Essential Travel Tips for Morocco

Last Updated on 27th January 2026 by Jessie

My top line travel advice for first-time visitors to Morocco: what to expect and how to grease the wheels so things run a little smoother.  

Morocco is not for everyone. It’s gritty and a bit rough around the edges. The sanitation system isn’t great, the cultural idiosyncrasies can be a bit jarring, and the bureaucratic systems tend be a little unreliable. But these are all the reasons I keep coming back for more. 

Not that I’m necessarily a big fan of beaches lined with chippie packets. But I like being confronted face-on with the grimmer realities of the world we live in. May I note that Morocco doesn’t produce more single-use plastic than Australia, Europe or the UK. Our countries just have the economic capital to dispose of it more covertly. Out of sight, out of mind. Easing our conscience to carry on unperturbed with our late-night Temu orders. 

Anywho, here’s a list of all the tips and tricks I would share with friends before embarking on a trip to Morocco. And perhaps a slightly more honest insight for those who have only seen the polished Instagram reels of boujee Marrakech riads. 

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Money

1. Currency – The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham. 10dh roughly equates to €1. I suggest Australians and New Zealanders familiarise themselves with their own currency exchange, as 10dh usually equates to about AU$1.60 and NZ$1.80. I’ve made the mistake of defaulting to the 10:1 conversion and splashed way more cash than intended. 
2. Cash – Always have cash on hand. You’ll need it as soon as you leave the airport for taxis, so get some out as soon as you land. Some of the more swanky hotels and shops may take cards, but the vast majority of businesses use cash only. 
3. ATMs – Some of the smaller rural villages don’t have ATMs, so withdraw ample cash when you have the chance. I try to stick to the ones attached to major banks as they tend to have lower fees. It’s also best to withdraw large amounts in one go, rather than several smaller transactions. 
4. Travel Card – I highly recommend using a travel card like Wise that offers zero international transaction fees. If you’re Australian, I’m a huge fan of Up Bank as they reimburse you for all ATM fees. Which equates to significant savings in the long run. 
5. Small Change – ATMs will dispense mostly 200dh notes, so you’ll need to break these up. Use them to pay at supermarkets and more upmarket stores. You’ll need lots of coins and 20dh notes. Shopkeepers, bus drivers, and local restaurants get peeved if you try to pay with big notes. 
6. Lower Budget – As a rough guide, you can live off €20-€25 a day if staying at hostels and eating at cheap restaurants. Add another €10-15 if you want to hire a surfboard and wetsuit. 
7. Higher Budget – If you’re staying in private rooms and eating at Western restaurants, it’ll be more like €40 per day. Leave a buffer for any shopping or hammams that you want to splurge on. 
8. Travel Budget – Travelling between towns and cities can cost as little as 10dh (€1) for short distances in taxis, to around 100dh-150dh(€10-€15) for 3+ hour bus rides, to 1000dh (€100) for long-distance private taxis. 

See Is Morocco a Cheap Travel Destination?

Regions

1. Urban – Cities like Marrakech, Fez and Chefchaouen are worth visiting for their historic and cultural significance. But they tend to be pretty overwhelming. 
2. Coastal – The surf villages and cities (like Essaouira, Tamraght and Taghazout) have a much more relaxed atmosphere. You feel a lot less pressure when shopping, too. 
3. Rural – Smaller, rural villages tend to be a fair bit more conservative than the cities. Dress appropriately and be respectful. 
4. Tourist Traps – Places with a lot of tourist traffic, like Jemaa El Fnaa in Marrakech, are the most rife for pickpocketing and getting ripped off. You can hardly blame them – a lot of naive wealthy folk wandering around makes for an opportunistic crime. 
5. Shopping – Marrakech and Essaouira are my top picks for shopping for rugs, jewellery and homewares. Fez is best for all things leather. 
6. Sahara – The desert is well worth a visit if you have the chance. 1-2 days is enough, and the tours tend to be good value. Check out the tours available at GetYourGuide.
7. Summer – Avoid the beach towns (Mirleft, Tamraght, Sidi Ifni) in the middle of summer, as this is peak season for domestic travel in Morocco. 

See my recommended 10-Day Moroccan Coastal Itinerary. 

Packing

1. Backpack – I recommend opting for a backpack over a wheely case, particularly in winter. The medina alleys in the cities can be bumpy, dirty and busy. Many of the coastal villages lack paved roads. I’ve got a CabinZero and love it. 
2. Luggage – If you plan to do any shopping whilst in Morocco, pack light and pre-purchase extra baggage for your flight home. Shipping to Aus/NZ is hella expensive.
3. Sunscreen – It’s hard to find good, natural, reef-safe sunscreen and zinc in Morocco. BYO. 
4. Water-Filter – You can’t drink the tap water in Morocco. A small water filter or filtered water bottle is a game-changer for avoiding plastic waste. 
5. Tote Bag – Likewise, a sturdy tote is ideal for avoiding single-use bags when shopping at the mini-markets and souks. 
6. Scarf – Bring a light scarf/sarong that doubles as a beach towel. Great for warmth on planes, and an extra degree of modesty when walking around. 
7. Layers – Similarly, lighter items that can be layered are great for both summer and winter. Thin shirts to throw on for sun protection, and long sleeves/thermals for the chilly nights in winter. 
8. First Aid Kit – Food poisoning/gastro is super common. A good probiotic and rehydration salts can come in handy. To avoid cuts getting infected, a bit of antiseptic lotion or betadine wouldn’t go astray. 

