Traveling to Morocco: 15 Things You Need to Know

Are you planning on traveling to Morocco soon? Wondering what you should know for your trip to Morocco?

Well, then you have come to the right place!

As someone who loves traveling around the world, I have been to many places, and Morocco definitely remains at the top of my list!

Trust me, Morocco is beautiful!

The culture, food, landscapes – everything is simply out of this world ,but there are a few things I wish I knew before I planned my Morocco trip.

So, if you are planning a trip to this paradise where you can enjoy deserts, mountains, and medinas, then this article is perfect for you.

Read on to know 15 Things That You Should Know Before Traveling to Morocco!

Traveling to Morocco: 15 Things You Need to Know

Check Your Visa Requirements

First things first, before getting excited about tagines and blue-city photos, make sure to check the visa requirements for your passport.

Thankfully, US citizens don’t need a tourist visa to visit Morocco for stays up to 90 days.

If you are not a US citizen, then make sure to check the Morocco visa requirements for your country, as they vary.

Check: Marrakech: Private Transfer to or from Marrakech Airport RAK

Check: Casablanca: Mohammed V Airport to City Private Transfer

Confirm Passport Validity for Morocco

Once you are clear on the visa requirements for traveling to Morocco, it is now time to confirm the passport validity.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your intended date of exit, and there is at least one blank page for the entry stamp.

That being said, do check the latest information before you fly, as entry rules can change.

If your passport is about to expire or is worn out, then it is always better to get it renewed before the trip.

Sometimes the airlines can cause issues and not let you board the flight.

I also suggest keeping digital copies of your passport and all the trip details, so if the unthinkable happens in Morocco, you will at least have a backup with you.

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Carry Cash Along with Cards

When you are traveling to Morocco, keep in mind that while credit/debit cards are accepted at a few places, cash is the preferred option in the country.

So, carry a forex card to withdraw cash from the ATMs and always keep enough cash for your trip duration.

You will find ATMs easily in the big towns, but not so much in the rural areas.

This is why it is important to carry cash from home, convert a few American dollars from your local bank before the trip.

I always avoid currency exchange kiosks at the airports or the tourist hubs because they charge a lot.

Withdraw cash directly from the ATMs using your bank card for better conversion rates.

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Get a Local SIM card or e-SIM

If you want to stay connected while traveling to Morocco, then make sure to get a local SIM or an e-SIM beforehand.

You will find WiFi in most hotels and cafes, but in most rural areas, you will have to rely on a SIM card to use Google Maps or Google Translate to explore around.

Do keep in mind, though, that the network can be spotty or nonexistent in remote places, so always keep your family and friends updated about your whereabouts beforehand.

You can buy a Moroccan SIM card once you land or install an e-SIM before the trip.

I always download the offline map for my country and trip details so that my remote travel days are more relaxing.

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Don’t Forget A Travel Adapter

Morocco uses Type C and Type E sockets and plugs, so it is extremely different from the American ones.

As a result, you need to pack a universal travel adaptor with extra USB ports so that you can easily charge your gadgets.

Do carry one with multiple ports; otherwise, you will be waiting to charge your gadgets one after the other.

This is one of the most important things to pack when traveling to Morocco for the first time.

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Traveling to Morocco: Choose the Right Time to Visit

Since Morocco can be extremely hot and cold, it is important that you choose the right time to visit Morocco.

Summers can be boiling, especially in the desert, while winters can be cold at night.

So, for comfortable weather in cities like Fes or Marrakech, spring and autumn are the best times to visit Morocco.

March to May and September to October are not only pleasant weather-wise but also cheaper than the peak season.

Plus, there will be fewer tourists around, so you can truly enjoy exploring Morocco.

Check: From Tangier: Chefchaouen Day Trip with Local Guide

Learn a Few Phrases in the Local Language

One of the most important Morocco travel tips is to learn a few phrases in the local language so that it is easier to communicate with the locals.

Since Morocco is a mix of Arab, Berber (Amazigh), and French colonial heritage, they generally use Arabic and French here.

You can learn a few Arabic or French phrases to make your life easier in the less touristy towns.

Do keep in mind that Arabic in Morocco is not like Arabic elsewhere; it is a specific dialect called Darija.

I suggest you download the language in Google Translate and use it when you cannot find anyone who speaks English during your trip.

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Traveling to Morocco: Choose Good & Comfortable Accommodations

One thing I love about Morocco is the traditional stays there.

