airlines.

Most flights will take you through Europe – almost every major European city has flights into Morocco.

There are also low-cost carriers that connect from European hubs into Moroccan cities such as Marrakech, Fez and Tangier.  Once in Morocco traveling around the country on Royal Air Maroc is possible. There is also a connection from Fez to Marrakech (and vice versa) on Air Arabia.

New domestic connections are also being added regularly. You may need to view the Air Arabia website to find these offers as they are typically not shown on flight aggregators like Orbitz or Skyscanner.

I recommend booking your flights ONLY with airlines directly. Third-party sites like Expedia can make any customer service issues very difficult.

Flights go to smaller Moroccan cities such as Oujda, Ouarzazate, Agadir, Rabat, or Essaouira.  If your journey is taking you beyond Morocco you will find flights to destinations across the Middle East and West Africa from Casablanca or Marrakech.

Booking The Best Flights To Morroco For You

Flights to Morocco from the United States

Morocco Travel Regulations and Entry Requirements.

If you want to have an up-to-date idea of what the current entry requirements and restrictions are in Morocco this page from the Moroccan government is kept (somewhat) up to date with current official travel advice.

Most visitors will not need a visa to visit Morocco. You should however double-check to make sure you will not. Visas requirements depend on your passport country. Visitors are typically permitted to stay in Morocco for up to 90 days.

In June of 2022 Morocco lifted many of the strongest regulations that were imposed. It is no longer required to have a PCR test AND vaccination. COVID vaccines are no longer required.

How Much Time to Spend in Morocco

It’s important to decide how much time you want to spend in the country to see the sights that are most important to you. This guide will help simplify that process:

How To Optimize Your Morocco Itinerary

If you’re not sure where to go, or maybe you have some ideas but just want to know more, check out my destination guides. I have guides on most major cities in Morocco and many of the smaller cities too.

Morocco City Guides

In addition, it’s important to decide if you feel more comfortable traveling to the locations independently, with a private, tailor made tour or on a group tour.

What Is The Best Way To Visit Morocco For YOU

Weather in Morocco & When to Go

The Moroccan climate is very similar to California from north to south.  Depending on where you’re staying, the weather may vary dramatically.  The Atlantic coast is much cooler in general than the interior of the country.  Northern Morocco is more temperate than the Sahara Desert. The Atlas Mountains in winter are going to be a lot colder than areas at lower elevations.

Generally, spring and fall are the most moderate times of the year with an average temperature around 70F, and for this reason these seasons are the best time to visit Morocco.  Summers can be very hot, well over 100F in the southern parts of the country, and even the northern parts quite warm.  Winters can drop down around 40F.  This is also the rainy season.

It is important to keep in mind that most Moroccan homes and riads do NOT have central heating.  Even if 60F sounds like a warm winter day, it’s not so warm when it’s rainy and there’s no interior heating! Most riads and hotels however will have heating and cooling systems.

Because this is such a big question, I’ve put together a page to help you no matter what month you’ll be visiting. Visit this post: The Forecast: Weather in Morocco and choose the months you’re considering a visit. It will give you more specific information on what to expect, where to go, and what to pack for that time of year.

Morocco Packing List Ideas

This will partly depend on what time of year you are visiting, where in the country you are going and the type of activities you have planned. For the everyday traveler who will be engaging in a typical tour of Morocco some of the items you might want to have on hand are;

