Morocco Visit Guide| People, Safety, Culture, Hotels, Alcohol, Weather

Population Statistics of a Nation

• Al Maghreb, meaning “The West” in Arabic
  Morocco’s capital and most important city is Rabat.
• Casablanca is the country’s financial center and the biggest city in terms of both population and area.
• Politically, King Mohammed VI led the nation; it was a constitutional monarchy.
  Dimensions: more than 445,000 km2
  Number of residents: 34 million
• Tamazight and Arabic are the official languages.
• The languages with the greatest usage are dialects of Arabic, Tamazight, French, and Spanish. In addition, English, Italian, German, and other European languages are all spoken with ease by a large portion of Moroccans. The curriculum of high school recently included English.
• The dominant faith is Islam.
• Currency used: dirham
• The dialing code is +212.
• The electrical voltage is 220 volts, and the sockets take plugs with two prongs similar to those found in Europe.
• Health: There are no prerequisite vaccinations for traveling to Morocco. Beverages made from bottled water are advised.

Morocco Visit Guide

In Morocco, there are several international airports:

Mohammed V is the largest airport, which serves numerous international flights from both European countries and other parts of the world. Royal Air Maroc (Delta) from New York and Montreal in North America provides direct flights to Morocco. From the Middle East and Europe, many flights leave daily (CMN).
Menara Airport (RAK) in Marrakech is a well-known international and national airport with lots of low-cost carriers flying into it from significant European cities.
Major and cheap-cost airlines fly into Agadir International Airport from a variety of European cities.
The international airport in Tangier is also significant.
International Airport of Fes, Saiss is expanding in terms of both size and number of arriving flights.
Additionally, Morocco is home to a number of small airports that make the country’s transportation system a great asset. The list below includes well-known locations like Ouarzazate, Errachidia, Al Hoceima, Zagora, and Dakhla,.
Ferries are yet another means of transport to reach Morocco. The Morocco and Spain sections are served by numerous ports; for more information, go to www.cemar.it. Algeciras to Tangier or Ceuta is the most frequently taken route for crossing the Strait of Gibraltar. There are additional routes to Tangier or Ceuta from Tarifa.
There are ferries that run between the ports; booking in advance is not necessary but is advised in the summer. An average of one ferry runs every half hour.
The fact that Tangier has TWO ports should be remembered. A taxi will take you from the station of the train where ferries to and from Tarifa arrive and depart to the old port in the center of town in about 5 minutes. Around or less than an hour from Tangier is needed to reach the new port MED. All ferries dock here, making it a much busier port. A free bus links the two ports. Each hour from 10:00 a.m. to 0:00 p.m., the shuttle operates. All you require is a ferry ticket to board the white coach. Both directions are served by the shuttle service.

Money

The Dirham (MAD) is used as the currency in Morocco. It is illegal to purchase the dirham in your country because it is traded nationally only. The difficulty level is very high, as well as the rate of exchange. ATMs, which are widespread in Morocco, are the most practical way to get Dirham. All big cities have exchange bureaus, and you can find one there when you arrive at Moroccan airports. Since you cannot exchange dirhams once, you travel to your home country; we strongly suggest that you sell them before leaving Morocco. In Morocco, Euros are frequently accepted as payment; however, you might receive your leftover change in Dirhams. Major tourist destinations accept credit cards, but Moroccan-based companies charge an additional 5% on top of that. To convert currencies, it is possible to use an all-purpose currency.

Visas

For stays of less than three months, individuals from the United States, the European Union, and countries of North American continental, Australia, and New Zealand are exempt from needing to visit Morocco. Visitors to Morocco are claimed to have their valid passports with them for at least half of a year before their intended entry date. Visitors entering Morocco are claimed to provide their residence address for the duration of their stay on a card of landing. For more details, go to Morocco Passport and Visa Requirements.

Visit Morocco

In Morocco, taking the train is convenient, affordable, and comfortable. The bus, in our opinion, is the better option. There are express trains that run through the night to some locations (like Marrakech from Tangier). To find out about prices and schedules, go to the Office of National of Moroccan Railroads.
Moroccan far-away buses are typically comfortable and suitable. The tickets are available to purchase on the bus. The most widely used bus providers are, CTM, Supratours, and SATAS.
A meter reader should be available in all taxis, whether they are petit (driving within city limits) or grand (driving between cities). If not, make an advance price negotiation. Be open and honest with drivers so that you can determine a fair price and prevent gauging.
At the age of 21, a man will have the authority to drive a bus. Morocco has a hefty police presence on its roads, and roadblocks for customs are common. It might be expensive to rent a car in Morocco.
Many airports, including those in Errachidia, Ouarzazate, Agadir, Zagora, Dakhla, and Tangier, serve Casablanca. There are flights between some cities multiple times per day, while there are only one, two, or three flights between other cities each day.

