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Language
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Arabic is the official language, while French is widely spoken, especially in the larger towns, though less so in rural areas. In the countryside areas to the south, Berber is generally spoken. English
is usually spoken in tourist areas of the large cities. |
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Currency
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Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Moroccan Dirhams can only be obtained or exchanged within Morocco and should be exchanged at banks or an official bureaux de change only.
Please note that in rural areas and in markets or souks, it's often difficult to change large-denomination notes and it is always advisable to carry some small change. |
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Electricity
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220
volts AC, 50 cycles. An adaptor, generally 2-pronged, is necessary. |
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Typical
Costs
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Morocco caters for a range of budgets. Eating out varies from the basic local dishes served from street stalls and small cafes and bistros to high-class restaurants.
Expect to pay around 30-50 dirhams for a basic meal, and up to 600 dirhams for a meal in a high-end restaurant. A litre bottle of water costs around 5 dirhams, while a bottle of local beer costs around the 5-6 dirhams. |
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Tipping
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Tipping is a widely accepted custom, and a tip of about 10% is customary in bars and restaurants. |
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Shopping
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Most towns feature markets selling fresh fruit, vegetables, spices, olives and craft items, as well as hypermarkets that are open 9am - 9pm seven days a week, and smaller grocers' shops and local supermarkets that are generally open 8am - 9pm each weekday, although they may close for a couple of hours in the middle if the day.
During Ramadan opening hours may vary.
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Banks
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Banking
hours are usually:
8.15am - 12.15pm and 2.15 - 5.15pm Monday to Thursday
8.15 - 11.15am and 2.30 - 5.30pm on Fridays
9am - 1pm on Saturdays. |
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Local
customs
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When
visiting holy sites such as mosques, you may be required to observe
customs such as covering your head, shoulders and legs. Please
respect such local customs. Swim wear and other revealing clothes should be kept to the beach and by the pool.
Photography is acceptable in most areas, though you may be charged to take pictures in museums.
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Clothing
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Lightweight
clothing is recommended for days, when it can be very hot. Most of Morocco is subject to a desert climate, and the nights can be chilly. A pullover or
jacket is recommended for evenings, especially in the winter.
Suitable
clothing such as walking boots and a windproof
jacket is recommended for touring itineraries. Waterproof clothing is advisable in the wet season, particularly in the mountains and on the coast.
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Passports
& Visas
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A full
10-year passport with at least 6 months validity from the date
of return is required for travel to Morocco for all British citizens. A visa is not required for British citizens (or EU Passport holders) for stays of up to 3 months, although you are strongly recommended to contact the Moroccan Embassy prior to making your booking on 020 7581 5001. |
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General
information
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Most
meals served in hotel main dining rooms are buffet-style. Guests
staying on a half board basis should note that meals must be taken
in the main dining
room, although an allowance may be given against
the half board charge if eating in the Hotel’s à la
carte restaurant. Check with the hotel reception at the time of check-in
for more details.
Photography is exceptable in most areas, though you may be charged to take pictures in museums. Cameras and video cameras may not be taken into
temples, tombs and archaeological sites, or a charge
may be levied. Before taking a photo of anyone, it is polite to first ask their permission. Please note mosques are generally closed to non-Muslims.
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Festivals
& holidays
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During these times, resorts may be busier than usual and services
may be reduced.
MUSLIM FESTIVALS
Muslim religious festivals may vary by one or two days. For further details,
please contact the Moroccan Tourist Board.
Ramadan* 01 Aug - 29 Aug 2011
Eid Al Fitr** 30 Aug - 01 Sep 2011
Eid Al Adha* 16 - 19 Nov 2010
New Year (Hijri Day) 07 Dec 2010
Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday** 15 Feb 2011
*Dates of Ramadan and Eid Al Adha are confirmed only shortly beforehand and
vary from year to year by one or two days. During Ramadan, the pace of life
during daylight hours is slower and offices and shops keep
shorter opening hours between sunrise and sunset.
Hotels
may limit facilities, and excursions and entertainment can
sometimes be affected.
**These festivals are subject to change by one day before or one day after
as the moon governs them.
MOROCCAN FESTIVALS
& HOLIDAYS
Labour Day 1 May (annual)
Oued Eddahab Allegiance Day 14 August (annual)
Anniversary of The King and the People's Revolution 20 August (annual)
King Mohammed's Birthday 21 August (annual)
Independence Day 18 November (annual)
Anniversary of the Green March 6 Nov (annual)
Restrictions may also apply on Public Holidays. Call Reservations for more
information.
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