Money in Morocco
So you’ve booked your trip and now it’s time to deal with the details. Great! Here’s a little helpful info about money in Morocco that will save you a lot of time and wasted efforts while navigating your way through the country…financially.
Currency: The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the local currency. You can find it in paper increments of 20, 50, 100 and 200 and coins of 1, 5 and 10. There are .5 dirham coins and smaller but they circulate less often and you may never see them!
Cash Machines: They are your friend! Moroccan cash machines are plentiful and reliable in all cities and even most villages. You can withdraw a max of 2000 MAD per transaction, which is about 200 USD.
Change Bureaus: Also easy to find and usually have great rates for changing foreign currency. You can find a change bureau near almost any city market (souk) and in the villages, they are harder to find and often have short working hours, comparable to banks.
Now for a little FAQ and helpful hints from us!
Should I change money at the airport?
You absolutely can! But BEEEEWARE of the prepaid Mastercard trick! This is a commission-based card that exchange agents will try very hard to sell you, and it’s completely useless in Morocco. Basically, they will tell you that it’s a prepaid debit card that can be used anywhere, but most places don’t accept cards and especially not these temporary cards. DO NOT FALL FOR THIS SCAM!
Can I pay for things with foreign money? Somebody told me it’s ok.
Nobody accepts Euros, Dollars or any other foreign currency once outside of the airport, so be sure to change money or use ATM machines to withdraw local cash when you need it.
Can I just use my debit card to pay for things while I’m in Morocco?
Most businesses, shops and tourism agencies do not accept credit cards or debit cards, so remember, cash is key! Make sure to withdraw plenty of money each day to pay for things like meals, random expenses and souvenirs.
What if I have extra dirhams at the end of my trip?
Use it all before you go! Morocco has a closed currency, so what you take out of the country won’t be of any use to you after your trip. Spend it or trade it with another traveler for the currency you need once you get home!