Currency & Money in Morocco: Complete Guide

Understanding money management in Morocco is essential for a smooth trip. From navigating ATMs to mastering the art of bargaining in souks, this guide covers everything you need to know about handling finances during your Moroccan adventure.

The Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham, abbreviated as MAD (from the Arabic "dirham Maghribi") or sometimes DH. The dirham is a closed currency, meaning you cannot purchase it outside Morocco—plan to exchange or withdraw money upon arrival.

Denominations

Coins:

• 5 centimes, 10 centimes, 20 centimes (rarely used)
• 1/2 dirham, 1 dirham, 2 dirhams
• 5 dirhams, 10 dirhams

Banknotes:

• 20 dirhams (blue)
• 50 dirhams (green)
• 100 dirhams (brown)
• 200 dirhams (purple)

Tip: Familiarize yourself with the denominations before shopping in markets—vendors may take advantage of confusion over similar-looking notes.

Current Exchange Rates

Exchange rates fluctuate daily. As of 2025, approximate rates are:

Pro tip: Check XE.com or your banking app for current rates before making large exchanges or purchases.

Getting Money: ATMs vs. Exchange Bureaus

ATMs (Recommended)

ATMs (called "Guichets Automatiques" in French) offer the best exchange rates and are widely available throughout Morocco.

Where to find ATMs:

• Airports (immediately upon arrival)
• Major hotels
• Banks in city centers
• Shopping malls
• Some supermarkets

Major banks with reliable ATMs:

• Banque Populaire (orange branding)
• BMCE Bank (blue branding)
• Attijariwafa Bank (red branding)
• Crédit du Maroc
• CIH Bank

ATM tips:

• Withdraw 2,000-5,000 MAD at a time to minimize fees
• Choose "without conversion" when prompted to use the local bank's rate
• Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks
• Keep your receipt for expense tracking
• Have a backup card in case one doesn't work

Typical fees:

• Foreign transaction fee: 1-3% (from your bank)
• ATM operator fee: Some ATMs charge 20-30 MAD per transaction
• Dynamic currency conversion: Avoid the "pay in your currency" option—it adds 3-5% to your cost

Exchange Bureaus

If you prefer exchanging cash, look for licensed bureaus ("Bureau de Change") in cities and tourist areas.

Where to exchange:

• Airports (convenient but slightly worse rates)
• Banks (reliable but longer process)
• Licensed exchange offices in city centers
• Some hotels (worst rates, use only for emergencies)

What you need:

• Passport (always required)
• Cash in major currencies (USD, EUR, GBP preferred)

Avoid: Exchanging money with unofficial street changers, even if they offer "better" rates. It's illegal and you risk receiving counterfeit bills.

Credit & Debit Cards

Where Cards Are Accepted

Credit cards are increasingly accepted in Morocco, particularly in tourist areas:

Widely accepted:

• Hotels and riads
• Upscale restaurants
• Major retail stores
• Tour operators
• Car rental agencies
• Airlines and train stations

Cash only (or strongly preferred):

• Market stalls and souks
• Street vendors
• Small local restaurants
• Taxis (with rare exceptions)
• Rural areas
• Petrol stations (some)

Card Types

• Visa and Mastercard: Most widely accepted
• American Express: Limited acceptance, mainly hotels
• Discover/Diners Club: Rarely accepted

Important Preparations

1. Notify your bank: Call or use your app to register Morocco as a destination. Unexpected foreign charges often trigger fraud alerts.

2. Check foreign transaction fees: Some cards charge 2-3% per transaction. Travel cards like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or Revolut offer better rates.

3. Bring multiple cards: Different networks, different banks—backup is essential.

4. Know your PIN: Morocco uses chip-and-PIN for card transactions; signature-only cards may not work everywhere.

How Much Cash to Carry

Daily Budget Estimates

Budget traveler ($30-50/day):

• Hostel or basic riad: 150-250 MAD
• Street food and local restaurants: 60-100 MAD
• Local transport: 30-50 MAD
• Attractions and activities: 50-100 MAD

Mid-range traveler ($60-120/day):

• Mid-range riad: 400-800 MAD
• Restaurant meals: 150-300 MAD
• Taxis and occasional tours: 100-200 MAD
• Shopping and attractions: 100-200 MAD

Luxury traveler ($150+/day):

• Boutique riad or hotel: 1,500+ MAD
• Fine dining: 500+ MAD
• Private guides and exclusive experiences: 1,000+ MAD
• High-end shopping: Variable

Cash Safety

• Don't carry all your cash at once—leave reserves in your hotel safe
• Use a money belt or hidden pouch for larger amounts
• Keep small bills accessible for tips and small purchases
• Separate your cards and cash in case of theft

Bargaining in Morocco

Bargaining is expected and even enjoyed in Morocco's souks and markets. Fixed prices exist only in supermarkets, some restaurants, and shops clearly marked "prix fixe."

How to Bargain

1. Show interest, not desperation: Casually examine items without appearing too eager

2. Ask the price: The vendor will give you the "tourist price"—typically 2-4 times the actual value

3. Counter low: Offer 30-40% of the asking price to start

4. Negotiate gradually: Meet somewhere in the middle through back-and-forth

5. Be prepared to walk away: This often brings the best offers. If they let you leave, the price was already fair.

6. Seal with tea: Serious negotiations often involve shared mint tea

Bargaining Tips

• Never start negotiating unless you intend to buy
• Be respectful and good-humored—it's a social ritual
• Know approximate values for common items beforehand
• Larger purchases (rugs, leather) warrant more negotiation time
• Small items (under 50 MAD) usually aren't worth extensive bargaining

Common Items and Rough Price Ranges

Tipping in Morocco

Tipping ("baksheesh") is appreciated but not obligatory in most situations.

Tipping Guidelines

Important Notes

• Unsolicited help: People may offer directions or "help" in the medina, then expect payment. A firm "no, thank you" is acceptable, or give 5-10 MAD if you accepted help.

• Service charges: Some upscale restaurants add 10-15% service. Check your bill before adding more.

• Small change: Keep 5, 10, and 20 MAD notes handy for tips throughout the day.

Leaving Morocco: Reconverting Dirhams

Since dirhams can't be exchanged outside Morocco, you have several options:

1. Spend it: Use remaining dirhams for last-minute purchases or airport food

2. Exchange before departure: Airport bureaus will reconvert dirhams (typically up to 50% of what you exchanged coming in, with receipt)

3. Keep some: Small amounts make nice souvenirs and are useful if you return

4. Donate: Consider giving leftover change to someone in need

Practical Tips

1. Arrive with some cash: ATMs at small airports can be unreliable. Having $50-100 USD/EUR as backup is wise.

2. Check the math: When paying in cash, verify your change—mistakes happen.

3. Avoid torn notes: Moroccan businesses may refuse damaged bills; check notes you receive.

4. Download offline banking: Having your banking app accessible helps track spending.

5. Emergency contacts: Keep your bank's international phone number saved in case of card issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I pay in euros or dollars? A: Some tourist establishments accept euros, but at poor exchange rates. Always better to use dirhams.

Q: How much cash should I bring from home? A: Having $100-200 equivalent in major currency as emergency backup is recommended, but ATMs are your best source of dirhams.

Q: Are there money changers in the medinas? A: Yes, but banks and official bureaus in the Ville Nouvelle offer better rates with less risk.

Q: Can I use contactless payment? A: Contactless is becoming more common in hotels and upscale restaurants, but don't rely on it—cash remains king in many situations.

Q: What happens if my card is blocked? A: Call your bank immediately using the international number. Meanwhile, use your backup card or exchange cash at a bureau.