Morocco Travel Guide

Entry requirements

Morocco's visa policy is relatively liberal compared to other African countries; the country has numerous visa-free arrangements. Nationals of the following countries can enter Morocco visa-free: Schengen member states, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Republic of Congo, Guinea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Kuwait, Libya, Macau, Malaysia, Mali, Mexico, New Zealand, Niger, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, South Korea, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emir…

)]] The local currency is the Moroccan dirham, sometimes symbolised as "Dh", "Dhs, "DH", "درهم, or the plural form of "دراهم" or "Dhm" (ISO code: MAD). Wikivoyage articles will use dirham to denote the currency.

With an area of 446,300 square kilometres (172,300 sq mi), Morocco is a relatively easy country to get around in. A trip from Taroudant to Rabat will easily take you 5½ hours by car, depending on traffic conditions.

The official languages of Morocco are Arabic and Berber. Many Moroccans are multilingual. As for European languages, younger people and people working in touristic areas are more likely to speak English, while older people and those in smaller towns might be more likely to speak some French. Mileage may vary though, of course, and knowing basics in both does help. If you are unsure, just ask which language someone prefers.

Overall, Morocco remains a relatively safe place. Like any country, Morocco has its share of problems. Many can be easily avoided by following common sense. Avoid dark alleys. Travel in a group whenever possible. Keep money and passports in a safety wallet or in a hotel safety deposit box. Keep backpacks and purses with you at all times. Make sure there is nothing important in outside or back pockets.

Medical help

Morocco has a public and private health care system. Most of the private sector health services are located in Casablanca, Rabat and other larger cities. Outside the major cities, health services are limited. The level of healthcare is not at the same level as in Europe. There can be large differences between private and public hospitals.

Telephone

Public telephones can be found in city centres, but private telephone offices (also known as teleboutiques or telekiosques) are also commonly used. The international dialling prefix (to dial out of the country) is 00. All normal numbers are ten digits long, counting the initial 0 (area code prefix) and the whole number must be dialled even for local calls within the same area code.

As in all of North Africa, the dominant religion is Islam, therefore, appropriate religious prohibitions and attitudes should be in order. If visiting a mosque, for example, be sure to be dressed conservatively and remove your shoes before entering it.

The biggest event on the Moroccan calendar is the month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast during the day time and break the fast at sunset. Most restaurants are closed for lunch (with the exception of those catering specifically to tourists), and things generally slow down. Travelling during this time is entirely possible, and the restrictions don't apply to non-Muslims, but it's respectful to refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public during the fast. At the end of the month is the…