Morocco (Moroccan Dirham, MAD)
Morocco uses the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Cash is widely used, especially outside major cities, but cards work in many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. ATMs are common in towns and cities and usually give the best exchange rate.
At-a-glance (useful facts)
- Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
- Typical exchange: ~1 USD ≈ 9.0 MAD (rates fluctuate, check live).
- Cash vs Card: Cash is king in souks, small shops, taxis, markets and rural areas. Cards are more widely accepted in cities, tourist sites, and larger restaurants. Use cash for bargaining and small purchases.
- ATMs: Widely available in urban areas; expect per-withdrawal limits (often ~2,000 MAD) and occasional ATM fees from both local bank and your home bank.
Typical Daily Budgets (easy scan)
These are approximate daily costs per person. Use them to plan flights, accommodation and sightseeing costs.
Tip: Morocco can be surprisingly affordable if you eat local, use public transport, and book riads or midrange hotels.
Where to exchange money
- ATMs usually offer the best rate and convenience, withdraw what you need rather than large amounts. Expect ATM and your bank’s foreign withdrawal fees.
- Currency exchange bureaus at airports and banks are convenient but may charge wider margins. Avoid street exchangers.
- Bring some EUR or USD if you prefer to change cash on arrival; in large purchases vendors may accept euros or dollars but at poor rates.
Card & ATM tips — practical checklist
- Tell your bank you’ll travel to Morocco to avoid card blocks.
- Get a PIN before you go, Moroccan ATMs require a PIN (usually 4 digits for many cards; some cards may need a different PIN format).
- Use debit for ATM withdrawals (less expensive than card cash advances on credit cards).
- Carry a backup card and separate it from your main wallet.
- Watch out for dynamic currency conversion when given the choice to pay in your home currency, choose to pay in MAD for better rates.
Tipping & Small payments
- Tipping is common and appreciated: around 5–10% in restaurants; small change for guides, drivers and hotel staff. For exceptional service 10–15% is common.
- Small purchases, street food and buses are cash-only; keep small notes and coins handy.
Budget-safety tips
- Don’t carry large sums; use hotel safes for passports and big amounts.
- Use RFID-blocking wallets or money belts in crowded markets.
- Record card emergency numbers in case of loss or fraud.
- Keep ATM receipts until you confirm charges.
Tools & Integrations to add real value (implementation suggestions)
Coming Soon
Quick checklist for travelers (print or show on phone)
- Notify bank of travel dates.
- Pack at least one backup card and some USD/EUR.
- Withdraw initial cash from ATM at airport or town center.
- Keep small notes/coins for market purchases and tips.
- Use card only at trusted merchants; choose to pay in MAD.
- Monitor exchange rates daily if you’re budget-sensitive.
Sources & further reading
- Practical guides and budget surveys (BudgetYourTrip, Nomadic Matt). [Budget Your Trip]
- Card and ATM behavior guidance (Wise, Open Doors Morocco). [Wise]
- Live exchange rates (Wise / ExchangeRates / TradingEconomics). [Wise]