Practical A–Z

EU Citizens

Germans, Austrians, and Swiss do not need a visa for Morocco — just a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of the trip). Identity cards are NOT accepted! Upon entry, a stamp is placed in the passport — you may stay in the country for up to 90 days.

Entry Form

Upon entry, you must fill out an entry form — available on the plane or at the counter. Enter your name, passport number, address in Morocco (your Riad), and occupation. The process takes 5–15 minutes.

Customs

Allowed are 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of spirits, and personal items. Moroccan Dirham may NOT be imported or exported — exchange remaining amounts at the airport.

Time Zone

Since 2018, Morocco has year-round UTC+1 (no time change). This means: In winter, the same time as Germany, in summer 1 hour behind Germany. Note: During Ramadan, Morocco sometimes temporarily switches to UTC+0 — check in advance.

Marrakech is a safe city — violent crime against tourists is rare. The main issues: petty crime, fraud, and aggressive vendors.

Typical Situations

• False Guides: Young men offer to guide you "to the Djemaa" or "to the Riad" — and demand 50–200 MAD at the end. If you need a guide: book an official one through your Riad.
• Souk Pressure: Vendors can be persistent — "just looking" is often understood as an invitation to a sales talk. A friendly "La, shukran" (No, thank you) and walking away is normal and accepted.
• Pickpocketing: In the souks and on the Djemaa — keep valuables close to your body, backpack in front, phone not openly in hand.
• Petit-Taxi Fraud: Without a taximeter, tourists pay 3–5 times as much. Always insist on a taximeter.
• Moped Traffic: Mopeds race through the narrow Medina alleys — always keep an ear on the traffic. "Balek!" (Watch out!) means: make way.

Mobile Internet

Morocco is NOT in the EU — EU roaming does not apply! Options:

• Local SIM Card: Buy a Maroc Telecom, Orange, or inwi SIM at the airport or in Gueliz. Prepaid with 5–10 GB data: 50–100 MAD (5–10€). Passport and registration required. The best option for cheap internet.
• eSIM: Providers like Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad offer Morocco eSIMs — 5 GB for about 10€. Activate before the trip.
• Wi-Fi: Most Riads and hotels have Wi-Fi — quality varies from good to non-existent. Cafés in Gueliz often have more reliable Wi-Fi.

Language

In Marrakech, Darija (Moroccan Arabic), Berber (Tamazight), and French are spoken. In tourist areas, English works well. German: rarely. A few words of Arabic or French open doors:

• Salam alaikum — Peace be upon you (greeting)
• Shukran — Thank you
• La, shukran — No, thank you
• B'saha — Bon appétit / Health
• Besh'hal? — How much does it cost?
• Inshallah — God willing (ubiquitous)

What to Pack?

• Comfortable Shoes: Priority No. 1! The Medina has uneven cobblestones, steps, and holes. Closed shoes — no flip-flops (except in the Riad).
• Covering Clothing: Shoulders and knees covered — out of respect and because of the sun. Light, airy fabrics (linen, cotton). Women: no headscarf needed, but a light scarf is versatile (sun protection, mosque viewing from outside, souk wind).
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses, hat — the Moroccan sun is relentless, even in spring and autumn.
• Small Backpack: With zipper towards the body (protection against pickpocketing in the souks).
• Passport: Identity card is NOT enough! Passport valid for at least 6 months.
• Cash: Dirham only available in Morocco. Exchange at the airport or in exchange offices. ATMs in Gueliz and at Djemaa. Credit cards accepted in Riads and upscale restaurants, not in souks.
• Adapter: Type C/E — German plugs usually fit. To be safe, bring a universal adapter.
• Stomach Medicine: As a precaution, pack Imodium and electrolytes — Moroccan food is excellent, but the stomach needs to adjust first.

Important Notes

• Tipping: In restaurants: 10% if satisfied (often not included in the price). Riad staff: 20–50 MAD/day. Guide: 100–200 MAD/day.
• Alcohol: No public consumption. Available in licensed restaurants and hotels. No alcohol in supermarkets — only in specialized stores (Acima, Carrefour sometimes have an alcohol section).
• Photography: Mosques: never from inside. People: always ask. Military/Police: never. Souks: photograph vendors only with permission.
• Dogs: Morocco has many street dogs — they are mostly peaceful, but keep your distance. Rabies exists — see a doctor immediately if bitten.