FAQs

Question

What are the entry requirements for Morocco?

Answer

Morocco requires a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of boarding your flight OR proof of total vaccination. You must also present a filled out health form that you can fill out before your flight (click here: https://www.sante.gov.ma/PublishingImages/2021/protocole/FSP%20avion.pdf?csf=1&e=2iw7FK) or fill out upon arrival. We recommend filling it out before you travel and brining it with you to save time upon arrival! Please check here for updated information: https://www.visitmorocco.com/en/travel-info/covid-19-travel-safely-to-morocco

Question

Which airport should we fly into?

Answer

Casablanca and Rabat airports are your best options. The Casablanca airport (code CMN) is a bit over an hour from Rabat. The best way to get to your hotel from Casablanca airport is with a driver (please see the travel section for details on our preferred driver service) Rabat is closer, about 25 minutes from your hotel and the best way to get to your hotel is also our driver. Casablanca has more options for direct flights, but if you’re looking for a cheaper flight with a layover, check on Skyscanner for flights into Rabat as well.

Question

What should I watch out for in Morocco?

Answer

Morocco is not a dangerous country, but there is poverty and many people will solicit you for money, at times very persistently. Unfortunately, the best thing to avoid attracting lots of attention is to ignore people. If you’d like to give charity, 1-5 dirhams is customary. Be mindful of your cash and telephone. Morocco is a Muslim country. While you do not need to be overly modest, wearing short and revealing clothing tends to attract likely unwanted attention.

Question

How do I get around Rabat?

Answer

Download Careem! It is an Uber-owned ride-sharing app that you pay with cash. You can order ahead of time or right when you need it. If you want to take taxis: Avoid hailing white taxis because those are generally for long out-of-city rides (like sheruits in Israel). Petit taxis (small, blue colored taxis) in Rabat are also cheap and easy. You just need to give the name of a road or general landmark to the driver (we’re not great with actual street numbers in Morocco, so saying the name of a cafe or building close to the place you actually want to go is your best bet). Only three people can go in a small taxi at once, and if you’re fewer than three, don’t be surprised if the taxi picks someone else up who is going along the a similar route as you. You’ll pay the metered price. Taxis in Rabat, unlike in Marrakech, are honest and always use the meter as they are required to do by law. Your fare will likely be between 10-30 dh depending on where you’re going. There is no Uber in Morocco, but there is Careem. Download it and use it to pay in cash. City taxis are widely available and very cheap (watch out for Marrakech). All taxis WITHIN Cities only allow 3 people, but will pick up ANY three people going roughly in your direction. So if there is a taxi with 2 other people already in it and you’re going in the same direction, they’ll take you and charge you separately from the others. That’s normal. They also have meters. In all cities EXCEPT Marrakech, drivers will put them on without being asked to do so. In Marrakech, ask “utilizez le compteur s’il vous plaît. There are very cheap intercity taxis (old Mercedes) that fit 6 people. I don’t recommend that unless you’re totally adventuring. For intercity, use the train or call Najib.

Question

What if I want to travel around Morocco?

Answer

You should! See the travel section, where we've provided some itinerary ideas, as well as the number of a driver (Najib) who can hook you up with trusted drivers in other part of the country. We've also provided the number for Rachid (see South Morocco 2/2 on travel page) who can organize hikes and visits to the mountains and desert in the Marrakech region. Contact them via whatsapp, and if you have specific questions, just ask us!

Question

Can I pay with credit card?

Answer

Taxis and Careems accept cash. Informal vendors accept cash. Other than that, bigger restaurants and your hotels will of course take cards (often not American Express, though!) You can convert money or just withdraw from ATMS to keep cash on hand. If you're shopping in the medina (old city), cash is usually easier than a card. Unless something drastically changes, 10dh = 1$. Pretty easy, divide by 10 (but check rates right before the visit). It is a cash based economy. Restaurants take cards, but taxis and smaller vendors do not so change money for dirhams. Change money at an official vendor, not with a guy on the street. Check the displayed rate. If you’re changing a lot, you can negotiate for a discount.

Question

Are there any words I should know in Arabic?

Answer

Yes, a little effort in the local language goes a long way! People in Morocco are incredibly kind. Hospitality is part of the culture (and sometimes jarring coming from our western world). While there is poverty and people try to get a dirham or too from tourists, it is generally not malicious. Smile and say "choukran" (shoe-kran) for thank you. When entering a store or shop, ask "labas?" Meaning "how are you?" The response is also "labas" (I'm good). If you want to say something is good, you can say "zwine" "How much" is "sh'hal" like sha-ha-l" One is wahed, 5 is chamsa, 10 is ashraa, 100 is m'aya (like the month of may+aa), 1000 is alf. You Hebrew speakers might be familiar ;) To say hello, "salaam aleykum" or just "salaam" Goodbye is "bi-salama" (go in peace) You can use French too, bonjour, merci, au revoir, etc. Moroccan is more endearing though! Get practicing!

Question

Do I tip in Morocco?

Answer

Tipping is not customary but it is very much appreciated! A tip of 10% at a nice restaurant would be well received, and a tip of 5 - 10 dirhams for all other services would be very well received.

Question

Eating and Drinking

Answer

Don’t drink tap water. Unclean food and drink causes belly aches. Avoid eating raw foods like salads in places that seem less savory, but in established restaurants, you should be good. Enjoy delicious food, pastries, and fruit juices.  My favorite bakery only sells by weight but I highly recommend a stop while in the Medina. Get some “loooz” (almond-based cookies) and some “sableés.” You order at the window - there is no where to sit, but grab a half or quarter kilo of cookies and you wont regret it, just a few doors down from here. There is always a line: https://goo.gl/maps/26CXpwy3worDDg2h9 Try the avocado and dried nut juice at any Mehlaba (dairy bar). For a delicious and insanely affordable Syrian meal, go here: Yamal Acham (multiple locations) https://goo.gl/maps/Lj6SM6K1TNQmuivg9 A great lunch spot for french-style crepes: Ty Pots https://goo.gl/maps/CgwTBkGGwPKXekNd7 Our favorite pizzeria, all candlelit, where Mike’s parents have been going for over 40 years: La Mamma https://goo.gl/maps/jxGe8JS2ERiFEtzLA  For a nice meal at the beach, try the Trois Palmiers. 

Question

Buying a SIM Card - very easy!!

Answer

When you go down to baggage in the Casablanca airport, the main cellular services give you a free SIM card. Take it. From there you need to buy a recharge plan. If you buy the 50 dirham one and charge it by sending an SMS to 555, following the instructions on the charge card, put in the number on your card and after *3 will give you 50gb of internet