Info A–Z

Morocco is an Islamic country, but alcohol is legal and available — though not everywhere and not always visible. The attitude is ambivalent: Officially, Moroccans do not drink, but in practice, the country has a vibrant wine culture and its own beer (Flag Spéciale, Casablanca Beer).

Where to get alcohol?

• Supermarkets: Carrefour, Marjane, and Acima have alcohol sections (often discreetly in a corner)
• Liquor stores: Recognizable by the inconspicuous facade and lack of window display — asking helps
• Restaurants: Upscale and tourist restaurants have alcohol on the menu. Simple food stalls never
• Hotels: All larger hotels have bars
• Bars: Exist, but are often dark, smoky, and male-dominated — not for a cozy evening

Moroccan Wine

Surprise: Morocco has an excellent wine production! The wine region around Meknès produces red wines (especially from the grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot) that are internationally award-winning. Recommended labels: Château Roslane, Volubilia, Médaillon, Domaine de la Zouina. A bottle in a restaurant: 120-250 MAD.

In an emergency (loss of passport, arrest, medical emergency), the embassy is your contact point.

German Embassy Rabat

• Address: 7, Zankat Madnine, Rabat
• Phone: +212 537 21 86 00
• Web: rabat.diplo.de

Austrian Embassy Rabat

• Address: 2, Zankat Tiddas, Rabat
• Phone: +212 537 76 40 03

Swiss Embassy Rabat

• Address: Square de Berkane, Rabat
• Phone: +212 537 26 80 30

Morocco uses 220 V alternating current, 50 Hz. Sockets are Type C (Europlug) and Type E (French, with grounding pin). German and Austrian plugs (Type C and F) usually fit — with Type-F plugs (Schuko), the grounding pin may interfere, a simple adapter helps.

Swiss plugs (Type J) require an adapter. In older riads and rural accommodations, sockets may be loose — a power strip is practical.

The phenomenon of Faux Guides is one of the biggest nuisances of Moroccan tourism — and at the same time an understandable symptom of high youth unemployment. Faux Guides are self-proclaimed "city guides" who approach tourists in the medinas and offer to show the way, lead to a specific riad, or show the best shops. The problem: They subsequently demand money, lead to shops where they receive commissions, and become pushy to aggressive if refused.

Strategies

• Firmly decline: "Non, merci" or "La, shukran" — friendly, but without discussion
• Look straight ahead: Eye contact is interpreted as an invitation to talk
• Walk confidently: Those who appear uncertain are approached. Act as if you know exactly where you're going (even if you don't)
• Don't ask for directions: Use Google Maps or maps.me (offline) instead — once you ask, you have a "guide"
• Official guide: If you want a guide, book a licensed guide through your riad or the tourist office — recognizable by the official ID (approx. 400-600 MAD per half day)

The situation has significantly improved in recent years: In Fès and Marrakesh, the tourist police patrol, and penalties for Faux Guides have been increased. In smaller cities (Essaouira, Chefchaouen, Rabat), the problem is much less.

The currency of Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). 1 Euro = approx. 10.5-11 MAD (relatively stable). The Dirham is a closed currency — it cannot be bought or exchanged abroad.

Cash

Morocco is a cash country. In the medinas, markets, taxis, and small restaurants, payment is exclusively in cash. ATMs are available in every city (BMCE, Attijariwafa, Banque Populaire) — withdrawal with debit card (Maestro/V-Pay) or credit card (Visa, Mastercard). Fees: 30-50 MAD per withdrawal + possible fees from your home bank.

Credit Cards

Accepted in upscale hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and riads — but not in the medina, not in taxis, not at markets. Visa and Mastercard work best, American Express rarely.

Exchange

At the airport (acceptable rates), in banks (best rates, but slow) or in official exchange offices (Bureaux de Change). Never exchange on the street — fraud is guaranteed.

Tipping

• Restaurant: 10-15% of the bill (if no service charge)
• Riad staff: 20-50 MAD per day for the housekeeper
• Guide: 100-200 MAD per day
• Taxi driver: Round up to the next full amount
• Hammam: 20-50 MAD for the gommage (massage/scrub)
• Porter/Parking attendant: 5-10 MAD

Morocco requires no mandatory vaccinations. Recommended are Hepatitis A, Typhoid (for longer stays or rural areas) and standard vaccinations (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio). An international health insurance with repatriation is absolutely essential.

Gastrointestinal Issues

The most common travel illness in Morocco. Precautions:

• Do not drink tap water — only bottled water (Sidi Ali, Sidi Harazem are the most popular brands)
• Be cautious with salads at street stalls (washed with tap water)
• Avoid ice cubes in simple eateries
• Street food at busy stalls is generally safe — freshly prepared is more important than elegantly served
• Imodium and electrolyte solution belong in every travel pharmacy

Pharmacies

Morocco has a dense network of pharmacies (green cross), well-stocked and selling many medications over the counter. Pharmacists almost always speak French and can advise on minor complaints.

Hospitals

Public hospitals are overcrowded and not recommended. For serious problems: Private clinics in Marrakesh (Clinique Internationale), Casablanca, Rabat, or Fès. Clarify costs beforehand and keep receipts for insurance.