Riad stays (traditional guesthouses) in the Medina quarters are incredible.

They give you character, a local feel, and the location is close to the main spots.

These are usually in narrow alleys, so a car may not reach here.

If you cannot walk this much or have heavy luggage, then choose a hotel on the edge of the medina or in the new city area.

This way, you can enjoy a full-day tour in the old city while staying in a safe and easily accessible location with a car.

Check: Marrakech: Moroccan Hammam and Spa Experience Hôtel Transfer

Dress Smartly and Respect the Religious Dress Codes

One of the most important travel tips for Morocco that I can give you is to always dress comfortably while respecting the local dress codes.

You will find tourists in tank tops and shorts, but it is always better to err on the side of modesty.

Wear light scarves to cover shoulders, especially when visiting religious sites. I personally find ankle-length skirts or linen pants to be perfect for exploring such locations.

That being said, you are always welcome to wear swimwear at the beach resorts.

Just be mindful of what you wear in the old towns, and you should be fine when traveling to Morocco for the first time.

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Traveling to Morocco: Plan Your Itinerary Smartly

If this is your first time traveling to Morocco, I know you will be tempted to cram in as much as possible in your Morocco itinerary.

But, trust me, that will just leave you exhausted.

I strongly recommend choosing 2-3 regions and exploring them well.

Marrakech + Atlas Mountains + Sahara Camp on one Morocco trip will provide an amazing experience.

So, make sure to choose and stick to a few places in Morocco to truly soak in the landscapes and the Moroccan culture.

Check: Blue City magic: Affordable Day Trip from Fez to Chefchaouen

Check: From Marrakech: 3-Day Merzouga and Sahara Desert Tour

Traveling To Morocco: Essentials Packing List

Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling. And WHY it is almost a necessity!

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves are another solution.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.

It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle. 

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.

These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful at Moroccan beach resorts.

These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.

For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.

Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.

This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.

If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.

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Stay Hydrated & Mountain/Desert-Ready

Of course, staying hydrated in Morocco is essential, especially if you are traveling to the mountains or the desert.

Personally, I always kept a refillable water bottle, which I fill at restaurants or at the hotels before I head out to explore Morocco’s cities.

Also, keep a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm if you are heading to the desert.

For the mountains, wear layers and maybe take a jacket for the evenings, as it can get cool at the top.

Check: Marrakesh: Ourika Waterfalls, Atlas Mountains, Guide + Lunch

Check: From Marrakech: Atlas Mountains Day Trip with Camel Ride

Traveling to Morocco: Use Public Transportation

One thing that I absolutely loved about exploring Morocco is that the cities here are well-connected by trains and buses.

You can easily take trams, buses, and metros in the city to explore.

For traveling to different towns, you can find shared taxis or high-speed trains, depending on your budget.

I think visiting the desert, hiring a private driver is better as it saves time and you get local insight about the area as well.

But make sure to ask for fixed fares or meters for taxis in the city.

Check: Tangier: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus

Check: From Casablanca: Chefchaouen Day trip by High-Speed Train

Traveling to Morocco Advice: Book Major Experiences Ahead

An important Morocco travel tip to keep in mind is that if you travel during peak season, some activities may sell out for the dates you want.

So, I recommend booking major experiences in advance.

During high season, the best camps and hotels fill up quickly. So you should plan.

In cities, I recommend you book cultural visits, cooking classes, and guided tours of medinas in advance to get the best deals and tour guides for yourself.

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Don’t Forget to Explore the Food—And Know the Etiquette

When I was traveling to Morocco, I just loved the food served there!

From delicious tagine to street food, you will find a lot of variety here.

Also, in Morocco, you are generally served on a communal platter, so don’t be surprised.

Plus, they already add a service charge to your bill, so you don’t need to tip separately.

However, you are always free to tip if you really like the service.

Check: Marrakech: Street Food Tour with a Local Guide

Check: Marrakech: Moroccan Cooking Class with Pickup

Traveling to Morocco: Be Aware of Tourist Scams

Most importantly, if you are traveling to Morocco for the first time, be aware of the tourist scams here.

You will find plenty of over-friendly guides or persistent sellers in the medinas, or even fixed tours that can turn out to be a farce.

So, always make sure to pre-agree on a price and tour details.

Use only reputable guides and companies whenever possible.

If someone approaches you, be polite yet firm and walk away with a simple ‘No, thank you.’

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