Morocco is among the African countries that pose the least health concerns for the traveller. A very slight risk of Malaria remains on the north coast.

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Our currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).

Banks are plentiful in Marrakech, (around Jemaa el Fna square and in the new town, Gueliz). They can exchange travellers cheques, convert currency and provide you with local currency against your international credit card. Service is professional and conversion rates are virtually uniform across the different establishments.

Current exchange rates (approx):

1€ = 11 MAD
1£ = 13 MAD
1$ = 8 MAD

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Aside from classical Arabic (the language used in education), official business and media, what you will hear spoken routinely is a local Arabic dialect. You might also hear Tamazight (the language of the Berber people, spoken especially in the Rif, the Atlas Mountains and the Souss), which varies from region to region.

In Marrakech, most people will speak French - and some English and/or Spanish as well.

Some everyday Arabic expressions:

Yes: na'am, iyah
No: la
Thank you: choukran, baraka hallaoufik
You're welcome: afwan
Hello: es salam alaïkoum (reply: alaïkoum salam)
How are you?: labès?
Goodbye: b'slama
That's all/That's enough: safi, baraka
OK: wakha (pronounced wa-ha)

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It is a common and universal courtesy to respect the customs and traditions of one's hosts. With this in mind, to avoid potentially embarassing misunderstandings, we suggest you adhere to the following:

In Morocco, entry to mosques and other sacred sites is reserved exclusively for Muslims - with the exception of The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, The Mohamed V Mausoleum in Rabat, The Moulay Ismaïl Mausoleum in Meknès, and The Moulay Ali Chérif Mausoleum in Rissani.

Dress modestly

Accept mint tea whenever offered - a sign of hospitality

During Ramadan, avoid drinking, eating or smoking in public during the daylight hours.

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Although the official religion in Morocco is Islam, this exists alongside other faiths - the practice of which is protected in the constitution. The day is punctuated by five calls to prayer - delivered by the muezzin from the minaret of his mosque.

During the month of Ramadan, Moroccans observe a daily fast, and will neither drink, eat or smoke from sunrise to sunset. Naturally, the daily schedule can change somewhat, with most public offices, monuments and businesses changing their opening hours.

Despite this, non-muslims will still be able to dine in most restaurants - and especially so in hotels.

 

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