general information

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Following is some general information about Morocco. If you need more specific information regarding visas, passports, or vaccinations, we highly recommend that you contact the appropriate agency in your country. The Moroccan government has consulates and embassies in most countries and they can answer your questions more precisely.

Hotels & Ryads highly recommends that all visitors to Morocco travel with a valid passport. Visitors must have valid passports that are valid until the end of their stay in Morocco. Citizens of the European Union should also bring valid passports and do not need visas as long as their stay does not last longer than 3 months. If EU members wish to stay longer than 3 months they should request the prolongation as soon as possible with the nearest police station (usually you must make the request at least two weeks before your originally planned departure date). To view a list of countries that do not require visas click here .

Calling cards are sold at the post office; tobacco stores and, any of the newstands in big cities. You can also find these in the large hotels but they are generally more expensive.

Morocco’s country code is 212.

City area codes are: Casablanca, 02; Settat and El Jadida, 03; Marrakech, 04; Fez and Meknes, 05; Oujda, 06; Rabat, 07; Laayoune, 08; Tangier, 09;

To dial a Moroccan phone number from overseas you do not dial the initial 0 in the area code. For local calls within the area code simply dial the number.

The postal service in Morocco is quite reliable, though it could take awhile depending on where you post. If sending mail from a large city, and at a main sorting office, this could speed up the process. Most of the main sorting offices are located on the Avenue Mohammed V in large cities such as Marrakech, Fez, Agadir, Rabat and Casablanca. Mail to Europe generally takes a minimum of three to ten days. Airmail to North America usually taken five to twelve days.

Many riads have internet access, though most guest rooms are not yet equipped. This said, the majority of riad hosts allow guests to connect. Most large cities have cyber cafes that provide low cost internet access. In Marrakech, Rabat, Casablanca, and Fez they are quite numerous.

Morocco’s electrical current is 220V at 50Hz AC is the standard, however 110V can still be found in older buildings (make sure to confirm before using). The standard round European two prong plugs are the most commonly used. Beware of power surges as they do occur on a regular basis. Never use the 110 volt outlets that are marked “for shavers only” for high wattage appliances such as hair dryers. Laptop computers generally operate well on 110 and 220 volts.

Visitors to Morocco are not obligated to have special vaccinations. Even so, depending on where you plan to travel in Morocco, you should see if your doctor recommends a vaccination.

Time Zone : GMT 0

Arabic is the official language of Morocco, but French is spoken everywhere in the country and English is spoken and understood by many people in big cities such as Marrakech, Fez, Rabat, Agadir, Casablanca…

The Dirham (DH) is the official currency of Morocco.

Morocco is governed by a Constitutional Monarchy.

Along the Mediterranean coast the climate is refreshed by oceanic influences. Further inland, winters are cooler and the summers warmer. In the mountains, temperatures can drop to 0 F/-17.8 C. If you are visiting in winter be sure to bring some warmer clothing as it can get cool and Moroccan architecture is made to protect you from the heat more so than the cold.

Muslim

In “proper” restaurants, waiters are always tipped up to 12% of the bill. In smaller cafes, the tip is only one-four DH per person. Bellman, riad, and hotel staff appreciate larger tips depending on the services provided.