Morocco is just a few hours’ flight from Europe, but the culture shock begins the moment you step off the plane: a different language, a different currency, different customs. It’s not complicated—as long as you know what to expect. Here are our practical tips for visiting Morocco, compiled from Marrakech, to help you plan your trip and enjoy the country without any unpleasant surprises.
The Essentials in 30 Seconds
- Documents: a passport valid for the entire duration of your stay; no visa required for French citizens for stays of less than 90 days.
- Money: You can exchange for dirhams (MAD) once you arrive; always keep some cash on hand.
- Accommodations: a riad in the medina to experience Morocco from the inside.
- Attitude: wear modest clothing, negotiate with a smile, and say a firm “no, thank you” to touts.
Before You Go
1. Check your identification documents
For a tourist stay of less than 90 days, French nationals do not need a visa. However, you must have a passport valid for the entire duration of your stay: an ID card is not sufficient for individual travel. Rules vary by nationality; check with the Moroccan consulate or your country’s official website before booking your tickets.
2. Choose the right season
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most pleasant times to visit Morocco. Summers are very hot in Marrakech, Fes, and the desert, but ideal on the Atlantic coast (Essaouira, Agadir, Taghazout). Winter is sunny during the day and cold at night, with snow in the High Atlas Mountains.
3. Take Ramadan into account
In 2027, Ramadan is expected to begin around February 8 (the exact date depends on the sighting of the moon). Traveling during this time is entirely possible and often very enjoyable, with lively evenings after the fast is broken. Just be aware that some shops and attractions may have reduced hours, restaurants may sometimes be closed during the day outside of tourist areas, and avoid eating or drinking conspicuously in the street. Note: Morocco is usually on GMT+1, but switches back to GMT during Ramadan.
4. Get travel insurance
Private clinics in Morocco are of good quality in major cities, but you’ll have to pay in cash. Insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation is strongly recommended, especially if you plan to do activities like hiking in the Atlas Mountains, ATV riding, or surfing. While you’re at it, check what coverage your credit card already provides.
5. Book your accommodations in advance
To experience Morocco from the inside, nothing beats a riad: a traditional house built around a courtyard, often with a terrace and a homemade breakfast. The best riads in the medinas of Marrakech and Fes are fully booked during school vacations and long weekends—so book early. To compare options, you can browse the selection of authentic riads at Riads Kech, where you book with a small deposit and pay the balance upon arrival (see their cancellation policy), or explore the listings offered by Riadway.
Before booking, check three things: the walking distance from the nearest parking lot (cars aren’t allowed in the medina), whether there’s a terrace, and recent reviews regarding cleanliness and hospitality.
6. Set up your internet connection
You can easily buy a local SIM card (Maroc Telecom, Orange, inwi) at the airport or in town with your passport, and data plans are inexpensive. An eSIM purchased before departure saves you the trouble of setting it up. Also download an offline map: GPS is often unreliable in the medinas.
7. No need for a power adapter
Morocco uses 220 V and Type C and E outlets, the same as in France and Belgium. Travelers from the United Kingdom, Switzerland, or North America will need an adapter.
Money and Budget
8. Exchange money once you arrive, not before
The currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). Export of this currency is regulated: you won’t be able to obtain it easily before departure, and the amount of cash you can take out of the country is limited (the Foreign Exchange Office allows approximately 2,000 dirhams per traveler). The easiest option: withdraw cash from bank ATMs or exchange euros at authorized currency exchange offices, which display their rates and rarely charge a commission. Keep your exchange receipt; it will come in handy if you want to convert your dirhams back when you leave.
9. Always carry cash
Credit cards are accepted at hotels, large stores, and many restaurants in cities. However, taxis, souks, small cafés, admission fees to many sites, and tips must be paid in cash. Always carry small bills: you’ll rarely receive change for a large bill.
10. Bargain with a smile
In the souks, there’s no such thing as a fixed price—it’s all up for negotiation. Set a maximum price before you start, offer significantly less than the initial asking price, and take your time. If you don’t agree, say thank you and walk away: that’s often when the price drops. However, you don’t haggle in supermarkets, fixed-price shops, or restaurants.
