Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | MAD 80–150 | MAD 400–900 |
| Food | MAD 80–150 | MAD 200–400 |
| Transport | MAD 50–120 | MAD 150–300 |
| Activities | MAD 30–80 | MAD 100–200 |
| Drinks | MAD 20–50 | MAD 80–200 |
| Daily Total | MAD 260–550 | MAD 930–2,000 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Getting There
- Ferry from Spain: Tarifa–Tangier Ville (35 min, FRS, €22–35) or Algeciras–Tangier Med (90 min, Baleária/Trasmediterránea, €25–40). Tangier Ville port is central; Tangier Med is 40km away and requires a taxi or bus transfer to the city
- Flights: Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport (TNG) has Ryanair connections from London Stansted, Brussels, and major European cities. Buses from the airport to city centre: MAD 4 (Line 17). Taxi: MAD 80–100
- Train from Casablanca or Marrakech: ONCF trains to Tangier Ville station (3.5hrs from Casablanca, MAD 100–150 second class). The new high-speed Al Boraq train from Casablanca takes 2 hours 10 minutes (MAD 250)
Getting Around
- The medina, Kasbah, and main sights are all walkable from the city centre. The medina is small enough to explore without a guide — use Google Maps (works well offline in Tangier)
- Petit taxis (red, metered) for in-city trips: MAD 10–30 for short hops. Agree on price first. Grand taxis (beige) for intercity: shared routes to Tetouan (MAD 30/seat, 1hr), Chefchaouen (MAD 60, 3hrs)
- Tangier has a local bus network (MAD 4 flat fare) but routes are confusing for visitors. Taxis are cheap enough that the bus is rarely worth the confusion
Money & Costs
- Dirhams only available inside Morocco — do not try to buy MAD before arrival. Change euros or dollars at the airport (reasonable rates) or at banks in the city centre (slightly better). ATMs are plentiful
- Many medina shops quote prices in euros due to Spanish proximity. Always check if a price is in MAD or EUR before agreeing. The Kasbah area in particular can target visitors with inflated euro prices
- Card acceptance is improving in Tangier but cash is still king for taxis, medina shops, street food, and most small restaurants. Carry MAD 200–300 in small notes at all times
Entry Requirements
- EU, US, UK, and Canadian passport holders enter visa-free for 90 days. Passport must be valid for 6+ months. No health requirements as of 2024
- Morocco customs: do not attempt to import alcohol beyond duty-free limits. Drone permits require advance application through ANRT — entering with an unregistered drone risks confiscation
- Currency: dirhams cannot be exported. Convert leftover MAD back to EUR/USD at the airport before departure. Keep exchange receipts for reconversion
Cultural tips
Islam & Public Space
Morocco is a Muslim country. Dress modestly in the medina and Kasbah — covered shoulders and knees for both men and women. The call to prayer sounds five times daily. Ramadan significantly changes opening hours and eating customs — be respectful about eating or drinking in public during fasting hours.
Negotiation Culture
Bargaining in the souk is expected and is a social interaction, not a confrontation. Start at 40% of the asking price and meet somewhere in the middle. Once you agree on a price and begin to take the item, the deal is made — walking away after agreeing is considered rude.
Photography in the Medina
Ask permission before photographing people in the medina, especially women. Many people will agree; some won't. Never photograph police, soldiers, or government buildings — it is illegal. The Kasbah walls and rooftop views can be photographed freely.
Tangier's Cosmopolitan History
From 1923–1956 Tangier was an International Zone governed jointly by multiple colonial powers — a status that created extraordinary cultural mixing, attracted writers and spies, and made it one of the most permissive cities in the world. This history is palpable in the architecture and the city's identity. Paul Bowles' novel The Sheltering Sky is set partly here and gives essential context.
