Planning a trip to Morocco? We’ve got you covered with a wealth of practical tips to make your journey smoother! Having visited the country twice, we’ve gathered a treasure chest of insights and experience to share.
Whether you’re embarking on a road trip as a couple, exploring Morocco by public transport and rental car, or taking on a month-and-a-half-long camper adventure with a baby and toddler, we have everything you need to know.
In this blog, we’ll share all the things we wish we had known before setting off to Morocco—from the best travel insurance and the most affordable bank for ATM withdrawals to food safety tips and much more.
What to Know Before You Travel to Morocco
#1 Morocco is a Safe Country
Is Morocco Safe? Yes. Is Morocco Safe for (Female) Solo Travelers? Yes.
The travel advisory from our Dutch government is generally positive, with the exception of certain border areas in the south and east, which are best avoided.
While violent crimes against tourists are rare, petty crime such as theft and scams can occur, especially in larger cities. Morocco is significantly poorer than Western countries, and you may notice this. During our time there, we didn’t feel particularly at risk of being robbed or having our camper broken into. Scams and inflated tourist prices are much more common.
When it comes to “guides,” exercise caution. Before you know it, you might find yourself with an unsolicited guide in tow, expecting a generous tip in return. If you happen to lose your way in the winding, narrow streets of a Medina, it’s better to ask a shopkeeper for directions rather than someone loitering on the street. Alternatively, rely on Google Maps or apps like Maps.me for a hassle-free solution.
As to road safety, Morocco’s roads are generally well-maintained, though we did come across some dramatic exceptions. Traffic, especially in the cities, can be overwhelming and chaotic. If this worries you, consider that early mornings tend to be much quieter, offering a more peaceful experience. Additionally, it’s wise to avoid driving after dark, as street lighting can be quite limited outside the cities.
For women traveling solo or in groups, Morocco is generally safe, provided you take a few simple precautions. While wearing a headscarf is not required, dressing modestly is appreciated, particularly in more rural areas or away from tourist hotspots. In the medinas and markets, you may attract attention, but with the right attitude and respectful clothing, interactions are typically friendly and polite.
#2 European Insurances are Often Valid in Morocco
Since Morocco borders the Mediterranean Sea, many European travel insurance policies also extend coverage to Morocco. It’s helpful to know this so you don’t wind up paying for unnecessary extra insurance.
For our trip, our travel insurance included Morocco under the European coverage, thanks to its proximity to the Mediterranean. This is an important point to confirm with your insurer, as you’ll want to avoid paying for a more expensive worldwide coverage plan if it’s not needed.
Additionally, be sure to enable global coverage on your debit card. This is a simple update with your bank, but it’s crucial for ensuring you have access to your funds while in Morocco.
When it comes to your car or camper, a European Green Card is generally valid in Morocco, but it’s crucial to double-check this before you go. My Green Card was issued digitally, which is quite common these days, but in Morocco, having a physical copy is much more convenient. Be sure to bring a printed version with you—relying on a digital one on your phone may cause problems during checks.
One more thing to keep in mind is roadside assistance coverage. If your roadside assistance is already included for European travel, make sure to check whether it also covers Morocco. In my case, it didn’t, which meant I had to arrange separate coverage for Morocco.
#3 Europeans Can be Visa-Free in Morocco for 3 Months
Citizens from most European countries don’t need to worry about applying for a visa when visiting Morocco for tourism. You can stay in Morocco for up to 90 days without needing a visa. While it’s commonly referred to as a “free visa” for three months, it’s technically a visa-exempt period, meaning you’re allowed to travel and stay in Morocco without having to apply for a visa beforehand.
If you’re traveling by your own European car or camper, you’ll be given an import document upon arrival, known as the “carte grise.” This document is essential, as it confirms that your vehicle has entered the country legally. The “carte grise” also serves as your official vehicle registration in Morocco during your stay. Just be aware that your vehicle can only stay in Morocco for a maximum of six months within a calendar year. This is an important point to remember, especially if you’re planning to stay in Morocco for an extended period or make multiple visits throughout the year.
#4 Pay Attention to the Validity Period of Your Passport
Before traveling to Morocco, one of the most important things to check is the validity of your passport. The official rule is that your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Morocco. This is a common requirement for many countries, so it’s a good idea to double-check well before your trip.
It’s also worth noting that an identity card is not accepted for travel to Morocco; you’ll need to bring your passport. This is something to be aware of, especially for travelers who are accustomed to getting around Europe with just an ID card.
#5 You Pay in Cash Almost Everywhere
In Morocco, cash is king—your debit card is seldom accepted, even at toll booths. From our own experience, we quickly learned how essential it is to have Moroccan dirhams on hand. Before we even spotted our first ATM, we were already grateful for the cash we’d brought from Spain to cover the initial toll.