See my Full Moroccan Packing List

Culture 

1. People – Moroccans are some of the warmest, friendliest and most generous people I have met. Morocco gets a bad rep as a ‘big, bad and scary’ nation. I’ve found this to be unfounded.
2. Islam – Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country. Most Moroccans adhere to some level of religious devotion. 
3. Alcohol – Drinking is haram (forbidden) in Islamic culture. Many young Moroccans still do. Bars are few and far between in the surf towns. If you find one, the drink prices tend to be on par with Western Europe.
4. Call to Prayer – You’ll hear prayers blaring from the loudspeakers several times a day. Don’t play music during this time. It’s disrespectful. 
5. Dress – As a foreign woman, you’re not expected to cover up to the same degree as Muslims – but it pays to show some modesty. Minimal cleavage/legs/midriff. For men, you don’t need to walk shirtless in coastal towns. 
6. Male Gaze – Furthermore, as a foreign woman, you will attract a lot of attention from local men. 99% of the time, it’s harmless. See my Tips for Staying Safe as a Woman in Morocco. 
7. Language – Learn the basics: hello, how are you, thank you. I’ve compiled a Darija Language Guide for Beginners. 
8. Bargaining – Bartering is expected when shopping and catching private taxis (unless there are set prices). Offer 30% of their initial price and go from there. 
9. Photography – Don’t take photos of Moroccan people without asking. They’re not animals. 

See more Tips on Respecting Moroccan Culture

Food/Dining

1. Tagine – Both the name of the cooking vessel and the meal itself. This is intended as a communal dish. It’s to be eaten by hand, using bread to scoop it up. 
2. Sanitiser – If you can’t avoid patting all the dogs and cats, a travel-sized hand sanitiser wouldn’t be a bad shout. 
3. Dietary Requirements – Morocco is not a great place for specific food intolerances/diets. Most meals are made to be eaten with bread. Sugar is a major food group. Vegetarian tagines tend to be bland. 
4. Mint Tea – It’s made with a green tea base, thus has loads of caffeine. Be mindful of late-night tea if you plan on sleeping. It’s also supposed to have too much sugar than seems necessary. 
5. Western Restaurants – Any venue that caters to Australian/European palates (i.e. avocado toast and matcha lattes) will cost far more than local restaurants. Generally 70dh – 150dh (€7-€15) for a meal vs. 20dh – 50dh (€2-€5) at a trad joint. 
6. Breakfast – The typical Moroccan breakfast spread is huge. Can easily keep you full until the arvo.

See the Must-Try Foods in Morocco

Transport

1. Intercity Buses – CTM and Supratours are the two major bus lines. They’re super safe, efficient and reliable. See my Guide to Catching Buses. 
2. Local Buses – Can be crowded and a little less reliable, but super affordable (usually about 5.5dh (€0.55) for a fare. Make sure you have small change. 
3. Private Taxis – The big yellow and white ones. You pay for the whole car. You’ll probably need to barter a little. They’ll pretty much take you anywhere you ask, even between towns/cities. 
4. Collective Taxis – Super cheap and always at a set price. You pay per passenger and wait until the car fills. 
5. Berber Taxis – Unmarked cars, unlicensed, I suppose. They usually only travel short distances. I’ve found them to be super safe. See the full guide to Catching Taxis. 
6. Shuttle Bus – For getting between surf towns that don’t have direct bus routes, I highly recommend SouktoSurf shuttles.  
7. Rental Cars – Driving in the cities can be hectic, but the highways are fairly sweet. Navigating the narrow, unpaved streets in surf towns can be a bit sketchy. 

See How to Get Around on Morocco’s Surf Coast

Animals

1. Stray Dogs and Cats – There is a big stray animal problem in Morocco. You will see some pretty gnarly things, including lots of sick/injured/starving cats and dogs. You can’t save them all. If that’s too much to bear, maybe avoid Morocco. 
2. Dog Fights – The stray dogs tend to be pretty friendly and harmless towards humans. They’re usually only aggressive towards each other when they get territorial. Don’t get between dogs when fighting – you’ll likely get bitten. 
3. Rabies – There have been fatal cases of rabies in Morocco. If you do get bitten by a dog or cat, go to the hospital and ask for a rabies vaccination. They are free. 
4. Camels and Horses – Don’t pay for horse and camel rides along the beach. I haven’t looked too deeply into the ethics of it, but from what I’ve seen, they’re treated pretty fucked. 

