Morocco: A land of adventure and light

Documents and visa :

To stay in Morocco, you must have a valid passport covering your entire stay. Since 2015, passports have been compulsory, including for groups on organised tourist trips, and entry to Morocco is no longer possible on presentation of the national identity card alone. A visa is not required for French nationals.

Money :

The Moroccan currency is the dirham (MAD), which can only be obtained in Morocco. Money is exchanged in banks and approved establishments, which are indicated by a gold sign. At the end of the operation, they will issue you with a slip, which you will need at the end of your stay if you wish to convert your remaining dirhams back into your own currency. ATMs in major cities accept all international credit cards. You can also go to banks with a credit card or cheque book. Major hotels, restaurants, shops and even some shops in the souks accept credit cards. Be aware that it is against the law to import or export dirhams.

Electricity:

Sockets deliver 220 V in new buildings but 110 in older ones, sometimes both. Sockets are of the French type, so an adaptor is generally not necessary.

Health:

No vaccinations are compulsory for travel to Morocco. Avoid drinking tap water and water from street vendors, preferring bottled spring water. Find out what you need to know before swimming in the wadis. Finally, don't forget your bowel pills if you're fragile, and take precautions against insect bites and the sun.

Language:

The language of education, administration and the media is classical Arabic. The everyday languages are dialectal Arabic and Berber, spoken mainly in the Rif, Atlas and Souss regions. Most Moroccans speak French but also Spanish and English.

Tipping:

Tipping (or bakchich) is a custom deeply rooted in the country's tradition. For some, it is the only source of income. According to custom, it is better to tip little but often. Allow between 10 and 15% of the total amount in restaurants if the service is not included, 10% for taxis, between 5 and 10 dirhams for hotel valet parking, and the same amount for luggage. When you leave the hotel, you will be asked to pay a mini-tax, which will go to the tourist promotion fund.

Transport :

The car is the ideal means of transport for travelling around the country, so you can stop at will to enjoy the scenery. The highway code is international and French is used on road signs. There are plenty of car hire companies in the major towns. However, you need to be careful not only with motorists but also with cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, carts and even animals. Hit the horn! One last recommendation: fill up with petrol as soon as possible.

Coaches are cheaper and can take you almost anywhere. It is the most common form of public transport in Morocco. Alternatively, "big taxis" provide airport, inter-city and suburban connections. If you can, agree the fare before you set off. In town, you can use small, inexpensive taxis. Likewise, when the meter fails, specify the amount in advance.

Best time of year:

The best times to enjoy Morocco are spring and autumn when the temperatures are pleasant. Winter can be a little cold in the north of the country, and the mercury can quickly reach record highs in southern Morocco in summer.

Time difference:

Morocco is located in the GMT+1 time zone, but since 2018, the country no longer changes from winter to summer time. As a result, there is no time difference between France and Morocco in winter, and Morocco is one hour ahead of France in summer. However, the country changes time during Ramadan, so it is two hours ahead of France during this period.