Last updated: March 2026

ATM and Money Scams in Morocco: How to Use Cash Safely

Cash is king in Morocco. Most riads, restaurants, guides, and markets take cash only. You need dirhams.

Getting dirhams is straightforward, but there are specific places where you lose money to theft or scams. Here’s how to access cash safely and avoid the common tricks that separate tourists from their money.

ATM Safety

Which ATMs to Use

Best: Bank-attached ATMs (inside or directly outside a bank building).

Banks with reliable ATMs:

  • Attijariwafa Bank (largest bank in Morocco)
  • CIH Bank
  • BMCE Bank
  • Maroc Telecom (telecom company with banking services)

These are safer because:

  • They’re monitored
  • They’re regularly maintained
  • Card skimming risk is lower than standalone machines
  • The banks are established and regulated

Avoid: Standalone ATMs in tourist areas, markets, or street corners. These have higher skimming risk and are targets for thieves.

How to Use an ATM Safely

  1. Check for a card skimmer first. Look at the card slot. Is there something loose or extra? Try to pull the card reader gently. If something moves, don’t use this machine.

  2. Cover the keypad. Use your hand or body to shield the numbers as you enter your PIN. This prevents shoulder surfers and hidden cameras from seeing your PIN.

  3. Use your debit card, not credit. Debit cards have better fraud protection if your details are compromised.

  4. Withdraw reasonable amounts. Don’t withdraw 5,000 MAD in one go if you only need 1,000. Smaller regular withdrawals mean less cash on you if something goes wrong.

  5. Put cash away immediately. Don’t count it at the machine. Step away, move to a safe spot, and count privately.

  6. Check your statement regularly. Once you’re home, verify all ATM withdrawals against your statement. Report anything suspicious immediately.

Exchange Offices

This is where tourists lose the most money to currency exchange.

Best Exchange Rates

Best: Bank branches (for direct exchange).

Example rates at a typical bank:

  • EUR to MAD: 1 EUR = 10.5-10.8 MAD
  • GBP to MAD: 1 GBP = 12-12.5 MAD
  • USD to MAD: 1 USD = 9.8-10.2 MAD

Rates vary slightly by bank and date.

Okay: Official exchange offices in city centres.

These offer decent rates but slightly worse than banks (usually 0.2-0.5% difference).

Worst: Airport exchange offices and tourist-area exchanges.

Airport rates are typically 5-10% worse than bank rates. Tourist area exchanges are even worse.

Example of the difference:

Exchange 500 EUR at different places:

  • Bank: 500 EUR × 10.6 = 5,300 MAD
  • City exchange office: 500 EUR × 10.4 = 5,200 MAD
  • Airport exchange: 500 EUR × 10.1 = 5,050 MAD

You lose 250 MAD just by exchanging at the airport instead of a bank.

Never Exchange on the Street

Street money changers offer high rates to attract you. The scheme:

  1. They offer a great rate (better than banks)
  2. You agree
  3. They hand you money
  4. It’s short, it’s fake, or they’ve distracted you and switched the envelope

Don’t do it. Ever. The convenience isn’t worth the risk.

The Short Change Trick

This is the most common money scam in markets and small shops.

How it works:

  1. You buy something for 50 MAD
  2. You hand over a 100 MAD note
  3. The shopkeeper counts your change in their hand (not on a surface where you can see clearly)
  4. They hand you something like 30 MAD instead of 50 MAD
  5. They claim that’s the correct change
  6. You’re confused and leave

Prevention: Always look at the notes before you hand over your payment. Say the amount clearly: “I’m paying with a 100 MAD note. The change is 50 MAD, yes?”

Then wait for the change. Count it before you leave the shop. Don’t accept it if it’s short.

Example prevention dialogue:

You: “This costs 50 MAD, yes?” Shopkeeper: “Yes, 50.” You: “I’m paying with 100 MAD. Change is 50 MAD.” Shopkeeper: “Yes, 50.” (He counts it out) You: Count the change in your hand. Verify it’s 50 MAD. You: “Thank you” and leave.

Most mistakes are honest. But some aren’t. Always verify.

The Wrong Note Trick

Someone hands you a note claiming it’s a certain denomination, but it’s actually lower.

