Money & Currency in Morocco

Currency Basics: Divided into 100 centimes. Notes: 20, 50, 100, 200 MAD. Coins: 10, 20, 50 centimes; 1, 2, 5, 10 MAD. As of 2024, approximately 10 MAD = 1 USD, 11 MAD = 1 EUR. Check current rates before travel.

Closed Currency: Dirhams cannot legally be imported or exported. Exchange upon arrival and reconvert before departure. Small amounts may be exchanged at airports outside Morocco, but rates are poor. Plan to arrive with euros or dollars to exchange.

Where to Exchange: Banks, official bureaux de change, and hotels all exchange currency. Rates vary. Airport rates are reasonable. City banks often have best rates but may have queues. Hotel rates are convenient but typically worst.

Reconverting Dirhams: You can reconvert up to 50% of what you originally exchanged (keep receipts). Do this before leaving Morocco. Reconvert at the airport or city exchange offices. Many travelers donate excess dirhams or use them for final tips.

ATM Availability: ATMs (distributeurs) are common in cities, airports, and tourist areas. Less common in rural areas. Look for machines at banks (BMCE, Attijariwafa, Banque Populaire are reliable). Avoid standalone ATMs in isolated areas.

Withdrawal Limits: Typical ATM withdrawal limit is 2,000-4,000 MAD per transaction. Daily limits set by your bank may apply. Withdraw enough for your needs to avoid multiple transaction fees. Inform your bank of travel plans to prevent card blocks.

Foreign Transaction Fees: Most banks charge fees for international withdrawals (1-3% plus fixed fee). Some travel cards waive these. Consider travel-focused debit cards (Charles Schwab, Revolut, Wise) that reimburse ATM fees.

Credit Card Acceptance: Major hotels, upscale restaurants, and some tourist shops accept cards (Visa/Mastercard preferred). Always carry cash backup. Many restaurants, all medina vendors, and small businesses are cash-only.

Dynamic Currency Conversion: When offered to pay in your home currency at card terminals, always choose MAD to avoid poor exchange rates. DCC typically costs 3-5% more than using local currency. Always select "MAD" or "local currency" option.

Where to Bargain: Souks (markets), with taxis without meters, with guides, for craft items, at some small shops. Don't bargain in supermarkets, modern stores with price tags, restaurants (prices on menu), or pharmacies.

The Starting Point: Vendors expect tourists to pay more. Initial prices are typically 2-10 times the expected final price. Research fair prices before shopping. Fixed-price cooperatives give good benchmarks.

Negotiation Strategy: Express interest casually. Counter the opening price at 20-30% of the ask. Meet somewhere in the middle. Take your time. Drink tea if offered (but don't feel obligated to buy). Walk away if needed - you can always return.

Psychological Tactics: Sellers may express shock, claim insult, or say prices are fixed. These are negotiation tactics. "My final price" is rarely final. Pointing out flaws can justify lower offers. Compare prices at multiple shops.

When to Stop: Stop when both parties are satisfied. If a deal feels unfair to either side, it's not a good deal. Don't ruin your day over small amounts. The difference of 20-30 MAD means more to the seller than you.

Restaurant Tipping: If service charge isn't included (check bill), leave 10-15%. If included, 5-10% extra for good service. Leave tips in cash directly with your server. Coins for casual cafes, notes for restaurants.

Accommodation Tipping: Porters: 10-20 MAD per bag. Housekeeping: 10-20 MAD per day. Riad staff who go above: 50-100 MAD. Leave housekeeping tips daily as staff may rotate. An envelope with a note is appreciated.

Tour Guides & Drivers: Guides: 150-300 MAD per day (private), 50-100 MAD per person (group). Drivers: 100-200 MAD per day. Tip at end of service. More for exceptional service. Guides and drivers should receive separate tips.

Small Services: Parking attendants: 5-10 MAD. Public toilet attendants: 2-5 MAD. Photo subjects: 10-20 MAD. Carry small coins and notes for frequent small tips throughout the day.

Hammam & Spa: Traditional hammam scrubber: 30-50 MAD. Luxury spa therapists: 50-100 MAD or more. Tip the person who provided your treatment directly at the end.

Budget Travel: Hostels, street food, public transport: 300-500 MAD ($30-50) per day is achievable. Includes basic accommodation, local food, and transport. Markets and street food keep costs down.

Mid-Range Travel: Comfortable riads, mix of restaurants, guided tours: 800-1,500 MAD ($80-150) per day. Includes boutique riad, restaurant meals, and occasional organized activities.

Luxury Travel: Premium riads, fine dining, private guides and transport: 2,500+ MAD ($250+) per day. No upper limit - luxury camps, top restaurants, and private experiences available.

Hidden Costs: Tips add up, entrance fees for attractions, guides in medinas, tourist taxes at hotels. Budget extra for tips (10-15% of overall budget), souvenirs, and unexpected experiences.

Saving Money: Eat where locals eat, use public transport, visit free attractions, travel off-season. Friday couscous at local spots costs a fraction of tourist restaurants. Buses are cheap between cities.