Practical Information Morocco
- Margaux Delang
- 7 okt 2024
- 2 minuten om te lezen
Currency
Paying in MoroccoIn Morocco, the currency is the Dirham. You can roughly compare 10 Dirhams to 1 Euro. Currency exchange and ATM withdrawals are available at the airport and in larger cities. In major cities like Marrakesh, some places even accept Euros. When paying for things like taxis or goods in the souks, it is customary to haggle. Prices in cities like Marrakesh are generally higher than in smaller towns or locations. For example, try not to pay more than 120 Dirhams for a taxi ride from the airport to the city center of Marrakesh.
Car Rental
Since we traveled through Morocco for 10 days, we rented a car in advance via Booking.com. We booked through Thrifty (a Hertz partner) and rented a Kia Sportage for 7 days at a cost of €350. Be prepared for additional charges when picking up the car. You will likely be offered an all-inclusive insurance for an extra €200+ or be required to block €2000 on your Mastercard. Make sure to take detailed photos of the car’s condition when you pick it up to avoid being held responsible for pre-existing damage. It's also crucial to obtain a proof of return showing that everything is in order when you return the car. The Belgian driver's license (European Union model) is accepted in Morocco for a maximum period of three months.
Police in Morocco
In Morocco, you might frequently encounter police checkpoints along the roads. It’s common for them to place a sudden 20 km/h speed limit sign on an 80 km/h road, and then position an officer a few meters ahead to catch those who don’t slow down. The same can happen with stop signs; if you don’t come to a complete stop, they may issue a fine. Always come to a full stop and wait for the officer to signal you to proceed. If you do get pulled over, it’s important to stay calm and ask for evidence of your alleged violation. If they ask for payment, insist that you don’t have cash on hand and will pay by card. In most cases, they will let you go, as they are typically unable to process card payments.