• Clothes that can be layered, think cardigan sweaters, tank tops, lightweight t-shirts, or long undershirts.  
• Pants that can be worn comfortably and worn a few times without needing washing or pressing.  Plenty of underwear and socks.
• A good pair of sturdy walking shoes – you’ll need them!  I love shoes that can be worn every day but fit with a nicer pair of pants and shirt.  Women – you can always buy a pair of low-cost cute sandals in the markets if dressier shoes are called for!
• Swimsuit for summer months
• A light weight jacket. You may want a warmer jacket if you will be in the mountains or desert during winter months.
• For women; one longer shirt and a scarf to have on hand in case needed to visit holy/religious sites.
• Hand sanitizer or baby wipes for times when you may not have access to water.
• If you’re traveling off the beaten path you may want to bring some small roles of toilet paper or tissue with but it is more and more common now to find paper in most bathrooms.
• A few small gifts for hosts, friends you make along the way.  Though not necessary, I like to have them just in case.
• Over-the-counter medication; Make your own travel kit using this post as a guide – Creating an Emergency Travel First Aid Kit
• Prescription medication in ORIGINAL containers – this is especially important if flying.  Also make sure to include contacts, lens solution and extra glasses/contacts for the trip. If you have any allergies and use an EPI pen – carry it with you at all times. These are hard to find in Morocco.
• A small duffle or carrier bag that can be used for small trips or to bring home items you may not have room for in your luggage.
• Copies of your travel documents, flight itineraries, and where you are staying.  It might also be helpful to keep a detailed list of what is in your suitcase (and receipts if you have them) in case luggage is lost, broken, or stolen.  Keep one with you, one in your suitcase and leave one at home with a family member or friend.  Make sure to include bank card numbers with this information.

Get my detailed packing advice for seasons of the year and different destinations

It is possible now to find almost anything you would want or need in Morocco. That being said you should be sure to bring with you any medications or specialty products that you need or use. If you have a special diet (gluten-free/dairy free etc) you may want to bring along some snacks that can hold you over. While people are beginning to understand what this means in Morocco your options are really limited.

What to Pack in Your Carry-On

• Your airplane tickets, travel documents, and trip itinerary
• Snacks/food for the airplane, esp. important if you are a picky eater or have dietary restrictions
• Reading material, a journal, Arabic or French phrase book.  (I like this one).
• A pen
• A pair of flip-flops or socks to get comfortable on the plane.
• Headphones (with or without mp3 player depending on your wants/needs).
• Any prescription medications you need for the trip.
• OTC medication that might help on the flight (don’t bring the whole bottle in your backpack just a few!)
• You may want to bring a sleeping mask, a small blanket or an inflatable neck pillow.
• Money and debit cards/credit cards.

Language in Morocco

Moroccans speak many different languages however the lingua franca is Darija, a dialect of Arabic.  It’s comparable to West African creole; a combination of several different languages (predominantly Arabic, French, Spanish and Berber).  In fact it’s such a blend of languages that most Arabic speakers outside of Algeria and Tunisia can’t even understand Moroccan!  It is helpful to learn a few words in Darija to get by during your stay.

Many Moroccans also speak French, though not all. In tourist cities like Marrakech, Fez, Tangier etc you will feel like people can speak every language in the world. It’s (almost) true. Many Moroccans do speak multiple languages.

Lonely Planet Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook.  This book will come in handy especially if you find yourself off the beaten path and only speak English. We have a copy that is falling apart.  When I met my husband we used this book constantly to communicate when our French faltered!

Want more? Read my posts on Introductions and Useful Expressions and Telling Time.

Electronics | WIFI | Cell Phones in Morocco

• Morocco uses the same electrical system as Europe, 220v – make sure you have an appropriate converter for your electronics
• Telephones; if you have a GSM-compatible phone you can have your phone unlocked before traveling (making sure your cell phone will work abroad).  You can then purchase a pay as you go SIM card in Morocco to make and receive calls with (swapping out your GSM card).
• If you want to travel with a computer, I highly recommend a netbook or a iPad, something small, compact, and lightweight.
• Cyber cafe’s are incredibly common even in small Moroccan cities and are relatively inexpensive, though the connection may not be the high-speed quality you are accustomed to.  If you’re only looking to send a few emails, check in on Facebook, or call a family member on Skype this might make more sense than carrying a computer along.
• Morocco is very tourist-friendly, DSLR cameras, video cameras etc are very common on the streets.  Just be cautious to keep expensive valuables such as these secure.