The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), and you’ll get around 10 MAD for every €1. One important thing to keep in mind is that ATM withdrawals often come with extra charges and fees, so it’s a good idea to check with your bank beforehand to understand how they handle these transactions. Al Barid Bank, part of Post Maroc, is a popular choice for cash withdrawals, but in busy cities like Marrakech, be prepared for long lines at the ATMs.
Our tip: Always make sure you have enough cash with you, especially for the first few days or when you’re in areas where ATMs aren’t easy to find. Having cash on hand will make your time in Morocco much more seamless and help you avoid any unexpected situations where you can’t pay.
#6 Traveling Through Morocco Can Be Very Intense
Traveling through Morocco is an intense experience, there’s no denying it. Over the weeks we spent exploring the country, we found ourselves constantly caught between awe and frustration. The aggressive business tactics, especially in the cities, were particularly uncomfortable for us.
The country’s stunning landscapes often stood in sharp contrast to the harsh reality of pollution and waste, which, as nature lovers, was difficult to witness. The hygiene standards were also a world apart from what we were used to. However, more than the differences between Morocco and our Western norms, it was the intensity of the people that really left an impression on us.
We found ourselves in situations where, as warm as the hospitality was, it seemed to come with a hidden agenda. In the medinas, you’re frequently approached by “guides” who are more interested in a hefty tip than actually helping you. In Fez, for example, I was followed for half an hour, shouted at, and continuously called to by men trying to convince me I was lost. They claimed they would help me find my way (for a fee, of course). The police checkpoints along the roads in Morocco were yet another challenge, causing us more than a little stress. We were confronted with police scams three times, where, unbelievably, it was the police themselves trying to scam us.
Despite the challenges, our love for Morocco remained unwavering. For every moment of frustration, there were countless beautiful experiences that more than made up for it. From sleeping under the vast Sahara stars to wandering through the endless blue streets of Chefchaouen, each adventure turned every challenge into something truly worthwhile.
Want to know more? Head over to our blog where we share the aspects of Morocco that didn’t quite win us over.
#7 Drones are Banned in Morocco
If you’re planning an adventure in Morocco, it’s best to leave your drone at home to avoid any issues at the border.
Drones have been banned in Morocco since March 2015 due to security concerns. While it’s technically possible to obtain a special import permit, doing so is challenging and not guaranteed. The general policy is to prohibit the private use of drones altogether.
If you’re caught with a drone upon arrival, customs officials may seize it. While there’s a slim chance you could retrieve it when leaving, more often than not, your drone won’t make it out of the country with you. Save yourself the trouble and enjoy Morocco from the ground level instead.
#8 Take Into Account the Islamic Background
In Morocco, Islam is deeply woven into the fabric of daily life and culture. Therefore, it’s essential to be respectful of Islamic traditions and customs while you’re visiting.
A key consideration is your choice of clothing. Most women in Morocco dress modestly, often covering their hair with a headscarf or wearing a niqab. While tourists are not expected to adopt the same attire as local women, dressing modestly is still highly appreciated. It’s a good idea to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, which will help you blend in and avoid drawing unwanted attention.
Another important factor is the observance of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, which can influence the hours of operation for restaurants and tourist attractions. It’s considered respectful to refrain from eating or drinking in public during the day, particularly in front of those who are fasting.
Lastly, public alcohol consumption is not a common practice in Morocco, as it’s an Islamic country. While you may find alcohol in certain tourist-oriented areas, it’s not the norm. It’s best to enjoy it discreetly and be mindful of local customs.
#9 Supermarkets are Scarce and Expensive
In Morocco, shopping is more of a market experience than a supermarket run. When we were preparing for our camper trip, we’d read that supermarkets were virtually nonexistent—but that’s a bit of a stretch. While it’s true that supermarkets like Carrefour and Marjane are not as common, they do exist, though they’re relatively rare.
Instead, most of your shopping will likely take place at vibrant local markets and small shops, and the best part? It’s much cheaper. Supermarkets can actually be surprisingly expensive—sometimes even pricier than what we’re used to in Europe. But that’s different for small markets and shops. For example, a typical loaf of bread will set you back around 1 to 2 dirhams (roughly 10 to 20 cents), while a bag of vegetables usually costs between 15 and 50 dirhams (about 1.50 to 6 euros).
One thing you’ll notice is that price tags are almost nonexistent in these markets or small shops, so it’s always a good idea to ask how much something costs before you commit to buying. A fun little tidbit: the only product with a fixed price across the country is Coca-Cola. The price is printed right on the can or bottle by the manufacturer. And here’s a quirky detail: bottles are actually cheaper than cans!
#10 There is No Best Time to Visit Morocco
While many travel guides and websites point to spring and fall as the best times to visit Morocco, we’ve found that winter can be just as ideal. During this season, the weather is typically pleasantly warm without being too hot for outdoor adventures. In fact, we found some areas and cities in January so warm that we had to take afternoon breaks to escape the hottest part of the day—and yes, we even had the chance to swim!
