Planning your first trip to Morocco? The country is close to Europe but feels like another world: busy souks, snowy mountains, palm oases and the Sahara, all in one trip. These 20 practical tips from our local team will help you travel smoothly and enjoy every moment.
Before you travel
1. Check visa requirements
Citizens of the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia and many other countries can enter Morocco without a visa for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay. Always confirm the rules for your nationality with official sources.
2. Choose the right season
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal for combining cities, mountains and desert. See our guide to the best time to visit the Sahara.
3. Don’t try to see everything
Distances are long: Marrakech to Merzouga is about 9–10 hours by road. For a first visit, 7 to 10 days lets you enjoy Marrakech, the desert and Fes without rushing.
4. Get travel insurance
Choose a policy that covers medical care, cancellation and activities like camel rides or quad biking.
Money
5. The currency is the dirham (MAD)
The dirham is a closed currency, so you get it on arrival from ATMs or exchange offices. Keep your exchange receipt if you want to change money back.
6. Cash is king
Cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but souks, taxis, small cafés and rural areas work with cash.
7. Bargaining is normal in the souks
Start at around half of the first price, stay friendly and smile. If you don’t agree, thank the seller and walk away – no problem.
8. Tipping
Tips are appreciated: 10% in restaurants, a few dirhams for small services, and a tip for your guide and driver at the end of a tour if you were happy.
Culture and etiquette
9. Dress modestly
Covering shoulders and knees is respectful, especially in villages and religious places.
10. Ask before taking photos of people
Many Moroccans prefer not to be photographed. Always ask first.
11. Learn a few words
“Salam alaikum” (hello), “shukran” (thank you), “la, shukran” (no, thank you) and “bslama” (goodbye) open many doors. French is widely spoken; English is common in tourist areas.
12. Mosques
Most mosques are closed to non-Muslims, with the notable exception of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, which offers guided visits.
13. Ramadan
If you travel during Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public during the day out of respect. Tourist restaurants remain open.
14. Friday is special
Friday is the day of prayer; some shops close around midday and families gather for couscous.
Getting around
15. Private driver vs. self-drive
Mountain roads and city traffic can be stressful. A private driver-guide saves time and lets you enjoy the landscape. Discover our 8-day Morocco tour from Marrakech.
16. Trains between big cities
The train network connects Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech, including the high-speed Al Boraq line between Tangier and Casablanca.
17. Use offline maps in the medina
Medinas are labyrinths. Download offline maps and note the name of your riad and the nearest landmark.
Food and health
18. Try everything (carefully)
Tagine, couscous, pastilla, harira and fresh orange juice are musts. Choose busy food stalls with a quick turnover. Read our Moroccan food guide.
19. Drink bottled water
Tap water is treated in cities, but most travellers prefer bottled water to avoid stomach problems.
Stay connected
20. Buy a local SIM card
Maroc Telecom, Orange and inwi sell prepaid SIM cards with generous data at the airport and in town. Coverage is good even on many desert roads. WhatsApp is the main way people communicate in Morocco – including us!
Plan your first trip with local experts
We design private tours for first-time visitors every week. Popular choices: 7 days from Casablanca to Marrakech, 10-day grand tour of Morocco and 3 days Marrakech to Merzouga. Also read is Morocco safe for tourists? Contact us on WhatsApp: +212 606-957514.