Fashion Code

Although Moroccans welcome all tourists, we are an Islamic nation, so abiding by cultural modesty standards is advised to prevent issues during your visit.
Nevertheless, both men and women dress similarly in several cities like Agadir, Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech, as they prefer in Washington or any other city. There is no issue because the locals are accustomed to looking at tourists. However, we advise respecting local traditions and dressing modestly when traveling through rural areas.
Particularly in small towns and rural areas, it is not advisable to wear short skirts (knee-length is acceptable), short pants, or tight clothing. Moroccan culture dictates that shoulders and legs should be covered because they are regarded as private parts of the body. Locals in Morocco’s bigger cities are used to watching tourists wearing skirts, shorts, and tank tops.
In the sweltering summer, it is advised to wear lightweight, or clothes of summer in general. It is necessary to wear a hat to shield the head from the sun and heat. In the fall and spring, it is advised to wear a lightweight fleece or jacket because evenings change to be chilly. Winter weather necessitates wearing warm clothing.

Bargaining and Shopping

Moroccan shopping is a truly unforgettable experience. Exotic Moroccan carpets, spices, textiles, and yarn, as well as metalwork, jewelry, woodwork, and much more are available. Shop owners are skilled negotiators. You are expected to engage in a verbal bartering match before making a purchase because the initial asking price for an item might be several times higher than its potential selling price. Otherwise, you risk paying more than a Moroccan local would and getting something, you do not even want! Be persistent, pay only what you feel is fair, and trust your gut. The preferred method of exchange for money in Morocco is barter. Never be afraid to leave a situation if you feel you have had enough.
Weather
Morocco’s terrain is varied, with notable seasonal variations along the Mediterranean coast as well as a hot, arid desert and mountains in the south. Although rain falls most frequently along the coast, the wet season lasts from November to March. Year-round milder temperatures can be found in Morocco’s mountains. Wintertime brings snowfall that covers the mountains.
Many travel guides state that March through May are the best months to visit Morocco, followed by September and October. The climate in Morocco, in our opinion, has something to offer to everyone throughout the year. We advise visiting the lovely coastal towns of Essaouira, Agadir, or the North Coast if you visit Morocco in the sweltering summer months. The High Atlas Mountains make for fantastic hiking terrain right now.
Despite the fact that it can get quite cold in Morocco in the winter, it is a good time to travel there because there are fewer tourists and the warm, sunny days in Marrakech contrast with the snow-covered Atlas Mountains in the distance. Due to the sand’s inability to retain heat, the desert is warm during the day and cold at night.
The usual yearly temperatures in these cities are:
71F Marrakech
66F Fez
69F Casablanca
647F Ouarzazate

Morocco Visit Guide

Culture

Although Morocco is among the most liberal Islamic nations, you must respect and abide by their customs and limitations. The main obstacle a visitor will encounter is being turned away from mosques if they do not practice Islam. Unfortunately, many mosques have exquisite architectural designs. A few notable exceptions include the Hassan II Mausoleum in Casablanca, the Mohammed V Mausoleum in Rabat, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum in Meknes, all of which are accessible to the public.
As many restaurants and bars will be closed during Ramadan, when believers fast from sunrise to sunset every day, visitors during other times of the year will encounter a few more difficulties. There will still be many restaurants open during the day, so there is no need to worry.
Islamic nations forbid the consumption of alcohol. The availability of alcohol in numerous bars, hotels, and restaurants has been allowed due to Morocco’s popularity as a travel destination. A Muslim should not be given alcohol, despite the fact that many young, Westernized Moroccans do.
As well, kindly dress appropriately.

Aliments and beverages

Moroccan cuisine is well-known. Tajine is the country’s national dish, a flavorful dish of meat or chicken baked with seasonings in a cone-shaped clay cooking vessel. Lamb or beef stews are known as Kefta. Semolina wheat pasta known as couscous is typically served with vegetables, fish, or meat. It is the size of small grains.
In Morocco, salads are very popular and frequently excellent. Consuming raw foods, such as salads, should be done with caution because they may contain “bad bacteria.” Seafood (shrimp, sole, and calamari) served close to the ocean is excellent because it is made to order and is always fresh. Which Moroccan pastimes are the most relaxing? In keeping with custom, relax with a cup of mint tea that has been generously sweetened.
Additionally, we advise you to try the fruit juices! Although freshly squeezed orange juice is the most common, other juices are equally delicious and offer a unique selection.
Alcohol is available, as was already mentioned, but it will probably be expensive.
Instead of consuming water straight from the tap, we advise buying bottled water.
Please let your Moroccan tour guide or Riad know in advance if you have any special dietary needs, such as vegetarianism, lactose intolerance, or gluten intolerance, as some meals can be adjusted to suit you.
Please let us know if you would like to eat lunch or dinner with a Moroccan family while on your tour. Please be aware that you will probably eat off a communal plate that is set in the middle of a small table while sitting on the floor. If you choose to do so, please only use your right hand because that is how the locals eat. Nevertheless, you can always ask for a spoon or fork if you need one.
Inexperienced tourists frequently experience stomach upset while on a tour of Morocco. In 24 hours, it usually disappears. You can get over it by drinking lots of water and eating simple, well-cooked food, like rice. Congratulations on joining the elite group of experienced travelers, stomach.

