Morocco Trip Planning: Visas, Money, SIM & More

Last updated: June 2026

Morocco is one of the most rewarding trips you can do from Europe or North America - and one of the most logistically confusing if you arrive unprepared. Dirham is a closed currency. Cash is king in most of the country. SIM cards are sold at airport kiosks with tourist-inflated prices. Trains are excellent on some routes and non-existent on others. This guide covers all of it, honestly, in one place.

I’ve been to Morocco six times since 2017 - to the Atlas, the desert, the coast, the imperial cities. Every time I learn something new about how the country actually works on the ground. Here is what I wish I’d had before the first trip.

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Visas and Entry Requirements

Citizens of the UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries get 90 days visa-free on arrival. You do not need to apply for anything in advance - you simply land, pass through passport control, and get your passport stamped.

What you do need:

• A passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your entry date (some border officials enforce a stricter 6-month standard, so leave more buffer if you can)
• No damaged passport - Moroccan authorities have denied entry over passport condition
• Make sure you get the entry stamp; border officers sometimes skip it if you are chatting or distracted, and you need the stamp when you leave

The 90 days is per entry. Overland exits and re-entries technically reset the clock but this is a grey area - not a reliable strategy for an extended stay. To stay beyond 90 days you need to request an extension at a local police station (commissariat). It is a slow process and not guaranteed.

See the detailed visa breakdown for a full nationality list and what happens if yours is not on it.

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Money: Dirham, Cash and Cards

The Moroccan Dirham (MAD or DH) is a closed currency - you cannot buy or sell it outside Morocco. Do not try to source dirhams before you fly. Arrive, find an ATM at the airport, and withdraw what you need.

ATMs

ATMs are at airports, city centres and bank branches. The typical single-transaction limit is 2,000 MAD, though some BMCI machines allow 6,000 MAD. You are rarely capped on the number of daily transactions.

Foreign cards attract a Moroccan bank fee of 22 to 50 MAD per transaction (most commonly 35 MAD). Always choose to be charged in dirhams. Dynamic Currency Conversion (the “pay in pounds/euros” option) applies an exchange rate typically 3 to 7% worse than interbank. Al Barid Bank (Post Office) ATMs charge no foreign transaction fee but cap withdrawals at 2,000 MAD.

Cards vs cash reality

Cards work at upmarket hotels, larger restaurants and chain petrol stations. Everywhere else - medina souks, hammams, local transport, small guesthouses, rural Morocco - is cash only. Withdraw more than you think you need at the airport or first ATM you see. You legally cannot take more than 2,000 MAD out of Morocco, so spend it down or exchange at the airport before departure.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and meaningful in Morocco. Keep small notes handy. Rough guide:

• Restaurants: 10-15% in sit-down places; check whether service charge is already included
• Petit taxi: round up to the nearest 5-10 MAD
• Day tour guide: 50-100 MAD; private guide for a full day, 100-200 MAD
• Riad/hotel porter: 10-20 MAD per bag
• Hammam attendant: 20-50 MAD

Read the full cash and card guide and the cards vs cash breakdown for more detail.

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Getting Connected: SIM Cards and eSIMs

Three operators cover Morocco: Maroc Telecom, Orange and inwi. All three sell tourist-oriented prepaid SIM cards at major airports.

Which operator to choose

• Maroc Telecom has the widest 4G coverage outside cities - essential if your itinerary includes Merzouga, Erg Chebbi, Dades Gorge, Todra Gorge or any sustained desert time. It costs a little more but drops signal far less in remote areas.
• Orange is strong in the main cities (Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Fes) and has the most eSIM-friendly setup for tourists.
• inwi tends to offer the most data for the money on standard prepaid plans.

SIM card prices

Airport SIM kiosks sell tourist packs at inflated prices - typically 100-200 MAD (roughly £8-16 / €9-18) for 30 days of data plus some call credit. A Maroc Telecom tourist SIM example from 2025: around 165 MAD for 30GB data and 4 hours of calls. You can get the same data cheaper from a street-level operator shop in the city, but airport convenience is worth the small premium on day one.

eSIM option

If your phone supports eSIM, buy a Morocco eSIM before you travel. Providers like Airalo, Holafly and Orange Travel offer Morocco eSIMs from around $5-10 USD for 3-5GB, activated via QR code. No SIM-swap faff on arrival, though you will not have a local number for calls or WhatsApp verification.

See the SIM card guide for current plan comparisons and where to buy in each city.

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Getting Around Morocco

Morocco’s transport network has more options than most people expect, and the right choice depends on your route.

ONCF trains

The national rail network (ONCF) is comfortable, punctual and good value. The flagship is the Al Boraq, Africa’s first high-speed rail line, running Tangier to Casablanca in 2 hours 10 minutes via Kenitra and Rabat. Trains run roughly hourly from 6am to 9pm. The Rabat to Tangier leg costs from around 115 MAD in second class. Book online at oncf.ma or via the ONCF app.

Standard ONCF trains cover the main axis (Tangier - Rabat - Casablanca - Marrakech) and branches to Fes and Meknes. The Casablanca to Marrakech run takes about 3 hours. Second class is perfectly comfortable. First class is worth the small upgrade on night trains.