11. Plan for tips
Tipping is part of Moroccan culture. At restaurants, leave about 10% if service isn’t included. Set aside a few dirhams for a parking attendant, a porter, or someone who helps you find your way, and a more generous tip for a guide or driver at the end of a tour.
Getting Around in Morocco
12. Combine trains, buses, and taxis
The ONCF train provides comfortable service between major cities (Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Fes, Meknes, Marrakesh), including the Al Boraq high-speed line between Tangier and Casablanca. For other routes, buses operated by CTM and Supratours are reliable and air-conditioned. In town, take a small taxi (insist on using the meter or agree on a price before getting in); large taxis run between towns and villages, and rides are often shared.
13. Plan Your Arrival
Arriving at night in an unfamiliar medina, suitcase in hand, is far from relaxing. Ask your riad to arrange a transfer from the airport: a driver will be waiting for you at the exit, and someone will walk you to the door. This is one of the services offered by many riads bookable through Riads Kech.
14. Rent a car only for road trips
A car is ideal for a road trip to the desert or the Atlas Mountains, but unnecessary and complicated in the city. Pick it up on the day you leave the city, drive carefully (frequent speed checks, pedestrians, carts, and animals), and avoid driving at night on mountain roads.
Once there: Good Habits
15. Dress respectfully
Morocco is a Muslim country—open-minded but committed to certain rules. In both cities and rural areas, opt for clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, for both women and men. You’ll feel more comfortable and be less likely to be hassled. Swimwear and short shorts are reserved for the beach, the pool, and seaside resorts. Entry to mosques is generally restricted to Muslims, with the notable exception of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
16. Beware of fake guides
In the medinas, people will often offer to help you: “It’s closed that way,” “Let me show you the tannery”… These makeshift guides expect payment or a commission from the shops where they take you. A polite but firm “no, thank you” is enough—just keep walking. For a genuine tour, book an official guide through your riad or the tourist office.
17. Ask before taking photos
Many Moroccans don’t like having their picture taken. Always ask for permission, and expect street performers or water carriers to ask for a few dirhams. Avoid photographing official buildings, the police, and the military.
18. Eat local, drink bottled water
Tajines, Friday couscous, harira, and msemen for breakfast: Moroccan cuisine is one of the great pleasures of traveling. Choose food stalls and restaurants that are popular with locals—a sign of freshness. As a precaution, drink bottled water and be wary of raw vegetables during your first few days. Alcohol is available in hotels, some restaurants, and a few supermarkets, but it’s not consumed on the street.
19. Write down useful phone numbers
Morocco is generally a safe country for travelers; the main nuisances are petty theft in crowds and aggressive solicitation by vendors. Keep your belongings close to you in markets and busy squares, and save these numbers:
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police (in cities) | 19 |
| Gendarmerie (outside cities) | 177 |
| Fire Department and Ambulances | 15 |
For minor health issues, there are many pharmacies (marked with a green cross), and pharmacists are happy to offer advice; a 24-hour pharmacy is open every night in every town.
20. Get Out of the Cities
Morocco is more than just its medinas. A night in the desert, a hike through the Atlas valleys, or a day on the coast in Essaouira offer a completely different perspective on the country. From Marrakech, most of these excursions can be done in a single day; you’ll find a detailed selection in Riads Kech’s guide to excursions from Marrakech, and our suggestions for things to do in our “What to Do in Marrakech” guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a visa to visit Morocco?
No, not for French citizens on a tourist visit of less than 90 days: a passport valid for the entire stay is sufficient. Requirements vary by nationality, so be sure to check before you leave.
Can you pay by credit card in Morocco?
Yes, in hotels, riads, major stores, and many restaurants in the city. Cash is still essential for taxis, souks, tips, and many attractions.
What should you wear when visiting Morocco?
Opt for lightweight but modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees), a light sweater for evenings and the desert, and sturdy walking shoes for the medinas.
When is the best time to visit Morocco?
Spring and fall, when temperatures are pleasant everywhere. Summer is ideal for the Atlantic coast, while winter is best for cities and the desert during the day.
Practical information (entry requirements, currency exchange regulations, Ramadan dates) is subject to change: please verify it with official sources before your departure.