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Morocco Money & Currency Guide

Everything you need to know about money in Morocco

MAD
Currency Code
Dirham
Currency Name
100
Centimes per Dirham
~10
MAD per USD

Understanding the Moroccan Dirham

Banknotes

20 MAD~$2 USD
50 MAD~$5 USD
100 MAD~$10 USD
200 MAD~$20 USD

* 200 MAD is the largest commonly used note. Higher denominations exist but are rare.

Coins

5 centimes~$0.005
10 centimes~$0.01
20 centimes~$0.02
50 centimes~$0.05
1 MAD~$0.10
2 MAD~$0.20
5 MAD~$0.50
10 MAD~$1.00

Exchange Rates & Where to Exchange

US Dollar
USD
1 USD = 9.8 - 10.2 MAD

Widely accepted for exchange

Euro
EUR
1 EUR = 10.5 - 11.0 MAD

Best rates, preferred currency

British Pound
GBP
1 GBP = 12.3 - 12.8 MAD

Good rates at major bureaus

Best Places to Exchange

  • Banks

    Best rates, most secure. Open 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Official Bureau de Change

    Good rates, often in tourist areas

  • Airport (arrival)

    Exchange small amount for immediate needs

Avoid These

  • Street money changers

    Illegal and risky, possible counterfeit

  • Hotel exchange desks

    Convenient but poor rates

  • Exchanging at departure

    Difficult to exchange MAD outside Morocco

Important: The Moroccan Dirham is a closed currency. You cannot buy or sell it outside Morocco. Plan to exchange or withdraw when you arrive, and spend or convert remaining Dirhams before leaving.

Payment Methods

Cash (Dirham)
Universal
Recommended

Pros

  • Accepted everywhere
  • Best for haggling
  • Required in souks

Cons

  • Need to carry cash
  • Exchange fees
Credit Cards
Tourist areas
Recommended

Pros

  • Convenient
  • Good exchange rate
  • Safer than cash

Cons

  • Foreign transaction fees
  • Not accepted in souks
  • May need PIN
Debit Cards
ATMs
Recommended

Pros

  • ATM withdrawals
  • Good rates
  • Widely available

Cons

  • ATM fees
  • Daily limits
  • Card may be blocked
Mobile Payments
Limited

Pros

  • Convenient where accepted
  • No cash needed

Cons

  • Very limited acceptance
  • Not reliable

ATM Tips

Finding ATMs

  • ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas
  • Major banks: BMCE, Attijariwafa, Banque Populaire
  • Use ATMs attached to banks for security
  • Withdraw before heading to rural areas

ATM Tips

  • Notify your bank before traveling
  • Decline dynamic currency conversion (pay in MAD)
  • Typical limit: 2,000-4,000 MAD per withdrawal
  • Have a backup card in case one is blocked

Tipping Guide

ServiceAmountNote
Restaurant10-15%Often included, check bill
Hotel porter10-20 MADPer bag
Housekeeping20-50 MADPer day or at end of stay
Tour guide100-200 MADPer day, per person
Driver50-100 MADPer day, per person
Cafe/TaxiRound up5-10 MAD
Hammam attendant30-50 MADAfter service
Mosque guide20-50 MADFor unofficial guides

Daily Budget Guide

Budget
400-600 MAD
($40-60 USD)

Hostels, street food, public transport

  • Basic hostel/guesthouse
  • Street food and simple cafes
  • Public buses and shared taxis
  • Free attractions and walking tours
Mid-Range
1,000-2,000 MAD
($100-200 USD)

Riads, restaurants, guided tours

  • Comfortable riad accommodation
  • Mix of restaurants and cafes
  • Private transfers when needed
  • Guided day trips and activities
Luxury
3,000-6,000+ MAD
($300-600+ USD)

Boutique hotels, fine dining, private tours

  • Luxury riads and 5-star hotels
  • Fine dining experiences
  • Private guides and vehicles
  • Premium experiences and spas

Need Help Planning Your Budget?

Our tour packages include most expenses so you know exactly what to budget. Let us help you plan a worry-free trip.