Morocco Travel Guide - Essentials

Safety: women should avoid walking alone as they are likely to attract more attention. Faux guides and touts are common around the tourist areas and prey on unsuspecting visitors. Avoid eye contact if you don't want to use their services as they can be incredibly persistent.

Thieves also tend to ply their trade in the cities and tourist spots, so be aware of the danger of pickpockets and keep your valuables out of sight. If you engage in any outdoor activities there is the added risk of injury, and local medical facilities are unlikely to be of the same standard as found in the West.

Inland, the weather is noticeably more extreme. The eastern slopes of the Atlas Mountains experience a dry pre-Saharan desert, while the western slopes are cooler and receive more rainfall. The rainy seasons are from October to November and from April to May.

Money: the Moroccan currency is the Dirham (MAD) which is made up of 100 centimes. Dirhams can only be obtained in Morocco at official bureaux de change (look out for the golden sign). You will be given a receipt that you need to retain in order to exchange Moroccan currency back to your preferred currency. Don't change money on the street as this is strictly illegal. It is also possible to withdraw money using a credit card at a bank in larger towns. ATMs are available in the main cities.

Ambulance: 15 (or call hospitals mentioned below)

Police: 19

Recommended hospital:
Casablanca – Clinique Badr Tel: 022 49 28 00

Business needs: Moroccans like to do business with people they know so expect to spend time developing a relationship before they trust you. Companies are hierarchical, so decisions will be made by the highest ranking person. Moroccans are non-confrontational so do not confront or criticize people openly as this can cause them to lose face. Who you know is generally more important than what you know so take time to source contacts who may be able to assist you.