Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 200–400 MAD | 600–1,200 MAD |
| Food | 80–150 MAD | 200–400 MAD |
| Transport | 20–50 MAD | 80–150 MAD |
| Activities | 50–150 MAD | 200–500 MAD |
| Drinks | 20–40 MAD | 60–120 MAD |
| Daily Total | 370–790 MAD | 1,140–2,370 MAD |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia enter visa-free for 90 days. No advance application needed — just a valid passport
- Passport must be valid for 6+ months from entry. Some nationalities require a visa — check before travel
- Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) is 6km from the medina. Taxi 70–100 MAD (insist on meter or agree price before getting in)
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations required. Hepatitis A and typhoid recommended. Avoid tap water — bottled water is 5–10 MAD everywhere
- Marrakech is generally safe but medina scams are common — fake guides, "my uncle's shop" tours, and taxi overcharging. Be firm
- Summer heat (Jun–Aug) reaches 40–45°C. Carry water, wear a hat, and rest during peak hours. Medina lanes provide some shade
Getting Around
- The medina is best explored on foot — it's car-free and compact. Petit taxis (beige) for rides outside the medina — 20–50 MAD
- Grand taxis (large shared cars) for day trips — negotiate price in advance. Supratours/CTM buses for intercity travel
- Airport transfer: petit taxi 70–100 MAD or airport bus 30 MAD. Avoid unofficial taxis who approach you inside the terminal
Connectivity
- Maroc Telecom, Orange, and Inwi sell SIMs at the airport — 50–100 MAD for 5–10GB data. Maroc Telecom has the best coverage
- WiFi in most riads and cafes, though speeds vary. The medina's thick walls can block signals
- Maps.me and Google Maps work offline — essential for navigating the medina. Download the offline map before arrival
Money
- Moroccan Dirham (MAD). ATMs everywhere in the new city; fewer in the medina. Airport exchange rates are reasonable
- Cash is essential in the medina — souks, food stalls, and petit taxis are cash-only. Carry 500–1,000 MAD in small notes
- Tipping: 10–15% at restaurants, 10–20 MAD for guides and helpful locals. Small tips are expected for many services
Packing Tips
- Light, breathable clothing covering shoulders and knees. A scarf for mosque areas and sun protection. Comfortable walking shoes
- The medina lanes are uneven — avoid heels or flip-flops. Closed-toe shoes protect against the cobblestones and motorbike traffic
- A small daypack for water, camera, and purchases. Keep valuables in inside pockets — pickpockets operate in crowded souks
Cultural tips
Haggling Culture
Bargaining is expected and enjoyable in the souks. Start at 30–50% of the asking price. Never accept the first price. It's a social interaction, not a confrontation — smile, be patient, and enjoy the process.
Mosque Access
Non-Muslims cannot enter mosques in Morocco (exception: Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca). You can admire exteriors and minarets. Dress modestly when passing mosques and during prayer times.
Photography
Always ask before photographing people. Some vendors and performers expect payment (5–10 MAD). Snake charmers and monkey handlers will demand money aggressively — avoid engaging unless you want to pay.
Dress Code
Morocco is moderate but conservative. Cover shoulders and knees in the medina. Beachwear only at beaches. Women may attract unwanted attention in revealing clothing — dress modestly for comfort.
Food & Drink
Morocco is a Muslim country but alcohol is available in licensed restaurants, bars, and hotels (beer 30–50 MAD). Avoid drinking in public or the medina. Pork is rare but available in some tourist restaurants.
Scam Awareness
Common scams: "the road is closed" (it isn't), unsolicited guides demanding payment, "come see my uncle's shop." Say "la shukran" (no thanks) firmly. Never follow strangers into shops or down alleys.
