About MoroccoCountry Demographics
MoneyThe currency of Morocco is the Dirham (MAD). The easiest way to obtain Dirham is through ATM machines, a common fixture in Morocco. Credit cards are accepted at main tourist centers with a surcharge of about 5% drawn from Moroccan based businesses. For currency convert you can use universal currency converter. VisasCitizen of USA and European Union, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and others do not need a visa to enter Morocco for a stay less than three months. Visitors are required to have taken possession their current passports for no less than six months prior to their date of entry. Upon entry to Morocco, visitors are required to fill out a landing card with an address of residence while staying in Morocco. For more information go to Visa and Passport info for when travelling to Morocco. Traveling around MoroccoTraveling by train in Morocco is efficient, cheap and comfortable. We believe it is a better option than travelling by bus. Overnight express trains are available to select destinations (Tangier to Marrakech, etc..). For schedules and fares go to National Office of the Railroads of Morrocco. Long distance buses are usually air-conditioned and comfortable Tickets can be purchased at the bus depots. The most popular bus company are Supratours, CTM and SATAS. Petit (in town) or grand (between towns) taxis should have a meter reader to gauge fares. Otherwise, negotiate the price in advance. Be clear and upfront with drivers to establish a fair cost and prevent gauging. Private car hire is generally expensive. International car hire companies have offices in major cities. The minimum driving age is 21. Moroccan roads are patrolled by police and customs roadblocks are not uncommon. Please be aware of local laws, check the Morocco Country Specific Information Dress CodeWhile Morocco welcomes all visitors, it is an Islamic country and following cultural standards of modesty is advisable to prevent problems during your stay. Wearing short skirts, short pants, and tight clothing is not recommended - especially in small towns and rural areas. Legs and shoulders are considered private body parts in Morocco and should be kept covered. In the hot summer months wearing light, loose, cotton clothing is advised. A hat or turban is a must to protect the head against the heat and sun. In autumn and spring a light jacket or fleece is recommended; the evenings can be quite cool. In winter, warm clothing is a must. TippingTipping is common and expected for most services. A gratuity of 10% to 15% in restaurants is the norm for good service (if it is not included in the bill-make sure to ask). If you would like to take a picture of the locals, be courteous and ask permission first. You might be asked to tip for this as well. Shopping & BargainingShopping in Morocco is an exceptionally unique experience. There are many beautiful items to be found: exotic Moroccan carpets, spices, textile & yarn, metal ware, jewelry, woodwork and much more. Shopkeepers are very skilled at bargaining. The original asking price for an item might be several times higher to its potential selling price and you are expected to participate in the verbal contest of bartering before buying. Otherwise, you will pay several times what a local Moroccan would and possibly purchase an item you don't even want! Stick to your guts, be patient and pay only what you think is fair. Bartering is the way to buy in Morocco. Don't be afraid to walk away if you feel you have reached your limit! WeatherThe geography of Morocco is diverse, from notable seasonal variations on the Mediterranean coast to the hot, arid, desert and mountains to the south. The wet season spans from November to March, but rain is mainly found in coastal areas. Morocco's mountains have cooler climates year round. In the winter months, the mountains are capped by snow. Many guide books recommend visiting Morocco from March to May and then again in September and October. We feel that the climate in Morocco is offers something for everyone at all times of the year. The annual average temperature for these cities:
CultureMorocco is one of the most liberal Islamic countries - but you should respect and be sensitive to their customs and restrictions. The main restriction a tourist will encounter is banned entry into the mosques if you are not a Muslim. This is unfortunate, as many mosques feature beautiful artistry of design. There are a few note-worthy exceptions: the Hessian II in Cassablanca, Mohammed V Mausoleum in Rabat, and Malay Ismail Mausoleum in Meknes are open to all visitors. During the month of Ramadan, when the believers fast each day until sunset, you will have a few more challenges than tourists visiting at other times as many establishments for food and drink will be closed. Not to worry; you still will be able to find many places open to eat during the day. In Islamic countries it is forbidden to drink alcohol. As Morocco is a favorite tourist destination, restrictions have been relaxed and alcohol is served in many bars, hotels and restaurants. You should not offer alcohol to Muslim although, many young and westernized Moroccans drink alcohol. Please also dress respectfully. Food & DrinkMorocco is famous for its cuisine. Tajine, a flavorful dish of either meat or chicken baked with seasonings in a cone-shaped clay cooking vessel is the national dish. Kefta is lamb or beef stew. Couscous is a grain-sized semolina wheat pasta served with vegetables or fish or meat. Salads are very common in Morocco and are usually very good. Be aware that salads and all raw foods can harbor "bad bacteria", so take care before you partake in uncooked foods. Seafood (calamari, sole, shrimp) served near the ocean is very good, fresh and cooked to order. The best way to relax in Morocco? Follow local custom and kick back with a refreshing cup of mint tea - served with lot of sugar! Also we recommend trying the fruit juices! The most popular is fresh squeezed orange juice, but other juices are equally good and offer an exotic option. As mentioned before, alcohol is available but it will probably be a little pricey. We recommend buying bottle water; don't drink water from the tap. AlcoholIn spite of Morocco being a Muslim country, alcohol is widely available. You will notice that majority of hotels and riads in the old parts of cities, medina offer alcoholic beverages. In the modern part of the cities bars, restaurants and hotels owned by foreigners or attended by tourists will serve alcohol. That is also true for establishments outside of cities. Most hotels and auberges have bars where they serve alcohol. You can purchase alcohol in special shops and big supermarkets. Buying in large supermarkets is the cheaper option and the have nice selections too from wines, beers to hard liquor.
However, you are not allowed to drink alcohol in the streets and open public places. The Islamic religion prohibits drinking of alcoholic beverages (haram), but there are many young Moroccan men and women drinking alcohol. There is nothing that bans them from buying or selling alcohol.
You are welcome to drink alcohol on our tours. Many clients are interested in taking beverages for their nights in the desert. Please let your driver know and he will stop at one of the stores for you.
Morocco produces several local brewed beers, Casablanca and others. As it is also known for production of local wines.
SafetyMorocco is safe country and violent crime is not considered a major problem. There have been some incidents of theft in major cities and beaches. Use precautions to keep yourself and your property safe. Travel with a companion, avoid badly lit streets at night, and mind your person at all times. Guides offering their services should display an official badge issued by the local authorities. LanguageThe official language is Arabic. In addition to the official language, about 10 million Moroccans (mostly in rural communities) speak Berber. French is popular and is the third most widely spoken unofficial language; it is the main language of business and commerce and it is used in education and government. Spanish is spoken in the Northern part of the country. Western visitors will find English spoken in popular tourist destinations. Trekking in Sahara desertYour guides will advise you of what you should bring for a desert excursion. The following list includes the basic essentials needed on a trekking trip in the Sahara desert:
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