Note: the train network does not reach Agadir, Essaouira, the desert, the Souss Valley or the south. For those, you need buses or a car.

CTM and Supratours buses

CTM (private) and Supratours (ONCF-affiliated) are the two reputable long-haul bus companies. They are air-conditioned, reasonably punctual and serve routes trains do not - including Agadir, Essaouira, Ouarzazate and Dakhla.

A rough pricing rule: around 40 MAD per 100km. Rabat to Marrakech costs 135-190 MAD. Book in advance for weekend travel and during Moroccan public holidays - popular routes sell out.

Grand taxis

A grand taxi is a shared long-distance taxi, usually a battered Mercedes. They run fixed routes between towns on a per-seat basis. The driver waits until all six seats are filled before departing. Sample fares: Casablanca to Rabat 40-60 MAD per seat; Fes to Meknes 30-50 MAD per seat; Marrakech to Essaouira 80-120 MAD per seat.

You can hire the entire taxi (all six seats) for a private run - multiply the seat price by six. Grand taxis depart from fixed ranks near bus stations and main markets; they do not cruise for passengers.

Petit taxis

City-only, metered in theory, cheap in practice. The meter is not always offered - agree a fare before getting in, or insist on the meter. Never share a petit taxi with strangers already inside; that is not how they work and can signal a scam.

Domestic flights

RAM (Royal Air Maroc) and Ryanair both fly domestically between Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Fes, Oujda and Tangier. Prices can be low when booked early. For the north-south run (Casablanca or Marrakech to Agadir), flying often makes more sense than the bus unless you want the journey.

Car hire

Worth it for the south, the mountains and anywhere buses would force you to rush. Roads are generally good. Watch for unmarked speed bumps in every village - they are relentless and unsignposted. An international driving licence is technically required, rarely asked for. International companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar) are at airports; local outfits are cheaper but photograph the car thoroughly before you drive away.

The transport costs guide has current fares across all modes. How to get around Morocco goes deeper into logistics.

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What to Pack

By season

• Spring (March-May): Light layers plus one warm layer for evenings and high-altitude days. Rain possible in the north.
• Summer (June-August): Lightweight cotton everything. Desert temperatures exceed 45°C. The coast and mountains are far more comfortable than inland cities.
• Autumn (September-November): Similar to spring. September in Marrakech is still very hot.
• Winter (December-February): The Atlas gets real snow (Ifrane regularly freezes). The south has cold nights. Pack a proper mid-layer.

Modesty

Morocco is a Muslim-majority country. Outside beach resorts and tourist-heavy medina districts, dressing modestly is respectful and will substantially reduce the amount of attention you receive. For women, that means covering shoulders and knees in most public spaces; a large scarf doubles as a cover-up and pillow. For men, shorts are fine in cities but not in rural or traditional areas. Neither men nor women need to cover their heads.

See the Morocco packing list for a complete breakdown by season.

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Travel Insurance

Do not go to Morocco without travel insurance. Moroccan public hospitals are free for emergencies but basic, and private clinic care plus air evacuation from the Atlas (can cost €10,000+) will drain savings fast.

What your policy needs to cover: medical evacuation, adventure activities if you plan to hike or quad bike, trip cancellation, and theft cover for busy medinas.

The travel insurance guide for Morocco covers which policies actually pay out and what to look for in the small print.

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Health and Vaccinations

No vaccinations are legally required to enter Morocco (unless arriving from a yellow fever zone, in which case you need proof of yellow fever vaccination).

Recommended by the CDC and NHS:

• Hepatitis A - spread through contaminated water and food; the most consistently recommended vaccination for Morocco
• Typhoid - especially if eating outside tourist restaurants
• Tetanus, diphtheria, polio - check your routine vaccines are up to date
• Hepatitis B and rabies - worth considering for longer stays or adventure travel

Water

Do not drink tap water. Stick to sealed bottled water and use it for brushing teeth. Avoid ice at local cafes. Fresh-squeezed juice is usually safe at proper juice bars; watch for vendors who stretch it with tap water.

Avoid swimming in rivers and unmanaged fresh water - schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is present in some Moroccan freshwater sources.

Pharmacies (green crescent) are well-stocked and pharmacists usually speak French. Many medications are available without a prescription.

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Electricity and Plugs

Morocco uses Type C and Type E sockets at 220V / 50Hz. Type C is two round pins (the standard European plug). Type E has two round pins plus a socket hole for the earthing pin.

British plugs (Type G, three-pin) do not fit. Americans need an adapter and should check their devices - most modern phones, laptops and camera chargers auto-switch from 110V to 220V (check your device label for “100-240V input”). A US hairdryer at 120V will burn out without a voltage converter.

A compact Type C or Type E travel adapter is all most people need. See the plug adapter guide for Morocco for specifics.

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Safety Basics

Morocco is a safe country for tourists by the standards of the region. That said, there are patterns worth knowing.

