|
| |
|
|
Language
Back to top |
|
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. |
| |
|
|
Currency
Back to top |
|
Moroccan Dirham (MAD). One MAD = 100 centimes.
Moroccan Dirhams can only be obtained or exchanged within Morocco and should be exchanged at banks or an official bureaux de change only.
ATMs are available in larger towns and travellers cheques can be used in tourist areas at most exchange offices and large hotels.
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. |
| |
|
|
Electricity
Back to top |
|
220
volts AC, 50 cycles. An adaptor, generally 2-pronged, is necessary. |
| |
|
|
Typical
Costs
Back to top |
|
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 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. |
| |
|
|
Tipping
Back to top |
|
Tipping is a widely accepted custom, and a tip of about 10% is customary in bars and restaurants. Tips should be left in cash - don't add these to the total when paying by cheque or bank card as the waiters are unlikely to receive it. |
| |
|
|
Shopping
Back to top |
|
Colourful and liveley souks play a big part in Moroccan life, with large towns having several souks within their medinas almost on a daily basis. Visiting a souk offers a fascinating insight into Moroccan culture and a great opportunity to pick up local crafts such as pottery and carpets.
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.
Bargaining is a way of life in Morocco, and to get value for money (and not disappoint the trader!) it's best to try your hand at the art and enjoy the transaction, which may be lengthy.
|
| |
|
|
Banks
Back to top |
|
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. |
| |
|
|
Local
customs
Back to top |
|
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. Before taking a photo of anyone, it is polite to first ask their permission.
Please note mosques are generally closed to non-Muslims.
|
| |
|
|
Clothing
Back to top |
|
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.
|
| |
|
|
Passports
& Visas
Back to top |
|
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. |
| |
|
|
General
information
Back to top |
|
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.
Cameras and video cameras may not be taken into
temples, tombs and archaeological sites, or a charge
may be levied.
|
| |
|
|
Festivals
& holidays
Back to top |
|
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* 2 Sep - 2 Oct 2008 & 22 Aug-21 Sept 2009
Eid Al Fitr**2 - 4 Oct 2008 & 21 Sept 2009
Eid Al Adha*8 Dec 2008 & 28 Nov 2009
New Year (Hijri Day) 29 Dec 2008 & 20 Jan 2009
Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday**9 March 2009
*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 FESTIVALS2008
New Year's Day 1 January 2008
Manifesto of Independence 11 January 2008
Muslim New Year 10 January 2008
Prophet's Birthday 20 March 2008
Labour Day 1 May 2008
Feast of Throne 30 July 2008
Oued Eddahab Allegiance Day 14 August 2008
The King and the People's Revolution Day 20 August 2008
King Mohammed's Birthday 21 August 2008
End of Ramadan 2 October 2008
Anniversary of the Green March 6 November 2008
Independence Day 18 November 2008
Feast of the Sacrifice 9 December 2008
2009
New Year's Day 1 January 2009
Manifesto of Independence 11 January 2009
Muslim New Year 10 January 2009
Prophet's Birthday 09 March 2009
Labour Day 1 May 2009
Feast of Throne 30 July 2009
Oued Eddahab Allegiance Day 14 August 2009
The King and the People's Revolution Day 20 August 2009
King Mohammed's Birthday 21 August 2009
End of Ramadan 21 September 2009
Anniversary of the Green March 6 November 2009
Independence Day 18 November 2009
Feast of the Sacrifice 28 November 2009
Restrictions may also apply on Public Holidays. Call Reservations for more
information.
|
| |
|
|