See Tips on Avoiding Getting Sick in Morocco

Bureaucracy 

1. Visas – Most countries can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. If you want to stay longer, you just need to leave and have your passport stamped before you return. There is no waiting period. See the full Guide to Moroccan Visas. 
2. Post – Don’t trust the Moroccan postal system. I’ve had zero success in posting things into and out of the country. 
3. Legal Admin – Most legal documents need to be lodged in person. For example, rental agreements and Carte de Residence permits. Go to the Notary’s office as early in the day as possible. Expect long waits. 
4. Health System – The private hospitals and health practitioners are great. The public hospitals can be a bit sketchy. Make sure you have travel insurance with solid health coverage. I recommend SafetyWing. 

See How to Stay in Morocco Long-Term

Connectivity

1. Phone Providers – Local SIM cards are the best option if you’re staying in Morocco for 2 weeks or more. For shorter stays, get an Airalo eSIM. See my guide to Moroccan SIMs. 
2. WiFi – Most restaurants and all accommodations will have WiFi. It tends to be pretty decent overall. 
3. VPN – If you’re using public WiFi and don’t want shady actors getting their hands on your data, use a VPN. I use and love SurfShark. 
4. WhatsApp – Most businesses use WhatsApp to communicate. In the tourist hotspots, you can also find community WhatsApp groups that share the latest events and happenings. 

See Best Spots in Morocco for Digital Nomads

Surfing 

1. Surf Season – Winter is when the biggest swells hit Morocco. Plan for November to March if you’re after big waves. If you’re a beginner/intermediate surfer, the surf is still pretty consistent in the shoulder seasons. See the full Breakdown of Moroccan Surf Seasons. 
2. Surfboard Rentals – There is an abundance of surfboards for rent in the coastal towns. The ones on the beach tend to be more expensive than the shops in town. You can usually get a better deal for long-term rentals. See Surfboard Hire Options in Tamraght and Taghazout. 
3. Crowds – Don’t expect empty waves. Learning to surf in Morocco is trending.
4. Water Quality – Expect a bit of rubbish in the water. Don’t surf after big storms, as you’re likely to get sick. 
5. Beginner Surfers – Familiarise yourself with proper surf etiquette. Some lesser-skilled surf instructors will push you in front of other surfers. Keep your wits about you. See my Tips for Learning to Surf in Morocco. 
6. Surf Camps – I highly recommend booking a surf camp in Morocco. They’re good value for money, a great way to meet others, and ideal for maximising your chance of actually learning to surf. Browse the packages on offer at BookSurfCamps. 

See the lowdown of Surfing in Tamraght or Surfing in Imsouane

Tourism Impact

1. Pollution – Always put your rubbish in the bin. Obviously. Morocco has a big problem with rubbish pollution; don’t add to it. Put your ciggie butt in the bin – even if you can see five other discarded ciggie butts on the beach around you.
2. Local Businesses – Support locally owned restaurants, hostels and shops wherever possible. When you opt for European merchants, you’re diverting money from the Moroccan economy. Which means the locals cop all the ill effects of tourism without any personal gain. 
3. Buying Property – Don’t buy an apartment block and rent out the rooms to tourists. When you do so, you limit the long-term rental stock available to locals. And the prices of real estate in these tourist hotspots surge exponentially – pricing Moroccans out of the towns that their families have lived for generations. 
4. Surf Tourism – Don’t start a surf camp. For starters, there are already upwards of 50 in Tamraght and Taghazout. Where do you expect all your potential guests to surf? The waves are already overcrowded. But also, you’re taking employment opportunities from locals. 
5. Starting Businesses – Don’t open your own specialty coffee shop or boutique store. Again, the price of real estate increases. What may seem cheap for monthly rent to a Westerner is extortionate to Moroccans, who must instead sell homemade briouates out of the back of their car. 
6. Cultural Erosion – I understand that tourists appreciate the comfort of good coffee and Instagrammable restaurants. But as European businesses monopolise surf towns like Tamraght and Imsouane, they lose all their cultural significance. You’re essentially ensconced in a European bubble in Northern Africa, dining on all the food you’re used to, surrounded by people who look just like you. In time, the prices climb to reach those of Western Europe too (see Bali and Ibiza for examples). Then, what’s the point of travelling at all?

Keep Morocco Moroccan. 

For in-depth regional guides, see:

• Travel Guide for Marrakech
• Travel Guide for Tamraght
• Travel Guide for Imsouane
• Travel Guide for Ouarzazate
• Travel Guide for Essaouira
• Travel Guide for Taghazout

For more Maroc info and a little less of my own opinions, I’ve created a travel wisdom-sharing hub over on Reddit. Join the group here.