Marhaba2030Morocco 2030 visitor guide

Money, prices & tipping

The dirham, cards, ATMs, typical prices, bargaining and tips.

Currency

The currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD, written 'DH' or 'Dhs'). Roughly 10 dirhams ≈ 1 US dollar or 0.9 euro (rates vary). One dirham = 100 centimes. Moroccans sometimes count in 'rials' (1 dirham = 20 rials), which can be confusing: always confirm 'dirham?'.

Cash or card?

  • Cash is still king in markets, small restaurants, taxis and cafés.
  • Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in hotels, malls, supermarkets, many restaurants and train stations.
  • ATMs are everywhere in cities (Attijariwafa, BMCE/Bank of Africa, CIH, Banque Populaire...). Daily limits often about 2,000–4,000 DH.
  • Exchange offices ('bureau de change') give fair official rates, often better than airports. Keep receipts to change dirhams back at departure.

Typical prices (approximate)

  • Mint tea in a café: 10–20 DH
  • Bottle of water (1.5 L): 6–8 DH in shops
  • Street sandwich: 20–40 DH
  • Tagine in a simple restaurant: 50–90 DH
  • Dinner in a nice restaurant: 200–500 DH per person
  • Petit taxi ride in town: 10–40 DH (more at night)
  • Al Boraq high-speed train Casablanca–Tangier: from about 150–250 DH in second class (higher at busy times)

Note: Prices may be higher during the World Cup.

Bargaining

In souks, bargaining is normal and expected; it is a friendly game. In supermarkets, malls, pharmacies, restaurants and Ensembles Artisanaux, prices are fixed.

Tips: know roughly what you want to pay, start at about a third to a half of the first price, stay smiling, and be ready to walk away. Never start bargaining if you are not interested in buying.

Tipping

  • Restaurants: about 10% if service is not included.
  • Cafés: leave a few coins (2–5 DH).
  • Guides: 100–200 DH per half day per group is common for good service, plus the agreed fee.
  • Porters, parking attendants ('gardiens'), hammam attendants: 5–20 DH.
  • Taxi drivers: round up.

All questions

What currency is used?
The Moroccan dirham (MAD or DH). About 10 DH ≈ 1 US dollar (rates vary).
Can I pay by card?
In hotels, malls, supermarkets, train stations and many restaurants, yes. In markets, small shops, cafés and taxis, cash is usually needed.
Where can I change money?
At banks and exchange offices (bureaux de change) in every city, which give official rates. ATMs are everywhere. Keep receipts to change dirhams back when you leave.
Can I take dirhams out of Morocco?
Only a small allowance. Change your remaining dirhams back at the airport or port before leaving (keep exchange receipts).
Should I bargain?
In souks and markets, yes: it is normal and friendly. In malls, supermarkets, restaurants and fixed-price craft centres, no.
How much should I tip?
About 10% in restaurants, a few coins in cafés, round up for taxis, and 5–20 DH for small services.
How expensive is Morocco?
Good value compared to Europe. Street food from 20 DH, a simple tagine 50–90 DH, a nice dinner 200–500 DH. Expect higher prices during the World Cup.

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