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Practical A to Z

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Practical A to Z

Eating out

Opening times

Restaurants are often closed on Sunday or Monday.

Tips

It is customary to leave a tip (DH2 to 10) in cafés and restaurants.

Alcohol

It is possible to drink alcohol in bars and/or restaurants in some towns, but in others, such as holy cities like Fes, you can only drink tea or soft drinks.

Electricity

The voltage in Morocco is 220V and sockets are standard two-pin.

Embassies and consulates

British Embassy – 28 Avenue S.A.R. Sidi Mohammed - Soussi 10105 (BP 45) - Rabat - t 0537 633 333 - http://ukinmorocco.fco.gov.uk/en

British Consulate General – Villa Les Salurges, 36 rue de la Loire - Casablanca- t 022 857 400

Irish Consulate – Boulevard Moulay Ismail Km 6300, Route de Rabat – Casablanca - t 022 660 306 - gb@copragri.co.ma

Getting around

By taxi

Petit taxis for trips of under 40km, generally inside towns.

Grands taxis, often Mercedes, leave when they are full and the fare is (in theory) shared equally between the passengers.

Hammams

A trip to Morocco would not be complete without a visit to a hammam (steam bath), which offer a genuine insight into the country’s civilisation and way of life. We recommend public hammams.

Health

Also see Know before you go.

Illnesses

In southern Morocco, contact with stagnant water can cause schistosomiasis and flies carry tracoma. Should you be bitten by a dog, consult a doctor immediately as cases of rabies still occur. Diarrhoea remains the main problem for many tourists.

Health care

Should you become seriously ill, ask to be repatriated if possible.

Food and water

Make sure that all fruit and vegetables are properly washed and peeled. Tap water is drinkable in large towns, but it is preferable to drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes outside the main tourist areas.

Emergencies

Police – t 190

Fire brigade, ambulance – t 150.

Money

Currency

The currency of Morocco is the dirham (DH) divided into 100 santimat or centimes. Prices are still occasionally indicated in Rial, the former currency. One dirham equals 20 rials.

Banks / Exchange

Banks are generally open Monday-Friday 8-11.30am and 2-4pm(3pm on Fridays) (5pm in summer); 9.30am-2pm during Ramadan.

Dirhams can only be purchased in Morocco, from exchange counters, banks and ATMs. Ask for banknotes in good condition.

Credit cards

ATMs can be found outside banks in the centre of most large towns.

Traveller’s cheques

Accepted by most banks and large hotels and by some travel agencies. The larger banks do not generally charge a commission.

Budget / cost of living

For a double room in a comfortable hotel, allow between DH400 and 600 and between DH90 and 150 for a meal in decent restaurant.

Post

Post offices are generally open Monday-Friday 8.30am-4.30pm.

Allow one week for mail to reach Europe.

Public holidays

Fixed public holidays

11 January – Manifesto of Independence

1 May – Labour Day

23 May – National holiday

14 August – Oued Eddahab Allegiance Day

30 July – Enthronement Day, celebrating the anniversary of the coronation of King Mohammed VI

20 August – Revolution of the King and the People, commemorating King Mohammed V’s exile in 1953

6 November – Green March

18 November – Commemoration of King Mohammed V’s return (1955), Independence Day

Moveable public holidays

Some major religious festivals.

Shopping

Tips

Shops are generally open 9am-12noon and 2.30pm (or 3pm) to 7pm (or 8pm). Closing days vary from Monday, Saturday or Sunday.

Bartering

While bartering is highly recommended in the souks, it is not appreciated in shops. In municipal craft centres or artisanal cooperatives, bartering is not appropriate.

Customs duty

Works of art and some crafts are subject to tax. Make enquiries and keep the invoices.

Souvenirs

Morocco has a wealth of arts and crafts that make great holiday souvenirs, such as carpets, ceramics, djellabas, slippers, wool and cotton blankets, woven rush mats. Sweet-toothed gourmets will want to stock up on cornes de gazelle and briouates (sweet pastries) and dates.

Sightseeing

Opening times

Museums are generally open Wednesday-Monday 9am-noon and 2.30-6pm. On Fridays, many medersas close at 12noon.

Mosques

Non-Muslims cannot visit mosques (with the exception of Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and Tinmel Mosque). Medersas (Islamic universities) are however open to the public.

Social etiquette

Clothing – Women should avoid provocative attire. Topless bathing and nudism are forbidden and bikinis should only be worn in very touristy areas.

Invitation – When invited to a Moroccan’s home, remove your shoes before entering the main room. It is impolite to refuse an invitation to drink mint tea, of which you will be traditionally be served three glasses.

Ramadan – Normal timetables are suspended during this festival.

Telephone

To call Morocco from abroad

Dial 00 + 212 + number of the person without the first 0.

To call home from Morocco

Dial 00 + country code (UK 44 and Ireland 353) + the number of the person (without the first 0).

Local calls

Dial the 9-digit number (the first two digits correspond to the area code).

Mobile phones

Moroccan mobile phone numbers start with 06 or 07 and have 9 digits.

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