Alcohol

Alcohol is widely accessible in Morocco despite the fact that it is a Muslim nation. You will see that most hotels and Riads in city centers and medinas offer alcoholic drinks. Modern city bars, eateries, and hotels run by foreign nationals or popular with tourists will all serve alcohol. The same is true for companies with locations outside of cities. There are bars where alcohol is served in the majority of hotels and Auberges.
You can buy alcohol in supermarkets and specialty shops. The least expensive option is a supermarket, which also offers a nice selection of hard liquor, wines, and beers.
However, it is forbidden to drink alcohol in the open or in public areas like the streets. Many young Moroccan men and women drink alcohol despite the fact that Islam (haram) prohibits it. They are not forbidden from buying or selling alcoholic beverages.
Alcohol is permitted on our tours. On their desert nights, many customers like to bring their own drinks. If you would like your driver to stop at one of the shops on your behalf, kindly let him know.
Casablanca and other locally brewed beers are produced in Morocco. Local wines are also produced there and are well known.

Morocco Visit Guide

Hotels/Accommodation

Riads, Auberges, and big hotels are all types of lodging available in Morocco. They are all dependent on both individual preferences and available budgets. Morocco offers a variety of lodging options, including everything from luxury resorts to low-cost inns and hostels.
A stay in a Riad will give you the most authentic experience possible while visiting Morocco. The old medinas of the Imperial cities are where one can find them. A courtyard in the middle of a Riad is surrounded by rooms. The windows look out onto a courtyard rather than the streets. Meals are typically served on the interior patio or roof terrace of these cute, small (6-room) hotels. While swimming pools are uncommon in Riads, some do have plunge pools where you can cool off in the sweltering summer heat. Due to their age as former merchant homes or palaces, some Riads are quite big, with opulent gardens and opulent rooms.
Rugged, mud-built Auberges in the Kasbah style can be found in rural areas and small towns. They guarantee a restful and enjoyable stay.
In the country, Gite lodging is similar to a bed and breakfast or a hostel. Hikers in the mountains mostly use them as an alternative to camping, giving them access to a hot meal, a shower, and a roof over their heads.
For our Morocco tours, we pick the country’s customary Riads, Auberges, inns, and camel-wool tents among the Nomads. Each of them has its own breathtaking beauty, which we carefully selected to enhance your experience in Morocco. We can also make arrangements for you to stay with a local Berber family to enhance your experience while on a tour of Morocco.

Safety

Morocco is a secure nation with a low incidence of violent crime. Some thefts have occurred in large cities and on beaches. Take measures to safeguard both yourself and your possessions. Morocco travels in pairs, stays away from dimly lit areas after dark, and always keeps an eye on your possessions. Any guides who offer their services should wear a local authority-issued badge.

Health

Private medical facilities and public hospitals can be found in most cities. It is highly recommended to carry comprehensive medical insurance with repatriation coverage when visiting Morocco. All services will be immediately charged unless there are exceptional circumstances where the need is an emergency. Pharmacies are widely dispersed and they offer a large selection of drugs and birth control. However, we advise bringing your own painkillers, insect bite creams, and stomach-settling medications. Entry into Morocco is not subject to any vaccination requirements set forth by the Moroccan government.

Phones and SIM Cards

The three most well-known licensed telecommunications companies in Morocco are Maroc Telecom, Meditel, and Inwi. To the extent that your phone is unlocked, they all sell prepaid SIM cards that will function on it. The mini SIM card is available, despite SIM cards being readily available for the majority of phones. The best places to access the Internet in Morocco are cafes, hotels, and possibly, via mobile data if you are on one of our Morocco tours because date services are more expensive than calling SIM cards. Data service is available on many of our drivers’ mobile devices.

Languages

There are two official languages: Arabic and Tamazight. Ten million Moroccans speak Berber in addition to the country’s official language, with the majority of them living in rural areas. The third most popular unofficial language is French. It is widely spoken and it serves as the official language of government, education, and business. Spanish-speaking people reside in the country’s northern regions. In well-known tourist destinations, Western visitors frequently speak English.

Internet

Wi-Fi is generally available on the premises of hotels and Riads. Additionally, Morocco is home to a sizable number of Internet cafes. Around 10Dh is the hourly rate for internet access. Internet speed and efficiency are not as good as they are in European nations. Morocco is the only country in North Africa that has a 5G network. It is better to use Wi-Fi rather than trying to buy a SIM card with data when you arrive. It is important to note that many of our drivers have 5G phones and can give you access to their mobile data while driving.

Trekking through the Sahara Desert

Your guides will suggest what to bring on an excursion to the desert. A list of requirements for a trek through the Sahara desert is provided below:

• The sleeping bag is advised for excursions lasting longer than two nights.
• Comfortable daytime attire that is warm for winter evenings and nights (T-shirt)
  Verify that you have a face shield to protect you from the sun and wind.
• A penknife
• Sneakers (as opposed to hiking boots), Avoid wearing bulky trekking shoes when riding camels and wear extra socks.
• A water bottle, lip balm, UV-safe sunglasses, a carry-on first-aid kit, and a potable sunblock
• A book to read and a journal to write in

Book a venture Desert Tour and explore the beauty of the Morocco Sahara Desert.