General

• The main cities are safe to walk in day and night, though the narrow lanes of medinas can disorient and that disorientation is sometimes exploited
• Keep valuables out of view in busy areas - the Djemaa el-Fna in Marrakech and the Fes medina are pickpocket hotspots
• Solo women do get more street attention in Morocco than in Europe; this is mostly verbal and harmless, but worth being prepared for

Common scams

• “The souks are closed today”: a stranger tells you the place you want is closed and offers to take you somewhere “better” (a carpet shop). It is never closed.
• Helpful local / directions: someone guides you somewhere and then expects payment, or the route passes through a shop. Navigate with a downloaded map.
• Henna artists: around Djemaa el-Fna, unsolicited henna is followed by aggressive demands for cash. Only sit down if you agreed a price first.
• Free mint tea: not free. It opens a high-pressure sales pitch in a carpet or leather shop. That is fine if you know the context - just go in with clear eyes.
• Argan cooperatives: genuine ones (women visibly working inside) exist and are worth stopping at. Many frontages are not what they appear.

For a comprehensive breakdown of safety for solo travellers and families, see the Morocco safety guide.

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Accommodation

Morocco’s accommodation spectrum runs from 60 MAD dorm beds to 2,000+ MAD per night heritage riads. The sweet spot for most travellers is a mid-range riad in the medina: typically 400-900 MAD per night for a double, usually with breakfast, courtyard and rooftop.

Tips for booking:

• Book riads directly where possible - many are small family-run businesses and a direct booking saves them the OTA commission
• Read reviews for two things: noise (some medina locations are loud at prayer times) and navigation (medina addresses are approximate and some riads are genuinely hard to find on arrival)
• Advance booking matters most in July-August and over Easter; the rest of the year you have more flexibility

Airbnb works well for Casablanca and Rabat apartments. In the medinas, a riad is almost always the better choice for the experience.

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Language

Arabic (Darija - Moroccan dialect) and Berber (Tamazight) are the languages of daily life. French is the de facto business and administrative language and is widely understood in cities. Spanish is common in the north (Tangier, Tetouan, Chefchaouen) and the far south. English is increasingly spoken in tourist-facing roles in Marrakech and Fes.

A few words go a long way: shukran (thank you), la shukran (no thank you - useful for firm but polite refusals), bessalama (goodbye), b’shal hada? (how much is this?), ghali bezzaf (too expensive).

French gets you further than English outside the main tourist zones.

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Realistic Budget Overview

Morocco can be done cheaply or expensively. A rough per-day guide (excluding flights):

• Budget traveller (hostel dorm, street food, local transport): 200-330 MAD per day (roughly £16-26)
• Mid-range (riad double, mix of restaurants, trains and taxis): 630-1,150 MAD per day (roughly £50-90)
• Comfortable (upmarket riad, restaurants with drinks, private transfers): 1,200-2,600 MAD per day (roughly £95-205)

Guided tours add significantly to this but are often the most efficient way to reach the desert and Atlas. Browse tour listings to see what is available and what is realistically priced.

The budget travel guide covers souk shopping costs, entrance fees and where you can and cannot cut corners.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for Morocco?

Citizens of the UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not need a visa and can stay for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months from your entry date. See the visa guide for a full nationality list.

Can I use my card in Morocco, or do I need cash?

Both, but cash is dominant. Cards work at upmarket hotels, chain supermarkets and some restaurants. The medinas, local transport, hammams, street food and most small guesthouses are cash only. Withdraw dirham at an ATM on arrival and keep a good supply throughout your trip. Read the cards vs cash guide for specifics.

Is it safe to drink the tap water in Morocco?

No. Drink bottled water with a sealed cap and use it for brushing teeth. Bottled water is inexpensive everywhere and widely available. Avoid fresh-squeezed juice unless you know it has not been diluted with tap water.

What is the best way to get from Marrakech to Fes?

The most popular options are the overnight CTM bus (about 9-10 hours, 220-280 MAD), the train via Casablanca (requires a connection, around 7-8 hours total), or a multi-day route through the Middle Atlas or desert. There is no direct train. Many people fly if time is short. See how to get around Morocco for full route options.

Do I need to dress modestly in Morocco?

In cities and tourist areas there is a wide spectrum, but dressing modestly (covered shoulders and knees, especially for women) is respectful, makes you less of a target for touts, and opens more doors - literally, including to mosques in some cities. On beach resorts, swimwear is normal. The Morocco packing list has practical suggestions.

What plug adapter do I need for Morocco?

Type C or Type E (European two-pin round). British plugs do not fit. American plugs do not fit. Most modern phones and laptops handle 220V automatically - check your charger label for “100-240V input”. If it says only “120V”, you need a voltage converter as well as an adapter. See the plug adapter guide.

How much should I budget for a week in Morocco?

A realistic mid-range week (comfortable riad, mix of local and tourist food, trains and shared taxis, a guided day trip or two) runs to roughly £500-700 / €580-800 per person excluding flights. Budget travellers can do it for half that. Add around 30-40% for a more comfortable experience with private transfers and upmarket riads. Check the Morocco budget travel guide for a full breakdown.