Haggling is not an option in Morocco, but a must — accepting the first price is not seen as generous, but naive. Bargaining is part of the culture, a social ritual, a game that should be fun for both sides. Here are the rules:

The Basic Rules

• First price = 3-5 times too high: This is no exaggeration. A carpet offered at 5,000 MAD is often available for 1,500-2,000 MAD in the end
• Counteroffer: Start at 30-40% of the quoted price and work your way up
• Walking away: The most powerful weapon. If you turn around and leave, the vendor almost always follows with a better price
• Friendliness: Smile, joke, drink the offered tea. It's a game, not a fight
• Know the value: Inform yourself beforehand (Ensemble Artisanal, fixed prices) about fair prices
• Buy only what you want: Don't be pressured into buying by social pressure (tea, friendliness, time investment)

Where to haggle?

Yes: Souks, markets, taxis (always agree on the price beforehand!), guides, excursions, horseback rides

No: Supermarkets, restaurants (the prices on the menu apply), museums, official transport tickets (bus, train)

Taxi Trick

In Morocco, Petits Taxis (intra-city) have taximeters — insist on it being turned on (“Le compteur, s'il vous plaît”). If the driver refuses, get out and take the next one. Without a taximeter, you will certainly pay double. Grands Taxis (intercity) have fixed route prices — ask at the taxi station for the standard price.

Morocco has an excellent mobile network — 4G/LTE covers most populated areas, and 5G is being expanded in cities.

SIM Card

The easiest way: Buy a local SIM card at the airport. The three providers are Maroc Telecom (best network), Inwi, and Orange. Costs: 30-50 MAD for the SIM + 20-50 MAD for a data package (5-20 GB). Passport required. Coverage in the desert and remote Atlas areas can be patchy.

Wi-Fi

Almost all hotels, riads, and cafés have Wi-Fi — the quality varies greatly. In riads in the medinas, the signal can be weak due to thick clay walls. Starbucks, McDonald's, and café chains have reliable Wi-Fi.

EU Roaming

Morocco is not included in EU roaming. Without a local SIM, high roaming charges apply (depending on the contract, 3-13€/MB). Check your tariff before traveling or book a special international package.

Morocco is more liberal than many Islamic countries, but more conservative than Europe. The right clothing is less a regulation than a question of respect — and personal comfort (being stared at less).

Recommendations

• Women: Cover knees and shoulders in the medinas and rural areas. No cleavage. Loose, light clothing (linen pants, maxi skirts, airy tunics). At the beach, swimsuit/bikini is common at tourist beaches (Agadir, Essaouira), less so at non-tourist spots
• Men: Less strict rules — shorts are okay in cities, prefer long pants in rural areas. Avoid tank tops in the medina
• Mosques: Non-Muslims are generally not allowed to enter mosques (exception: Hassan II in Casablanca) — shoes off, cover knees and shoulders
• Headscarf: Not necessary as a tourist, but a sign of respect in conservative areas and when visiting mosques

The Ramadan falls on a different date each year (approximately 11 days earlier in the Gregorian calendar). In the coming years:

• 2026: approx. February 17 — March 19
• 2027: approx. February 7 — March 9
• 2028: approx. January 27 — February 26

What Changes

• Restaurants: Closed during the day in the medinas (tourist and hotel restaurants remain open)
• Opening hours: Shops open late, close in the afternoon, reopen after Iftar
• Atmosphere: Quieter during the day, sometimes irritable (hunger, thirst, no smoking). Evenings: festive atmosphere, crowded streets, night markets
• Transport: Buses and trains run on a slightly reduced schedule
• Alcohol: Not sold to non-tourists; hotels and tourist restaurants continue to serve

Your Behavior

You don't have to fast, but show respect: Do not eat, drink, or smoke on the street. It's not a problem in the hotel or riad. Being invited to Iftar (breaking the fast at sunset) is one of the most beautiful moments of the trip.

Morocco is one of the safest countries in Africa and the Middle East for tourists. Violent crime against travelers is rare, and the tourist police (Brigade Touristique) is present in major cities. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Common Issues

• Pickpocketing: In busy medinas (especially Jemaa el-Fna in Marrakesh, Fès el-Bali) watch your valuables. No jewelry, carry handbag in front, don't keep phone openly in back pocket
• Faux Guides & Touting: Annoying but not dangerous (see separate section)
• Overpriced items: A constant theme — resolved through bargaining and prior knowledge
• Taxi fraud: Have the taximeter turned on or agree on the price beforehand

Regional Safety

• Medinas: Avoid alone at night (especially remote alleys in Fès and Marrakesh)
• Rif Mountains: Be cautious with cannabis offers (illegal, police checks)
• Algerian border area: Avoid (Foreign Office advises against)
• Western Sahara: Mostly safe, but politically sensitive
• Desert & Atlas: Safe, but prepare logistically (water, GPS, guide)

Emergency Numbers

• Police: 190 (in cities) / 177 (Gendarmerie, in the countryside)
• Ambulance: 150
• Fire Brigade: 150
• Tourist Police: Stationed directly in the medina in Marrakesh, Fès, Tangier

Morocco has a surprisingly well-developed transport network — affordable, though not always punctual.