You will find many places have free Wifi available however having data on your phone is highly advisable. Having navigation help like Google maps will be useful, though not always pinpoint accurate. You also may want to communicate with your accommodation or tour providers. Whatsapp is widely used as the communication vehicle of choice.

Where to Stay in Morocco

To get the full experience, plan to stay at a riad at least a few times during your time in Morocco. This authentic bed and breakfast style accommodation can be found around the country. Here is a good place to start your search:

Where To Stay In Morocco

Getting Around Morocco

Traveling between cities in Morocco can take some time, so it’s important to account for your travel within the country. While there is public transportation it can be hard to navigate. Depending on your time and budget, these are the most popular ways to get around.

Everything You Need To Know To Travel Around Morocco

Train Travel in Morocco

Guide to the CTM Bus in Morocco

Renting a Car in Morocco

Bus/Train

For budget travelers train tickets are cheap, service fairly reliable, and major cities are on the route. A train station, especially in large cities will have English-speaking staff and in many cases self-service kiosks.

 There are several bus companies that run throughout the country.  If getting to smaller cities that are off the beaten path is part of your itinerary a bus is likely to be the most economical and efficient way to reach your destination.

Rental Car

There are two options if a road trip is more your style.  Rental cars are available in major cities across Morocco.  That being said they are nearly all manual transmissions and expensive to rent. If you decide to go this route, check with your car insurance carrier to see if they cover rental vehicles, it’s also worth checking with your credit card company as some do offer rental car protection.

If neither is the case, it’s highly advisable to take out insurance when you are renting a car. The police are quite vigilant, especially if they notice you’re not Moroccan and an inflated ticket price to pay may be likely. You also will be sharing the road with all kinds of vehicles. From overloaded transport trucks to motorcycles, donkeys, and horse-drawn wagons.

Grand Taxi

If you’re not ready to take the driver’s seat, grand taxis’ run throughout the country.  In most cities, there is a central gathering place for these large long-haul taxis and you can negotiate with the driver about the price for the destination you would like to go to. While negotiating make sure you let them know if you want a private taxi or not. If not, don’t be surprised if there are 4 of you in the back seat and 2 up front, and that the taxi might make stops between your departure point and destination to let off and take in passengers.

Finally, keep in mind that distances on a map appear closer than they really are. Driving through mountain ranges, which cut through the country, takes a lot more time than a straight stretch of road. 200 kilometers through the mountains can take double or triple the time it would on a regular road.

Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel or Riad

It is advisable to arrange transportation for your first day in Morocco. Getting from the airport to your accommodation can be confusing and frustrating. Many riads and hotels have transfer services available. Sometimes it is included as a perk of staying and other times there is a charge. Even if you feel like the price of the transfer is high, my advice is truly to book it. You will have less of a headache and will be more at ease on your arrival than trying to sort things out with a taxi driver.

Moroccan Money and Tipping

Navigating a new currency and customs related to tipping can be really overwhelming.

The local currency in country is the Moroccan dirham. I have a full post that you can read that will explain all of this to you!

5 Helpful Insights on Money and Tipping in Morocco

Tipping, is it done? How? Is it expected? If so, where and in what situations?

Tipping in Morocco is similar to Europe in many ways. A small tip is expected on a bill at a restaurant say 5-10%. For a service such as a guided tour a small tip is appreciated though not required. Consider the value of the service you’ve had when tipping if you do decide to tip. For example, if you’ve hired a guide from a company for a tour and paid $100 then consider tipping at least 100 dirhams to the tour guide.

Shopping & Money FAQs

Are there many ATM’s?

Yes, there are many ATM’s just about everywhere in Morocco.. In rural areas, you’ll be more limited to options and may discover some are out of money especially on weekends. If you plan to go to more remote areas, plan ahead and get enough cash in the city before you go.

Is it a good idea to just withdraw cash from an ATM?

