Weather

The northern part of the country has a Mediterranean climate while the south experiences a desert climate. It does not rain very much, but when it does it is typically during the winter months. The mountainous areas and deserts are quite cool in the evenings and particularly cold in the winters, with a great variation in daytime and night time temperatures. Snowfall is not uncommon in the Atlas region. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit as the temperatures are milder.

Visa, Immigration, Customs

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry.

Visa/Permit/Tourist Card:Single parents or other adults vacationing alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.

Transportation

Royal Air Maroc connects you to all the major cities within the country.

Airports in Morocco:There are 63 airports in Morocco.

Travel by Rail:The rail network links most of the cities offering daily and overnight services. You can organise an air-conditioned car at extra charge.

Travel by Water:Ferries run from Spain, France and Gibraltar to the ports of Morocco. These ferries are regular and choices can be made between car ferries and hydrofoils.

Travel by Road:Car hire is available, offering anything from saloons to four wheel drives. Most of the roads are paved - even those in the Sahara Desert, and are suitable for all weather conditions.

Taxis run within the cities and to the rural areas surrounding the towns. Bus and coach fares are inexpensive and connect most of the cities and towns. Your bus trips should be booked in advance as the buses are usually overcrowded. The main cities offer urban bus services.

What Side of the Road?:Driving is on the right side of the road.

Speed Limits:Urban areas - 40/50 kph; motorways - 120 kph; other roads - 60/100 kph

Culture & Food

Languages Spoken:Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often the language of business, government, and diplomacy.

Tour guides and service professionals in tourist-oriented facilities are very likely to speak English.

Religions:Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%

People and Culture:The original inhabitants of Morocco were the Berber, in later times Arabs with their Islam influence also inhabited this region. The official language is Arabic, there are a number of Berber dialects and French and Spanish are spoken in some areas. The Berbers are primarily farmers and live in towns with high city walls. The architecture is amazing with a portion of the town sometimes constructed underground. The Andalusi music is well known as well as their Kasbah dance performances. Their crafts such as carpet weaving and woodcarving are sold at suqs and are exceptionally unusual. Due to the Muslim faith, contact between the opposite sex is very limited in public - this is worth taking into consideration to avoid offending the people of Morocco. It would be well worth your while to find out about their religious festivals and customs prior to arrival. Many Moroccans, particularly women, have their hands decorated and painted with henna.

A resident or national of Morocco is called "Moroccan". The Term used to describe things from here is "Moroccan". For example, "Moroccan food".


Tipping and Bargaining: Tipping is expected in high-end restaurants.

Restaurants:	0 - 10%
*Porters:	5 Moroccan Dirham per bag
Taxi:	Round Up

* Try to use local currency. Foreign coins cannot be exchanged and will be useless to the person receiving them. Foreign paper money requires a trip to the bank for exchange. However paper US dollars are accepted almost universally.

Food:The cuisine of Morocco is spicy, yet delicate. Olives, couscous, dates and figs are some of the ingredients used in many of the Moroccan dishes. Some dishes are to be eaten without cutlery, there is however an etiquette to eating with your fingers. Meat, chicken and vegetables are eaten in stews and roasts. Harira, an aromatic soup made with beef and onions, is eaten predominantly during Ramadan. It is possible to buy alcohol from certain stores and restaurants. It is advisable to drink bottled water only.

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in this country’s customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised. Visitors should dress conservatively when and where appropriate (e.g. women should not wear tight or revealing clothing or short skirts, and both men and women should refrain from wearing shorts). Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities especially when visiting holy places and mosques. During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), Muslims refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking between sunrise and sunset. This may affect the availability of food services. Non- Muslims may wish to refrain from these activities in public. Ramadan is expected to begin on or about:
September 24, 2010
August 01, 2011
July 20, 2012
July 09, 2013
June 29, 2014
June 18, 2015
June 07, 2016
May 27, 2017
May 16, 2018
May 06, 2019
April 24, 2020

Money Conversion

Morocco's currency is called the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).

Currency Converter :use the following currency converter tool to help you with your vacation. Currency Convertor Tool

Currency Cheat Sheet: use the following currency cheat sheet as a quick conversion reference on your vacation.Currency Cheat Sheet

Attractions

Destination Cities:Rabat is the capital of Morocco. It is a modern city but its gates and towers date back many hundreds of years. It is situated on the Atlantic Ocean at the Oued Bou Regreg, the estuary. For the tourist there are the many ornate old gates, Chellah Garden and Sanctuary, Chellah Gate, Oudaia Gate, Kings Mausoleum, Hassan Tower, Royal Mosque and Royal Palace. The old town is a labyrinth of white and blue houses.

Marrakech has many suqs where you can purchase handicrafts and watch the craftsmen at work. Stalls, cafes and restaurants are in abundance and offer a variety of foods. The Koutoubia Mosque has become one of the city's landmarks. The town square is well worth a visit as well as the Menara Gardens with its pavilion and pool. Other interesting sights include the Majorelle Garden, Jemaa I-Fna, El Bahia Palace and the Ben Youseff madras and mosque which is an excellent example of Morocco's finest woodwork and stucco. Enjoy this beautiful city with the Atlas peaks in the background, while taking a carriage ride!!

A trip to Agadir will reveal its beautiful beaches, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. It offers modern amenities and great boulevards. You can spend your time horse riding, playing golf, tennis or sailing. Camel rides can also be arranged!! This is the number one resort destination in Morocco offering international cuisine, upmarket shops and luxurious accommodation.

Essaouira is a coastal city with white city walls and a well used harbour. It has a modern Spanish Cathedral, Museum of Arts and many gates entering the walled city. It dates back to the Phoenicians. The seafood is good and so is the 'timeless' atmosphere.

Fez , Tangiers and Casablanca are also worth a visit.

Points of Interest:Camel trekking can be arranged for varying periods - enjoy an hour or so or go for a couple of weeks!! The endless desert sands and oases will be unforgettable!! A trip into the desert for the more adventurous, offers views of Erg Chebbi, the largest dune field in Morocco. The Todra and Dades Gorges offer natural beauty and an opportunity to mountain bike!!