Train (ONCF)

The best means of transport for the axis Tangier — Rabat — Casablanca — Marrakesh. The high-speed train Al Boraq connects Tangier with Casablanca in just 2 hours (from 149 MAD, 1st class). Regular trains are comfortable, air-conditioned, and punctual. Tickets at the station or online (oncf.ma).

Bus

• CTM: State bus provider, comfortable, air-conditioned, reliable. Connects all major cities. Tickets online (ctm.ma) or at the bus station
• Supratours: Belongs to the railway company, serves routes not covered by train (e.g., Marrakesh — Essaouira, Ouarzazate — Marrakesh). Quality like CTM
• Other buses: Cheap, but crowded and uncomfortable. For adventurers

Grand Taxi (Intercity Taxis)

The Grands Taxis (usually beige Mercedes limousines) are shared taxis that serve fixed routes. They leave when 6 passengers (3 in front, 3 in back) are gathered. Cheap and fast, but cramped. You can also book the entire back seat (3 seats) or the whole taxi. Prices are fixed per route — ask at the taxi station.

Petit Taxi (City Taxis)

Intra-city taxis (color-coded: red in Marrakesh, blue in Rabat, white in Casablanca). Taximeter is mandatory — insist on it. Night surcharge (from 8 PM): 50%. Short rides cost 10-20 MAD.

Rental Car

Worth it especially for the south (Road of the Kasbahs, desert, Atlas passes). International (Hertz, Europcar, Avis) and local available. Note: Driving style in Morocco is adventurous, roads outside main axes sometimes in poor condition, and police like to check (speed, seatbelt). All-wheel drive recommended for tracks in the south. Book insurance with full coverage!

Morocco offers a fascinating range of accommodations — and the Riad culture is unique in the world.

Riads (★★★)

The most beautiful way to stay in Morocco: A Riad is a traditional townhouse with an interior courtyard (often with a fountain, orange trees, and mosaics) converted into a guesthouse. The rooms are arranged around the courtyard, and there is a rooftop terrace with a view over the medina. Most riads have 4-10 rooms and offer personal service that surpasses hotels: Breakfast on the terrace, dinner on request, hammam in-house, help with travel planning. Prices: 30-80€ (simple) to 200-500€+ (luxury riads).

Hotels

International chains (Sofitel, Royal Mansour, Four Seasons) in major cities. Budget hotels (1-2 stars) from 15-25€ — clean but simple. Kasbahs in the south are converted fortresses serving as hotels — atmospheric and often cheaper than comparable riads.

Desert Camps

From simple Berber tent overnight stays (30€) to luxury glamping with private bath and starry canopy (200-500€). Most are at Erg Chebbi (Merzouga) and Erg Chigaga.

Hostels

In tourist cities (Marrakesh, Essaouira, Fès, Chefchaouen) there are increasing numbers of hostels with dormitories (from 8-12€) and private rooms. Quality varies greatly — Booking.com reviews help.

Germans, Austrians, and Swiss do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon entry.

Entry

• At the airport: Fill out an entry card (name, hotel, purpose of travel), show passport, get stamp — done
• Occasionally asked for hotel name and address — know by heart or show booking confirmation
• Duty-free import: 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of spirits, gifts up to 2,000 MAD

Exit

Dirhams may not be exported — exchange back at the airport before passport control (keep the receipt from the exchange) or spend at the airport.

Tap water in Morocco is not drinkable. Even if it is chlorinated in cities and may be technically safe — the unfamiliar germ and mineral content almost guarantees stomach problems.

• Drink only bottled water (Sidi Ali, Sidi Harazem, Aïn Saïss). 1.5-liter bottles cost 5-8 MAD
• Check if the seal is intact (not refilled)
• For brushing teeth: Use bottled water, at least for the first few days
• Be cautious with ice cubes in simple eateries — no problem in upscale restaurants and hotels

Morocco uses UTC+1 (West European Time +1) year-round — this corresponds to German winter time. In summer (when Germany switches to daylight saving time), there is no time difference to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In winter, Morocco is 1 hour behind Central European Time.

Exception Ramadan: During Ramadan, Morocco sets the clocks back to UTC+0 — then the time difference is 1 hour (summer) or 2 hours (winter). This regularly causes confusion, even among Moroccans themselves.

Morocco is a photographer's paradise — but with rules:

• People: Always ask for permission, especially with women and in rural areas. Many Moroccans enjoy being photographed, some may ask for a tip (5-10 MAD), others may refuse — respect that
• Snake charmers, water sellers, henna artists on the Jemaa el-Fna: They charge for photos (10-20 MAD). Agree on the price beforehand
• Military, police, royal palaces: Photography is prohibited. Do not photograph border posts and police checkpoints either
• Mosques: Photography from the outside is allowed, but not inside (except Hassan II.)
• Tanneries: Photography from the terraces of surrounding shops is allowed (they sometimes charge a small entrance fee: 10-20 MAD)