This is obviously one of the questions we ask ourselves when we have to go abroad. What currency is used there, what money should I take with me, where to change next, what budget to plan on site, should we leave tips, etc., etc.? Questions to which we offer you the beginnings of an answer here.
Today, we’re heading to North Africa, and more specifically to Moroccoto talk about money…
What currency for Morocco?
The Moroccan dirham has been the currency of Morocco since the 15 october 1959, when it replaced the Moroccan franc.
- Design: Moroccan dirham (100 centimes).
- Tickets : 20, 50, 100 and 200 dirhams.
- Pieces : 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 centimes + 1, 2, 5 and 10 dirhams.
- Exchange rate : It is here.
Foreign exchange and payments
It is very easy to change your money in Morocco. Very touristy, the country provides visitors with exchange offices at ports and airports, in most banks, even in hotels and many tourist places even if the rates there are not always the most attractive. Vending machines are also present almost everywhere.
What currency to take?
The euro is obviously the easiest if you come from the Eurozone and plan to bring a little cash.
Means of payment
As for payment methods, the use of bank cards is widespread in towns and tourist areas. We can then favor it for the largest sums or large tourist services. But, as always, also be careful of the repeated “com” if you use this one too much.
Otherwise, for the rest or everyday life, nothing beats cash even if it is in your interest to have your cash stock in local currency or euros and in small denominations.
It also remains that although the official currency of Morocco is certainly the dirham, in tourist places and souks, it is entirely possible to pay for various things and services in euros. Hence the interest in always having a little on hand for your trip.
On the way back
Unless you are planning to return to the country soon, the easiest thing to do is to exchange your remaining dirhams before returning. Otherwise, you can try to end your stay with euros if you are a little short on dirhams so as not to end up with a surplus of Moroccan money that you will then have to change. In any case, officially, it is forbidden to leave the country with dirhams.
Budget
The budget to plan for a trip to Morocco remains quite variable depending on the type of stay planned and the period. But in all cases the country remains economical compared to Europe.
Count on average around €50/day and person as a “backpacker” for a trip for two with travel by public transport, meals in markets or small restaurants, and nights in rather average hotels. But, for more facilities and activities, it would still be better to count on €60-80/day.
Which can be expensive
- Travel in high season.
- Stay too long Marrakech or Agadir.
- Forgetting or poorly negotiating prices, especially when it comes to purchases.
Which may not cost much
- Local hotels and restaurants.
- Public transport.
- Travel out of season.
- Find the many offers and promotions at preferential rates in the destination.
Tips
Since wages are low for many people in Morocco, tips are all the more appreciated even if they are not “obligatory”.
It is therefore customary to leave around 10% of the price paid to the restaurant or taxi driver. And for a service (such as vehicle guarding) 5 or 10 dirhams will do the trick. As for the guides, everything will depend on the service provided.
Otherwise, if you can be generous, there’s no point in leaving disproportionate tips, identical to those you would leave in Europe or North America. The amount of a tip, whatever the country, must remain commensurate with the service provided but also with the local standard of living. And this, even if sometimes certain recipients can put pressure to obtain much more.
Bargaining
Finding out what you’re going to bring back from your trip is good. Paying it at the “fair” price is better, especially when the purchasing principle is based on haggling.
So, some advice on the subject with the very first which is that if you have no idea of the prices, first go to the stores where the prices are fixed and indicated, or more simply take a look at what is said on the Web.
This being said, if bargaining and negotiation are well anchored in the customs of certain countries, you should still know that not everything can be discussed. So, as a tourist, bargaining will primarily concern the purchases you make in souks, markets and other shops.
When it comes to souvenirs, to bargain well, first determine the maximum amount you want to spend. To do this, find out the price of the things that interest you.
In stores or markets, only start a discussion if you are really interested and don’t quibble over the equivalent of a few euro cents.
If possible, avoid announcing your price first, especially if you only have a vague idea of it. Then, at the first price announced by the seller, you can generally offer a third of it so that in the end, after several exchanges, everyone ends up at 50 or 60% of the starting price.
In any case, bargaining often takes time but must remain a pleasure and a sort of “reciprocal exchange” between the two parties…