You can typically withdraw 2000 dirham in a single transaction and will be given 100 and 200 dirham bills. The largest Moroccan bill is 200 dirham. You will want to have change whenever possible. Coins come in 0,20dh, 0,50dh, 1dh, 2dh, 5dh, and 10dh quantities. Bills as 20dh, 50dh, 100dh, and 200dh. Having smaller coins and bills is very helpful as most purchases are done in smaller quantities and vendors hate breaking 100 or 200 dirham bills. You can go into a bank branch to get change for larger bills.

Should I have cash with me to get to the center when I arrive?

There are currency exchanges at all airports. If you need money right away (for taxi fare etc) exchange a small amount of money upfront and then use an ATM to get more. Airport exchanges charge a high exchange fee. In the Marrakech airport, there is also an ATM outside of the immigration and baggage control before you exit the airport. This is also the case in the Casablanca airport.

How do I bargain?

Morocco is a cash society and bargaining is a way of life. When you are making purchases you should be prepared for this. Whatever price they give you, cut it by 2/3. Then work from there to get to a point you both agree on. Don’t appear too interested in any one object. This really is a game! If you really don’t want something don’t start the process and walk away. If you do want it but aren’t willing to pay the final price you’ve been given walk away. Many times they’ll come after you and agree to your price. If not, you probably can find it somewhere else.

What are general prices like?

The prices for things will vary depending on where you are geographically and in terms of a restaurant or grocery market etc. Read my post on the cost of things in Morocco for a general idea of prices.

Is Morocco Safe?

This is a loaded question and has many different levels. The simple answer is yes, Morocco is safe. In the post below, I dive into more specifics like different types of safety, local laws, and what to be aware of. The most common type of crime you will experience is petty crime like pickpocketing.

Is Morocco Safe?

If you’re worried about getting sick or hurt, having travel insurance is really important. With there being more disruptions in travel in current times having a good insurance policy is something that is very important!

Safety for Solo Travel in Morocco

Solo travelers visiting Morocco, especially solo female travelers generally have more safety concerns. In most ways, Morocco is no different than other destinations where you need to keep your wits and be aware. Women will typically face more attention than men through catcalling and unwanted attention.

Always check travel advisories for more detailed information. The US government via the State Department put out regular bulletins and advisories and most other national governments do the same. These are often worst-case scenario bulletins so do take them with some levity and consider looking at advisories from other countries’ national governments too. You may find they are quite different!

A travel health professional also may be worth consulting if you are concerned about health safety on your trip.

Drinking Water Safely

Stick with bottled water. In cities, you won’t get sick brushing your teeth in tap water, and if you live here chances are good you drink straight from the tap. But, who wants to chance it disagreeing with you?

Avoiding Scams

Scams are a concern for many travelers, and these guides will help you navigate the most common situations you may run into:

The Taxi Scam

Scams In Jemma el Fna

The Tannery Scam

Fake Guides

Food and Dining

Morocco has a wide range of food and restaurants available. There are many traditional markets as well as major grocery stores. Prices range from very cheap ($1 or less for items) to high-end that rivals restaurants in any part of the world.

8 Foods Every Kids Will Love in Morocco

Eating in Morocco with Food Allergies / Gluten Free in Morocco

Alcohol in Morocco

Morocco is not a dry country. There is alcohol available – there are even wineries and breweries. That being said being drunk is highly frowned on.  There are bars, nightclubs, and restaurants that serve alcohol in every large city. You also will find alcohol for sale in grocery stores like Carrefour or bottle shops. You should keep in mind that alcohol is highly taxed and you will pay quite a bit.

If you’re planning to spend time in Marrakech consider picking up a copy of my eating guide to the city. It’s got all of my favorite spots and suggestions on where to eat across the city (and also organized by area!)

More Morocco Resources For First-Time Travelers

This is all just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to planning your adventure. Check out the articles below once you decide that Morocco is your next destination:

10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Morocco

Free Things To Do In Morocco

Visiting Morocco With Kids

The Ultimate Planning Guide For Marrakech

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