Traveling in Morocco presents many exciting experiences, from exploring bustling souks to enjoying luxury resorts, and understanding how to pay for everything is key. In Morocco, your main payment options are cash and card, and each has its own advantages and potential challenges.
Exploring all Payment Options:
Let’s go over these options in detail, as well as the limitations of cryptocurrency. Surely this guide will help you in your payment issues in Morocco.
1. Paying by Card: An Increasingly Common Option with a Few Limitations
Using a credit or debit card in Morocco is a convenient option, especially in larger cities and major tourist areas where many businesses accept card payments. This method of payment is widely accepted in hotels, higher-end restaurants, and established retail stores in cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, and Fez.
What Types of Cards Are Accepted?
The most commonly accepted cards are Visa and Mastercard, though American Express is also accepted in some upscale establishments. If you’re carrying a different card brand, check with your card issuer to confirm it will work in Morocco, or consider bringing an alternative card as a backup.
Where Can You Use Cards?
Restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets in major cities are increasingly equipped to accept card payments, particularly in tourist-oriented venues. For instance, high-end restaurants and shops in places like Marrakech’s luxury districts will typically accept cards.
Challenges When Using Cards
Even though card payments are becoming more common, some limitations remain. Many local establishments, especially in smaller towns or rural areas, still operate primarily on a cash-only basis. Small shops, family-run eateries, and market stalls may not have the equipment to accept card payments, and for these places, carrying cash is essential.
Extra Fees and Currency Conversion
It’s important to be aware that using your card in Morocco might incur foreign transaction fees, which depend on your bank and card issuer. These fees can add up, so it’s worth checking with your bank before traveling to know what charges you might face. Additionally, exchange rates may vary when you’re using your card abroad, so comparing different options could help you save.
2. ATMs in Morocco: A Practical Solution for Cash Withdrawals
In Morocco, cash is still the most widely accepted form of payment, so knowing how to obtain dirhams (MAD) is essential. Fortunately, ATMs (or “DAB” in French) are readily available in cities and tourist areas, allowing you to withdraw cash as needed.
Where to Find ATMs
You’ll find ATMs at airports, shopping malls, banks, and popular tourist spots. Cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier have numerous ATMs, while smaller towns may have fewer. For a smooth experience, it’s a good idea to locate ATMs connected to established banks, such as Attijariwafa Bank, BMCE, and Banque Populaire, as these are more likely to have better maintenance and security.
Tips on Using ATMs in Morocco
Withdraw in Dirhams: Moroccan ATMs dispense cash in dirhams, so there’s no need to exchange currency afterward.
Be Aware of Daily Limits: Most ATMs in Morocco have a maximum daily withdrawal limit, usually between 2,000 and 5,000 MAD. If you plan on making larger purchases, you may need to make multiple withdrawals or consider using your card for the transaction.
Check for Fees: Each time you withdraw from an ATM in Morocco, your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee, as well as a potential currency conversion fee. It’s worth verifying the costs associated with international withdrawals with your bank before your trip.
Use ATMs Attached to Banks: For security, aim to use ATMs located in bank branches, especially during the day. These ATMs are generally more secure and are under surveillance, which can help prevent potential issues.
Are ATMs Reliable?
While ATMs are widely available, occasional technical issues are not unheard of, particularly in smaller towns. As a backup, it’s a good idea to carry some cash in another currency, such as euros or US dollars, which you can exchange at a local bureau if needed.
3. Currency Exchange: A Reliable Option with Some Benefits
For travelers looking to avoid ATM fees, currency exchange is another viable option for obtaining dirhams. Many tourists choose to bring euros, US dollars, or other widely accepted currencies and exchange them in Morocco.
Where to Exchange Currency in Morocco?
Currency exchange is available in airports, major hotels, and dedicated exchange offices found in cities and tourist areas. While airport exchange desks are convenient, they may not offer the best rates, so you may want to wait until you reach your destination city if you’re planning a larger exchange.
Advantages of Currency Exchange
No ATM Fees: Exchanging cash directly avoids ATM fees altogether, which can make it a more economical choice for some travelers.
Variety of Locations: Exchange offices are plentiful in cities and tourist areas, making it easy to get dirhams as needed.
Things to Keep in Mind When Exchanging Currency
Check the Rates: Exchange rates can vary slightly between locations, so if you’re exchanging a large sum, it’s worth comparing rates at different exchange offices.
Ask for a Receipt: Always ask for a receipt when exchanging money. This is not only for record-keeping, but you may also need it to exchange any leftover dirhams back into your original currency when leaving the country.
4. Cryptocurrency: Not an Option in Morocco
Although cryptocurrency is becoming more popular around the world, it is currently not an option for payments in Morocco. In fact, using Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other digital currencies for purchases is strictly regulated and not authorized for general transactions. In 2017, the Moroccan government officially prohibited the use of cryptocurrency, making it illegal to trade or use for payments.
Why Is Cryptocurrency Banned in Morocco?
The main reasons for the ban include concerns about financial stability, potential for money laundering, and the challenges of regulating digital currencies. As a result, travelers and locals alike are not permitted to use crypto for any type of transaction within Morocco.
While it may be possible to access your crypto wallets or exchange accounts online, there is no official or legal means to use crypto for transactions, and it’s recommended to rely solely on traditional payment methods while in the country.
5. Practical Tips for Managing Payments in Morocco
Now that we’ve reviewed the payment options in Morocco, here are a few practical tips to make managing your expenses smoother and avoid any surprises.
Bring Cash as a Backup
Despite the availability of cards and ATMs, cash remains the most widely used payment method, particularly in smaller towns and for small purchases. From taxis to tipping, many day-to-day transactions are still cash-based. Keeping a reasonable amount of cash on hand will ensure you can always pay when needed.
Keep Change for Smaller Purchases
Moroccan dirhams come in a variety of denominations, and it’s a good idea to carry smaller bills and coins. In markets and with street vendors, having exact change will save time and simplify transactions, as many smaller merchants may struggle to provide change for large bills.
Notify Your Bank Before Traveling
To avoid any issues with your card being declined, notify your bank of your travel dates and destination. This will prevent your transactions from being flagged as suspicious and blocked while you’re in Morocco.
Plan for Tips
Tipping is customary in Morocco, and small gratuities are appreciated for services such as taxi rides, restaurant service, and assistance from hotel staff. It’s useful to carry small bills or coins for tips, as it’s not always possible to tip via card.
Consider a Travel-Friendly Bank Account
If you’re planning to travel extensively, it might be worth looking into bank accounts that offer fee-free withdrawals or reimbursements for international transaction fees. This can save you a considerable amount on ATM fees and currency conversion costs during your trip.
Conclusion: The Best Approach for Paying in Morocco
In summary, Morocco offers various payment options, each with its own advantages and limitations. Here’s a quick recap:
Cards are convenient in major cities, but not all establishments accept them, and fees can apply.
ATMs provide easy access to dirhams, but watch for transaction fees and withdrawal limits.
Currency exchange is a reliable way to get cash, especially if you prefer to avoid ATM fees.
Cryptocurrency is not an option, as its use is prohibited by law.
By combining card payments with cash, you’ll have flexibility and ease during your travels in Morocco. Plan ahead, keep a mix of payment options, and be prepared for both card and cash transactions to make the most of your trip.
