ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
Passport, visa and length of stay
To avoid any problems when you arrive in Morocco, double-check to be sure you have a valid passport.
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality.
For all nationalities, the maximum length of a tourism trip is 90 days.
This following website, introduced by the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is a collection of information specific to the consular services:
https://www.consulat.ma/en/list-countries-whose-citizens-are-exempted-entry-visa-morocco
Learn more: http://www.travel-exploration.com/page.cfm/Visa_Requirements
https://www.ivisa.com/morocco-visa
If your country is not found in the list of countries exempted from entry visa into Morocco, you must apply to the Moroccan Embassy or Consulate nearest you. Find the nearest Moroccan consulat here:
https://www.consulat.ma/en/find-consulat
Embassies and consulates
As you prepare for your trip, make note of the contact information for your embassy and consulates outside the capital. You can go there to reissue your travel documents if they are lost and to get an array of advice (health, safety, etc.). Each diplomatic mission usually has an emergency number to be used only if absolutely necessary. Most of the time there is a social services office to help you, even in an emergency.
MONEY AND CURRENCY
Banknotes and coins
Morocco has the following banknotes: 20 dhs, 50 dhs, 100 dhs and 200 dhs. The coins in circulation are : 0.5, 1, 5, 10 and 20 sentimat and 0.50, 1, 2, 5 and 10 dirhams. The coins of 1 santim are no longer minted.
ATMS and BANKS
Banks and cash machines are found throughout the city and are widely available. Credit cards are accepted in most midrange hotels and above, and at top-end restaurants.
ATMs (guichets automatiques) are the easiest way to access your money in Morocco.
A common sight even in the smallest towns, virtually all accept Visa, MasterCard, Electron, Cirrus, Maestro and InterBank cards. Most banks charge you for withdrawing money from foreign cash machines; check before travelling. All the Moroccan banks offer reliable service.
The amount of money you can withdraw from an ATM generally depends on the conditions attached to your card; machines will dispense no more than Dh2000 at a time.
CASH
You’ll need to carry some cash with you. Many riads accept payment in euros, but often at less preferential rates than you can get at the bank.
The endless supply of small coins may be annoying, but they’re handy for taxis, tips and guides.
CREDIT CARDS
Major credit cards are widely accepted in the main tourist centers.
The main credit cards are MasterCard and Visa; if you plan to rely on plastic cards, the best bet is to take one of each. Many large bank branches will give you cash advances on Visa and MasterCard. Take your passport with you.
CURRENCY
The Moroccan currency is the dirham (Dh), which is divided into 100 centimes.
You will find notes in denominations of Dh20, Dh50, Dh100 and Dh200. Coins come in denominations of Dh1, Dh2, Dh5 and Dh10, as well as, less frequently, 10, 20 and 50 centimes. Break big notes whenever possible.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE
The Moroccan Dirham is the currency of Morocco. It cannot be exchanged outside the country’s borders, so plan your currency exchange transactions and consider other forms of payment. The commercial rate is subject to change daily. There are banks and currency exchange kiosks located at the airport and near the hotel. You will have to show your passport to exchange money. Currency exchange rates (counter rate) as of April 2019: 1 USD = 9.66 MAD and 1 EUR = 10.78 MAD approximately. (http://www.xe.com/currency/mad-moroccan-dirham).
LANGUAGE
English will be the working language of the conference. There will be simultaneous translation into Arabic and French during the plenary sessions only.
- LANGUAGE IN MOROCCO
The official languages are Arabic and Amazigh (also called Berber). Berber is the language of the country’s first inhabitants. Moroccan Arabic (Darija) is the most common everyday language. French is widely spoken throughout the Country except in the northern regions where Spanish is more predominant. You will find that most people you encounter during your stay will speak mostly French and a little English.
MOROCCO SAFETY
https://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/morocco/safety/
VOLTAGE IN MOROCCO
The voltage in Morocco is generally 220 V, and outlets will fit the two-pin plug known as the Europlug.
TIPPING
In restaurants where a service charge is not included, a tip of 5-10% is generally appropriate. An airport or hotel porter expects between 10 and 20 Dh ( 1 to 2 Euros approximately). Tipping taxi drivers or leaving the change is appreciated, but not mandatory. It is advisable to carry small change as taxi drivers are often short of change.
COMMUNICATION
Arabic is the national language, although French and English are widely spoken in all major tourist areas.
DRESS
Morocco is a liberal country. You can dress in whatever way you are comfortable. Just please make sure you dress in layers since nights can be chilly in January.