Capital
City of Rabat
Time
Difference with Moscow: -3 hours.
Language of Morocco
The official language of the country is Arabic, the second language, quite often used, is French. In mountainous regions, local dialects are actively used. Next in prevalence are English and Spanish (especially common in the vicinity of the city of Fes) languages. See liuxers for Morocco customs and traditions.
Currency
Moroccan dirham (1 EUR = 11 MDH, 1 USD = 8.1 MDH). All payments in the country are made only in Moroccan currency.
Banks in the cities of Morocco are open only on weekdays from 8.30-11.30 and from 14.15-16.30. On Ramadan holidays, banks work from 8.30-14.00.
Banking hours may change. In all currency exchange points, the exchange rate is the same, it is always worth checking the money without leaving the cash desk.
When exchanging, no commission is charged. When exporting Moroccan currency, you must have an exchange certificate with you, which can be obtained from a bank.
Connection
The telephone code of the country is 212.
Telephone booths in cities are found everywhere, calls are made both by cards and by coins.
Phone cards can be purchased at all PTT post offices or kiosks. Reduced rates are valid after 23.00, as well as on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
To call from Russia to Morocco: 8-10-212 – city code – subscriber number.
To call from Russia to Morocco from a cell phone: + 212 – city code – subscriber number.
To call from Morocco to Russia, you need to dial: +7 – city code – subscriber’s number.
Moroccan emergency phone numbers: ambulance – 117, fire department – 15, police – 19, single reference – 16.
Codes of the main cities of Morocco: Marrakesh – 44, Agadir – 48, Rabat – 37, Casablanca – 22.
For mobile operators in Morocco, all incoming calls (including international) are free of charge. A SIM card costs about 250 MDH.
Health
No special vaccination is required when traveling to Morocco. It is recommended to take all the necessary medicines with you, in Morocco it may be difficult to purchase them.
It is not recommended in the country to drink water offered by water carriers or from the tap – only bottled water purchased in stores.
Juice with ice, offered everywhere, should also be drunk with caution.
Electricity
The voltage in the electrical network is 220V or 110V, you must have an adapter with you.
Shops and shopping
The opening hours of shops in cities are changeable, most owners set it at their own discretion.
In large salons of cities, the quality is higher, but the price is appropriate. In souvenir shops and Medin shops, the price is 30-50% lower, but the quality is also lower. In the city of Marrakech, prices are higher, a lot of European goods.
In Essaouiro, you can buy beautiful thuja souvenirs, national clothes, leather lamps and paintings.
It is good to buy leather, souvenirs and carpets in Rabat.
Transport
Buses are the most popular mode of transport in Morocco. Salons are equipped with air conditioning, the fare is from 3 to 10 USD, the amount depends entirely on the distance. There are few buses running on the intracity route and they run quite rarely, once every 25 minutes, the ticket price is from 5 to 10 MDH.
In cities, taxis can also be hailed or easily ‘hit’, identifiable by their bright color, roof rack and flag. The driver has the right to pick up other passengers during the trip (up to a maximum of three people). The fare in the city averages from 10 to 50 MDH + tips.
In cities, there are also intercity and suburban taxis, which depart only when all seats are filled (maximum six people). The fare is negotiated in advance and divided among all passengers, on average it comes out from 20 to 50 MDH.
In the central and northern parts of the state, the ONFC railway network is well developed, which connects Fes, Casablanca, Marrakesh, Rabat and Meknes. Traveling from city to city by train is quite inexpensive and safe.
Some trains are air-conditioned and quite comfortable, most of them have a buffet and a bar.
Car rent
When renting a car in Morocco, you must present an international driving license, a credit card. The tenant must be at least 21 years of age.
In the country, renting a car per day costs about 40 MDH. Mileage, taxes, insurance, transportation costs and the policy are paid separately. In the resort towns of Morocco, in large areas, it is recommended to reserve a car in advance.
Before starting a lease, you should carefully examine and familiarize yourself with the technical condition of the transport: often the car has a hidden defect, which will have to be reimbursed upon return.
Road markings of the country have international markings. Almost all city road signs are written in Arabic and French. Seat belts are required.
Tips
It is customary in the country to give small tips, but often. In hotels and restaurants, it is customary to pay an extra 10% of the amount of the order or service, even if the tip is already included in the bill.
Tourist safety in Morocco
The country is politically and socially stable, relatively safe in terms of crime. However, in crowded places and markets, you need to be extremely careful, constantly monitor your valuables, bag and documents. Under no circumstances should things be left unattended.
Women traveling unaccompanied by a man should be especially careful.
