PRACTICAL INFORMATION

– Money
The Moroccan currency is dirham (MAD), which is divided into 100 cents. There are tickets up to 200 MAD. There are coins of 1, 2, 5 and 10 MAD, in addition to less frequent coins of 10, 20 and 50 cents. The dirham is a restricted currency, so it can not be taken out of the country and is not available abroad. The dirham is quite stable, without large fluctuations in exchange rates. The euro and the US dollar are the easiest currencies to change.

– ATMs
Cashiers (automatic guichets) are the easiest way to access money in Morocco. A popular point of interest, even in a small town, usually accepts the main cards: Visa, MasterCard, Electron, Cirrus, Maestro and InterBank. BMCE (Banque Marocaine du Commerce Extérieur), Crédit du Maroc, Banque Populaire, BMCI (Banque Marocaine pour le Commerce et l’Industrie), Société Générale and Attijariwafa Bank have a reliable service. Sometimes ATMs are sold out on weekends. The amount of money that can be extracted from an ATM depends on the conditions of each card. The daily limit of most cards to withdraw money from the ATM is usually MAD 2,000. Banks usually charge for withdrawing money from foreign ATMs; you have to consult it with your own bank. If you stay in Merzouga or in one of the desert towns of the Erg Chebbi, you will have to go to the nearest cities, Rissani, Erfoud or Errachida to get money from the ATMs.

– Cash
There is nothing more practical than cash, nor more dangerous. If it gets lost, it’s gone forever and very few travel insurance will come to the rescue. However, you have to carry some money in cash. It is recommended to carry some small bills in your wallet, or in a pocket (but never in a back pocket) for day-to-day transactions. The rest can be stored in a fanny pack or in another safe place. If you travel in remote places, you have to carry enough cash to last until you reach a large population. You have to carry an emergency reserve in small euro bills. Carrying many coins can be annoying, but they are very useful for taxis, tips, guides and beggars.

– Credit cards
In the tourist places the main credit cards are accepted. There is usually a 5% surcharge on Moroccan businesses. The main credit cards are MasterCard and Visa; If the traveler is going to work with a card, it is better to carry one of each. The best option is a combination of credit and debit cards, in addition to cash; thus the traveler has a safety net if a cashier swallows his card or the banks are closed. The main branches of banks give cash advances with Visa and MasterCard.

– Currency exchange
Any amount of foreign currency can be brought to the country. It is illegal to import and export dirhams. The Moroccan banking services are reasonably fast and efficient. The types change little from one bank to another, although it is always good to look and compare. A passport is needed to change travelers checks (in some places they even ask for the receipt of travel checks), to obtain cash advances and, sometimes, to exchange money. All the change receipts must be saved; they will be needed to convert the remaining dirhams into most Moroccan banks and exchange offices. When you arrive at the Erg Chebbi desert, you can change the currency at the Post Office (La Poste) of the town of Merzouga. Some hotels in this area also offer the possibility of changing the currency.

–  Tips
Tips are an integral part of Moroccan life; Almost any service justifies a tip. The traveler should not feel pressured, but giving some dirhams for a well-offered service can make life much easier. It must be borne in mind that in Morocco non-specialized workers earn less than 100 MAD per day.

– Communications
Mobile phones, telephone booths, Internet, Wi-Fi connection, post office, fax and telegrams … You will not have problems to stay connected during your stay.

– Phone
The network of telephone booths extends to the most remote villages and in the cities, you will find many shops with private telephones (operating with coins), very easy to recognize by their logo. Most of the mobile phone operators have their own network, but it is better that you inform yourself before coming. A tip: buy prepaid phone cards, but be aware that hotel prices can be more expensive. Remember that the prefix to call Morocco is 00212 and if you call your country of origin from a Moroccan number you must first dial your prefix.

– Post
In the extensive network of post offices, you can send telegrams, packages or faxes from anywhere. If you only want to send a postcard, you will find

If you plan to travel to the desert of Merzouga, and you need a cheap hostel in good condition with excursions and activities. book your hostel now without additional costs.