The Moroccan Dirham (MAD), which is divisible into 100 centimes, is the country of Morocco’s official currency. Travelers to Morocco should convert money or use credit cards because the dirham is not often used outside of Morocco.
The best places to exchange currency are official exchange offices like banks or currency exchange bureaus because they provide the greatest exchange rates. Although informal exchange centers and street vendors may offer somewhat better rates, there is a higher chance of fraud. It’s also important to keep in mind that some Moroccan locations, particularly those that cater to tourists, may also accept US dollars or euros in addition to Moroccan dirhams.
Although not all retailers in Morocco allow them, it is possible to pay using credit or debit cards there. The most generally accepted plastic payment methods in Morocco are Visa and Mastercard, however American Express and Discover may be less common. It is important to call your bank or credit card company in advance to make sure your card will be accepted and to find out if there are any potential overseas transaction fees.
It’s also important to keep in mind that, despite being widely used in major cities and tourist destinations, credit and debit cards may be less widespread in more rural locations. Consequently, it’s wise to always have some extra cash on hand.
Prior to using a credit card in Morocco, make sure it will be accepted and find out if there are any possible international transaction fees by contacting your bank or credit card company. American Express and Discover may not be as frequently accepted in Morocco as Visa and Mastercard. Additionally, it is strongly advised to utilize cash for smaller purchases and credit cards for bigger ones, such as renting a car, making hotel or resort reservations, or occasionally making purchases of larger items in bazaars. It is better to use cash for transactions where the danger of fraud is greater because credit card fraud is a concern in Morocco.
As a simple illustration, 100 Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) are roughly similar to 10.50 US dollars. In Morocco, you may spend this much on a wide range of products and services. Here are a few illustrations:
Food: You can either get the ingredients to prepare a meal at home or purchase a meal from a nearby restaurant or street vendor.
To get about the city or the country, you can purchase multiple bus or rail tickets.
In a local market, you can buy a little craft or memento like a typical Moroccan rug, ceramics, or jewelry.
You can purchase a small selection of foodstuffs, including bread, fruits, and vegetables.
Clothes: You can buy a basic article of clothing like a t-shirt or a pair of slacks.
Always keep in mind that pricing will change depending on where you are in the nation and the kind of products or services you need. Prices in tourist destinations are typically higher than prices elsewhere, and prices in cities are typically higher than prices elsewhere. Another thing to keep in mind is that negotiating is a prevalent activity in many areas of Morocco, so you might be able to bargain for a lower price on goods and services.
Finally, it is advised to pack both cash and credit cards when visiting Morocco. Make sure you only exchange money at approved exchange bureaus, and check with your bank or credit card issuer about foreign transaction costs and credit card acceptance in Morocco.
