Getting a SIM Card in Morocco: Complete Connectivity Guide

Staying connected in Morocco is easy and affordable. A local SIM card gives you reliable data for navigation, translation apps, and staying in touch with home—all at a fraction of international roaming costs. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting connected.

Why Get a Moroccan SIM Card?

A local SIM card offers significant advantages over international roaming:

Cost savings:

• Local data: 20-50 MAD for generous data packages
• International roaming: Often 100x more expensive
• Avoid bill shock when you return home

Practical benefits:

• Reliable GPS and offline map downloads
• Access to local apps and services
• Emergency calls and local contacts
• WhatsApp and messaging without WiFi hunting
• Uber/Careem for transport in major cities

Convenience:

• Available immediately at airports
• Top-ups available everywhere
• No contracts or commitments
• Works throughout the country

Major Mobile Providers

Morocco has three main telecom providers, each with nationwide coverage and tourist-friendly options.

Maroc Telecom (IAM)

The largest and oldest provider with the most extensive network.

Strengths:

• Best coverage, especially in rural and mountain areas
• Most reliable network overall
• Strong 4G in cities
• Widest distribution of top-up locations

Best for: Travelers heading to remote areas, desert camps, or mountain villages.

Coverage quality: Excellent in cities, good in rural areas, functional in remote regions.

Orange Morocco

Strong competitor with modern infrastructure and competitive pricing.

Strengths:

• Good 4G speeds in urban areas
• Competitive tourist packages
• Strong customer service
• User-friendly app for managing account

Best for: Urban travelers staying mostly in major cities.

Coverage quality: Excellent in cities, moderate in rural areas.

INWI

The budget-friendly option with decent coverage.

Strengths:

• Cheapest data packages
• Good value for money
• 4G available in most cities
• Aggressive promotions and deals

Best for: Budget travelers with primarily urban itineraries.

Coverage quality: Good in cities, limited in remote areas.

Where to Buy a SIM Card

At the Airport (Recommended)

All major airports have provider kiosks or shops immediately after arrivals:

Marrakech Menara Airport:

• All three providers have counters in arrivals
• Open for most incoming flights
• Staff often speak English

Casablanca Mohammed V Airport:

• Shops in arrivals hall
• 24-hour availability
• Easy to compare options side by side

Fes-Saïs Airport:

• Smaller selection but main providers available
• May need to visit the city for specific packages

Advantages of airport purchase:

• Get connected immediately upon arrival
• English-speaking staff
• Tourist packages often pre-configured
• Convenient timing

In Cities

Provider stores:

• Found in every city center and shopping mall
• Official stores offer full service and support
• Best for troubleshooting or complex requests

Electronics shops:

• Small shops selling phones and accessories
• Often cheaper SIM cards
• Staff may have limited English

Supermarkets:

• Marjane, Carrefour, Acima sell SIM cards
• Self-service but straightforward
• May need separate activation

How to Get Your SIM Card

What You'll Need

1. Valid passport: Required for registration (Moroccan law)
2. Unlocked phone: Check before traveling that your phone accepts foreign SIMs
3. Cash: Small denominations in dirhams (20-100 MAD)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Choose a provider: Based on your itinerary and needs
2. Present your passport: Staff will photograph it for registration
3. Select a package: Tell them how long you're staying and your data needs
4. Pay: SIM card plus initial credit or package
5. Wait for activation: Usually 5-30 minutes
6. Test it: Make sure data works before leaving

Important Notes

• Registration is mandatory—you can't skip the passport step
• Keep your receipt for reference
• Write down your new Moroccan phone number
• Save the PIN and PUK codes (on SIM card packaging)

SIM Card Costs and Data Packages

SIM Card Prices

Data Package Options

Short-term (1-7 days):

Longer stays (2-4 weeks):

*"Unlimited" often has fair use limits around 20-30 GB.

Voice and SMS

Most tourists primarily need data (for WhatsApp calls, maps, etc.), but voice packages are available:

• Local calls: 0.5-1 MAD per minute
• International calls: 2-5 MAD per minute
• SMS bundles: 10-20 MAD for 50-100 messages

Pro tip: Use WhatsApp, Viber, or other VoIP apps for international calls—it's much cheaper.

How to Top Up (Recharge)

Running out of credit is easy to fix. Morocco has an extensive recharge network.

