Organize your stay Marrakech
Money Marrakech
The local currency is the Moroccan dirham (DH or MAD internationally). Only 20, 50, 100 and 200 DH bills are in circulation. Coins are very useful for paying cab fares, bus fares or tipping car attendants or waiters. The exchange rate varies, hovering around 10.90 DH to 1 € (March 2024). There are exchange bureaus all over town, especially on the main thoroughfares and in the city center. You can also change money directly at bank counters and withdraw cash from one of the many cash dispensers. Cash is also essential for paying in small restaurants and grocery stores.
Budget & Tips Marrakech
Life in Marrakech lends itself to all budgets. You can have a hearty lunch for 70 DH (a Friday couscous, for example), while a gourmet dinner in a restaurant worthy of the Thousand and One Nights can easily fetch astronomical prices. Generally speaking, the cost of living is much lower than in Europe. For example, a trip from the medina to the city center will only cost the equivalent of €1 or €2. Staple goods, food, fruit and vegetables are more than affordable. Despite this, haggling remains a national sport and part of the charm of the place. Here, haggling is a no-brainer!
Passport and visas Marrakech
Regulations governing entry to Morocco require all foreigners to have a valid passport. No visa is required for French travelers, and the duration of a tourist stay must not exceed 3 months. A request for extension can be made to the local authorities (Police des Frontières in the Wilaya of Marrakech). In the event of special circumstances, formalities can be checked on the website of the Moroccan embassy in France (www.amb-maroc.fr).
Driver's license Marrakech
Driving in Morocco means, first and foremost, having a license. There is no shortage of rental agencies, and the conditions are the same as anywhere else in the world: you must be over 18 (or 21 for some companies), hold a license, have at least one year's driving experience and have a credit card. Road signs are in Arabic and French, and seatbelts are compulsory. Make sure you fill up with fuel before setting off, as filling stations are sometimes far apart and don't always stay open at night. Beware of the zero-tolerance policy on drinking and driving: the risk is detention.
Health Marrakech
Morocco is designated as the safest country in Africa in terms of health. However, there are a number of points to be wary of. The first is the presence of scorpions and snakes in the countryside and deserts, and the consequent risk of stings. Insects can also carry diseases, such as flies, which can cause myiasis. As a general precaution, everyone drinks bottled mineral water. In the event of problems or illness, Marrakech has excellent hospitals and French-speaking doctors and other medical professionals.
Mandatory vaccination Marrakech
No vaccination is compulsory, but it is advisable to have the tuberculosis vaccine if you want to be fully protected. Rabies is still present in Morocco, transmitted by the bite of animals such as stray dogs, so avoid direct contact.
Security Marrakech
Marrakech is a safe city, highly protected by the tourist police. To this end, police officers regularly patrol areas frequented by visitors, sometimes discreetly in plain clothes, sometimes in full regalia. The medina at night should be avoided: not only is it deserted and unattractive, but with less police presence, robberies are more frequent. Scams are the only real problems that still recur: beware of false guides, of anyone who volunteers to accompany you, of cabs that refuse to put the meter on. Excursions offered at ridiculously low prices sometimes conceal unsuspected additional costs, so it's best to turn to reputable service providers to ensure you enjoy your excursions in complete safety.
Time difference Marrakech
The time difference is as follows: minus 1 hour between France and Morocco in summer (for example, when it's midday in Paris, it's 11am in Marrakech), minus 2 hours between the two countries in winter. During the holy month of Ramadan, you'll also need to adjust your watch. As the dates vary from year to year, it is advisable to check the timetables on the websites.
Spoken languages Marrakech
Morocco's official language is modern Arabic, taught in schools. However, in everyday life, on the streets and in families, Darija, a local dialect, is traditionally spoken. Berber or Amazigh is the country's other language, spoken by almost half the Moroccan population, with its many regional variants. Associations are currently fighting for the official status of this language. French is widely used by administrations, the government and the media, and remains part of the curriculum in all schools from primary level upwards. English has taken on a predominant role in tourism and business. So there's no difficulty in making yourself understood and communicating.
Communication Marrakech
To call Morocco from France, dial +212 followed by the correspondent's last 9 digits without the 0. From France to Morocco, dial +33 followed by the number without the 0. Wifi access is available virtually everywhere in the city's hotels, restaurants and modern establishments.
Electricity and measurements Marrakech
Sockets are standard, so there's no need to buy an adapter. The voltage is 220 V, so you can use all your appliances and electric toothbrush or tablet chargers in the normal way.
Luggage Marrakech
It's true that temperatures in Marrakech can soar in the summer (up to 50°C at times), and we tend to want to wear outfits that show a lot of skin, but don't forget that you're in a Muslim country: as a woman, it's therefore important to cover up out of respect for religion and so as not to offend anyone. You'll need light, long dresses or pants, and a scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders, which you can buy locally. For men, freedom of dress expression is a given, as Muslim countries are obliged to do.