Example:

A vendor says the item costs 200 MAD. You hand over what you think is a 200 MAD note. Later you realise it was a 100 MAD note.

Prevention: Look at the numbers on the note before you hand it over. Moroccan dirhams have large numbers in the corners. 50, 100, 200 are easily confused if you’re not paying attention.

Before you hand over cash, say the denomination: “I’m giving you a 200 MAD note.”

This forces you to look at the note and prevents honest mistakes.

Currency: What to Carry

Carry: Moroccan dirhams only.

Morocco’s currency is a closed currency. You can’t easily exchange it back once you leave the country. Most money changers won’t take it.

How much: Depends on your trip length and spending. General rule:

  • Budget trip: 1,500-2,500 MAD per day
  • Mid-range trip: 2,500-4,000 MAD per day
  • Luxury trip: 4,000+ MAD per day

Withdraw this in chunks (1,000-2,000 MAD at a time) rather than all at once.

Don’t carry: Large amounts of foreign currency. It’s hard to exchange and it attracts thieves.

Credit Cards vs Cash

Credit cards: Some hotels, restaurants, and tour operators take cards (Visa, Mastercard). But coverage is spotty. Don’t assume a place takes cards.

Cash: Assumed everywhere. Markets, small restaurants, guides, taxi drivers. Cash is essential.

Mix: Carry mostly cash, one credit card as backup.

Practical Tips for Managing Money

  1. Keep small denominations. Vendors can’t give change for large notes. Carry 10, 20, 50 MAD notes for small purchases.

  2. Separate your money. Keep your main stash in a money belt or in your riad. Carry only what you need for the day.

  3. Don’t flash cash. Don’t count money in public. Don’t show people what you’re carrying.

  4. Use a money belt. If you’re nervous about theft, a money belt worn under your clothes keeps cash secure.

  5. Keep emergency money separate. Hide some cash somewhere other than your wallet (in your riad, in your shoe, somewhere safe) so if your wallet is stolen, you’re not completely stranded.

If Your Card is Compromised

If you suspect your card has been skimmed:

  1. Contact your bank immediately (have the number from home)
  2. Ask them to cancel the card
  3. Request an emergency card replacement if possible
  4. Ask your riad to help you contact the bank

Most banks offer decent fraud protection. Report compromises immediately.

For comprehensive money and safety information, see the Morocco budget travel guide and the Morocco scams guide.

FAQ

Should I get cash before I arrive or at the airport?

Get a small amount (200-300 EUR/GBP equivalent) at home at your bank’s rate. This covers transport from the airport. Exchange the rest at a bank once you arrive in Morocco.

Is it safe to use ATMs at night?

Use ATMs during business hours in busy areas. Avoid them late at night in quiet streets. During the day at a bank, it’s safe.

What if an ATM eats my card?

Contact your bank immediately. They’ll cancel it and arrange a replacement. This is rare but it happens. Most banks will help you access emergency cash.

Can I use ATMs in small towns?

Yes, but selection is limited. Larger towns have more bank ATMs. In very small towns, you might need to withdraw from the larger town and bring cash.

What’s the best exchange rate I can expect?

Bank rates are typically the best. They vary by date and which bank. You’ll lose roughly 1-2% compared to the official XE rate. Anything more than that is a bad rate.

Do I need to exchange all my money to MAD?

No. Keep some EUR or GBP for the return journey if you want. You can exchange back at the airport (at bad rates), or exchange at a bank before you leave.

Can I refuse payment at bad exchange rates?

Absolutely. If a vendor or hotel quotes an exchange rate that’s worse than the market rate, you can refuse. Stick to ATMs and banks for currency.

What if I lose my card while in Morocco?

Contact your bank immediately. They’ll cancel it. Most banks can arrange emergency money transfer or a replacement card. Have your bank’s phone number written down.

Are 500 MAD notes common?

Yes. 500 MAD notes exist but are less common than 100, 200, or 50 MAD notes. Don’t be surprised to receive them in change.

Should I carry traveller’s cheques?

No. Traveller’s cheques are difficult to exchange in Morocco. Stick to ATM cards and a small amount of cash from home.

What if I withdraw more cash than I need?

You can exchange unused MAD back to your home currency at your bank once you’re home, but at a bad rate. It’s better to withdraw smaller amounts more frequently.