Scratch Cards (Most Common)

Where to find them:

• Any small shop (tabac, épicerie)
• Gas stations
• Supermarkets
• Phone shops
• Street vendors

How to use:

1. Buy a scratch card (10, 20, 50, or 100 MAD denominations)
2. Scratch the silver panel to reveal the code
3. Dial the activation number (printed on card)
4. Enter the code when prompted
5. Wait for confirmation SMS

Activation codes:

• Maroc Telecom: 111[CODE]#
• Orange: 100[CODE]#
• INWI: 120[CODE]#

Mobile Apps

All three providers have smartphone apps for account management:

Features:

• Check remaining balance and data
• Purchase new packages
• Top up with credit card
• Find nearby stores
• Customer support

Apps:

• Maroc Telecom: "My IAM"
• Orange: "Orange et Moi Maroc"
• INWI: "My INWI"

Online and Electronic Top-Up

• Some shops have electronic top-up terminals
• Request amount and pay—credit added instantly
• No scratch card needed

eSIM: The Modern Alternative

If your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS and later, many Android phones), consider an eSIM for easier setup.

What is eSIM?

An embedded SIM that doesn't require a physical card. You download a profile to your phone, and it works like a regular SIM.

eSIM Providers for Morocco

International eSIM services:

• Airalo (popular, good Morocco coverage)
• Holafly (unlimited data options)
• Nomad eSIM
• Maya Mobile

Advantages:

• Buy before you arrive
• Instant activation via QR code
• Keep your home SIM active for calls
• No store visit needed
• Can switch between eSIMs easily

Disadvantages:

• Often more expensive per GB than local SIMs
• No local phone number (usually data only)
• Requires compatible phone
• Limited top-up options

eSIM Pricing Comparison

When eSIM makes sense:

• Short trips (1-3 days) where visiting a store is inconvenient
• Travelers who need minimal data
• Those wanting to keep their home number active
• Last-minute trips with no time for airport purchase

Coverage Across Morocco

Excellent Coverage (4G Everywhere)

• Casablanca
• Rabat
• Marrakech
• Fes
• Tangier
• Agadir
• Major highways

Good Coverage (Reliable 4G/3G)

• Chefchaouen
• Essaouira
• Meknes
• Ouarzazate
• Beach resorts
• Most towns

Limited Coverage (May Drop to 2G/Edge)

• Atlas Mountain villages
• Deep desert (away from camps)
• Remote Rif Mountain areas
• Some oases

Tips for Remote Areas

• Download offline maps before leaving cities
• Maroc Telecom has the best rural coverage
• Desert camps often have WiFi
• Mountain riads may rely on satellite internet

Practical Tips for Staying Connected

Before You Arrive

1. Check phone compatibility: Ensure your phone is unlocked and supports Moroccan frequencies (GSM 900/1800)
2. Note your phone's eSIM capability: If supported, consider pre-purchasing
3. Download offline maps: Google Maps, Maps.me, or MAPS.ME work great
4. Save important info offline: Hotel addresses, contact numbers, booking confirmations

Upon Arrival

1. Get SIM at airport if possible: It's the most convenient option
2. Test your connection: Before leaving the store, verify data works
3. Set up WhatsApp: Most Moroccans use WhatsApp for communication
4. Download provider app: Makes managing your account much easier

During Your Trip

• Monitor your data usage through the provider app
• Top up before heading to remote areas
• Keep your SIM packaging (has PIN/PUK codes)
• Switch to WiFi at accommodations to save data
• Use offline mode for maps when possible

Troubleshooting Common Issues

No signal:

• Check airplane mode is off
• Restart your phone
• Manually select network (Settings > Mobile Network)
• Ensure SIM is properly seated

No data:

• Verify data roaming is enabled (for your phone's settings)
• Check APN settings with provider
• Ensure you have active data package
• Restart your phone

Can't top up:

• Verify scratch code is entered correctly
• Try different activation method (app vs. USSD)
• Visit provider store for assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use my home country SIM in Morocco? A: Yes, but international roaming is expensive. A local SIM saves significant money.

Q: How long does the SIM card stay active? A: Typically 2-3 months without activity. Add credit to extend validity.

Q: Can I keep my Moroccan number for future trips? A: Yes, keep adding small credit (even 10 MAD) to maintain the number.

Q: Do I need a smartphone? A: Basic phones work for calls/SMS. Smartphones unlock the full benefit of data packages.

Q: What if I lose my SIM card? A: Visit any provider store with your passport. They can issue a replacement with your same number.

Q: Is there WiFi in Morocco? A: Most accommodations, cafés, and restaurants offer free WiFi, but quality varies. A SIM ensures you're never stranded.

Q: Which provider should I choose? A: Maroc Telecom for the best coverage (especially remote areas), Orange for cities, INWI for budget travelers.