However, it’s important to be aware of the sharp contrast in temperatures, especially in winter. While daytime temperatures can be comfortably warm under the sun, evenings, early mornings, and nights can get surprisingly chilly. This temperature fluctuation is particularly noticeable in the desert, where the shift from day to night is more extreme.
So, while spring and fall are the high seasons due to the mild weather, our positive experience in winter suggests that there’s no single “best” time to visit Morocco. If anything, you might want to avoid summer, as the intense heat can make exploring less enjoyable.
#11 It’s Helpful to Brush Up on Your French
When traveling to Morocco, brushing up on your French can be incredibly helpful. Although Arabic is the official language of the country, nearly everyone speaks French as well. In fact, Morocco has two official languages—Arabic and Tamazight (Berber)—but French is widely spoken by the majority, and in the northern regions, Spanish is also common.
This multilingual mix is a legacy of Morocco’s colonial past. In 1912, Morocco became a French protectorate, making it one of the last African nations to be colonized by Western powers. The northern coastal region fell under Spanish control, while the rest of the country was governed by France. It wasn’t until 1956 that Morocco regained its independence and became a kingdom, with the notable exception of the Spanish-held enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta.
While learning a few words of Arabic, such as “salam alaikum” (hello) and “shukran” (thank you), is definitely a nice touch, mastering some French will be far more useful. Speaking even a bit of French will make a big difference in your ability to communicate, especially outside of tourist hotspots where English is less commonly understood.
#12 Haggling is The Norm
In Morocco, haggling is part of the culture and expected for nearly everything. Whether you’re at a market or a street vendor, you’ll never be asked to pay the first price you’re given. Bargaining is simply the way things work, especially when it comes to souvenirs.
Before you dive into negotiations, it’s helpful to know your budget and stick to it. Never be the one to throw out the first price—let the seller take the lead, and then counter with something much lower, often around a third of their initial offer.
Also, try to keep your excitement in check when you find something you like. Don’t linger over it too long or show too much interest. Sellers are quick to pick up on this, and it might give them the impression that you’re willing to pay more than you actually are, which could hurt your bargaining power.
And yes, bargaining even extends to traffic fines. We’re serious. In one instance, we were caught in a police scam where officers tried to squeeze a bribe of 400 dirhams (about 40 euros) out of us. But we managed to talk it down to 100 dirhams (10 euros). Other travelers have had similar experiences, so it’s something to be aware of.
#13 Buy a Local SIM Card from Inwi
Getting Lost in the Moroccan Medinas Without a Worry? And Searching for the Best Internet Option in Morocco? When it comes to SIM cards in Morocco, most offer very limited data, and by European standards, they can be surprisingly expensive. With our heavy data use, we’d burn through it almost immediately. So, we set out to find the best option for a SIM card with unlimited internet in Morocco and discovered two potential choices: Holafly and Inwi.
For €57, Holafly offers an eSIM with 20 days of unlimited internet on the Maroc Telecom network, which is the best provider in Morocco. It’s simple to set up and guarantees unlimited internet as soon as you arrive in the country. The downside? It doesn’t work as a hotspot, and the price is on the higher side for just 20 days of unlimited data.
On the other hand, Inwi doesn’t have official unlimited internet bundles, but you can ask at an Inwi store for a SIM card with unlimited data for a month. This usually costs between 200 and 350 dirhams (around €20-35). It may take a few trips to different stores before you find one, but once you do, you’ll be able to surf endlessly, including using the SIM card as a hotspot for all your devices.
Want to know more? Check out our blog about SIM cards in Morocco.
#14 Do Not Drink Tap Water in Morocco
When traveling in Morocco, it’s essential to know that tap water is not safe to drink. During our journey, we were incredibly thankful for the water filter we had installed in our camper. It spared us the hassle of constantly carrying bottles of water, and we could drink with peace of mind! That said, tap water often doesn’t taste great, even after being filtered. To be fair, we found bottled mineral water in Morocco just as unappealing in taste.
While we’ve come across warnings suggesting that even a filter might not be enough to ensure the water’s safety, we—along with our baby and toddler—drank the filtered water without any issues. Ultimately, it’s a personal decision, but we strongly recommend against drinking unfiltered tap water. Stick to bottled water or invest in a good-quality water filter for the best peace of mind.
#15 Don’t Book a Ferry Ticket for Your Camper in Advance
Planning to drive your camper to Morocco, just like we did? Skip booking your ferry ticket in advance! Instead, get a much cheaper ticket right near the departure port in Algeciras, Spain.
For the best deal on your ferry to Morocco, head to Carlos at Viajes Normandie. Carlos is a well-known figure in the camper community, practically a legend among fellow travelers. By booking with him, you’ll save a lot compared to the online prices—often hundreds of euros. And if you’re in a rush, you can usually catch a ferry on the same day. The great thing about it is that you’re buying an open ticket, which gives you the flexibility to decide last minute when you want to take the ferry—both for your outbound trip and your return. We’ve even written a detailed blog post about the ferry to Morocco, complete with the exact address of Viajes Normandie to make your journey easier.
