MOROCCO
Money: The local currency is the Moroccan dirham (10 dh or MAD = about $1), but euros work here, as do dollars and pounds. For a day trip, bring lots of €1 coins for tips, small purchases, and camel rides. If you plan to do anything independently, change some money into Moroccan dirhams or find a bank ATM upon arrival.
Language: The local language is Arabic (for useful phrases, see the “Moroccan Mix” sidebar, later). While French is also spoken, English is becoming quite common.
Emergencies and Travel Advisories: Dial 19 for police, 15 for medical or other emergencies. For US State Department travel advisories, see www.travel.state.gov.
Time Zone: It’s an hour earlier in Tangier than Tarifa during daylight saving time in Spain. But when Ramadan falls within those months, Morocco is two hours earlier than Spain (so that daylight fasting hours end earlier). Outside of DST and Ramadan, Spain and Morocco have the same time.
Closed Days and Ramadan: Friday is the Muslim day of rest, when most of the country—except Tangier—closes down. On the final day of the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid (an all-day feast and gift-giving holiday), and travelers may find some less touristy stores and restaurants closed.
Marijuana Alert: Although in 2021 the Moroccan parliament adopted a law legalizing the use of cannabis or marijuana (kif) for medical, cosmetic, and industrial purposes, it remains as illegal for recreational purposes as it is popular.
Health: Take commonsense precautions: Eat in clean—not cheap—places. Peel fruit, eat only cooked vegetables, and drink reliably bottled water (Sidi Ali and Sidi Harazem are two good brands). Carry hand sanitizer. When you do get diarrhea—and you should plan on it—adjust your diet (small, bland meals) or fast for a day, and replenish lost fluids.
Embassies: In Rabat—US embassy +212 537 637 200 (Km 5.7, Avenue Mohamed VI, https://ma.usembassy.gov); Canadian embassy +212 537 544 949 (66 Mehdi Ben Barka Avenue, www.morocco.gc.ca).
Phoning: I’ve listed phone numbers as you would dial them from a US mobile phone. Morocco’s country code is 212. To dial from a Moroccan landline, drop 212 and add a zero before the number. To call from a Spanish landline, dial 00 (Europe international access code), 212 (Morocco country code), and then the number.
Tipping: Most Moroccan waiters expect about a 10 percent tip. For a taxi driver, round up the fare a bit.
Tourist Information: www.visitmorocco.com.
Moon Guidebook for Morocco: If you’re exploring beyond Tangier, this guidebook by Lucas Peters covers the vibrant medieval cities of Fez and Marrakech as well as the stunning landscapes and villages of the Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert, and Atlantic Coast. With real-deal insider tips, cultural insights, and detailed maps, it’s full of practical information.