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TRAVEL FAQ’S
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A Visa isn’t necessary to travel to Morocco for US and EU citizens. You will need to hold a US or EU Passport that has at least one blank page and is valid for a minimum of 3 months AFTER your stay in Morocco.
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Other than an approved Covid-19 vaccine, special immunizations are not required for travel to Morocco. However, we recommend that you check the CDC website for general guidelines regarding routine vaccinations they suggest that you are up-to-date with before traveling.
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Marrakech Menara International Airport (RAK) is your final flight destination in Morocco.
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If you are an adventurous person, then the answer is a resounding YES! Local Medina maps are available but there are really no street signs, so the best way to acclimate yourself is by sight-remembering landmarks as you pass and feeling more and more comfortable and confident each day. Tip: if you need directions, ask at a shop. Ignore random guys on the street that will offer their help and lead you somewhere, and then expect you to pay them.
There is a navigation app Maps.me that will give you GPS capabilities with offline maps you can download to track your position as you move around the Medina. It works pretty well 80% of the time, you may lose the signal from time to time in the souks.
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Contact your phone provider to see if you can get service in Morocco and set up for Global Roaming. Otherwise wifi is available in most businesses, making it easy to communicate. Make sure to turn off data roaming or leave your phone on Airplane Mode to avoid unexpected charges.
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In Morocco the voltage is 220V, 50Hz (two-pin round plugs) commonly used in European countries.) Laptops and electronics from USA or Europe will usually work in Morocco without currency converters, assuming access to an electric plug adapter.
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It can be challenging. The historic Marrakech Medina is a network of small streets and alleys and very few areas are open to car access. This means that traveling around the Medina requires a LOT of walking-between souk shopping, visiting historic sites, and going to local restaurants. Important to note is that most Riad/guest houses and restaurants are designed on 3 levels: ground floor, first floor, second floor, and then roof terrace so be prepared to climb a lot of stairs to get the full Moroccan experience.
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The most moderate temperatures are October-November and March-May with high daily averages in the low 70’s to low 80’s. Mid-June through Mid-September have the hottest temperatures and December-February the lowest temperatures and highest likelihood of precipitation.
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Morocco is a Muslim-majority country, and women here generally dress more modestly than western women. However, acceptable styles of dress vary widely depending on where you in the country. In the mountain, desert, and rural villages society is more religiously conservative and women dress accordingly.
In the larger cities, including the most touristic city of Marrakech, you may find many women dressed in very western fashions, whether they are tourists or locals. Some women cover their faces, some just cover their hair, some cover neither. All manner of dress is tolerated, but we encourage you to respect the culture and religion by wearing comfortable clothes that cover your assets.
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The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). It is a closed currency, meaning it can only be found in the country, so you can only exchange dollars for dirhams once inside Morocco. There will be a currency exchange booths in the baggage claim area in Marrakech when you but the exchange rates are better in the city. You can access ATMs throughout Marrakech.
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The official language of is Moroccan Arabic (Darija) and also Tamazight. As Morocco was a French colony until the 1950’s French is the recognized language for business and higher education.
As tourism is a major support of the Moroccan economy, especially in Marrakech, you will find that many people in the tourism and hospitality industries will speak multiple languages, including French, English, Spanish, and German.
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Marrakech and Morocco is generally very safe for women and tourists in general. Practice the same precautions you would in any tourist area. Walk with a friend if possible, wear a closed cross-body handbag, be aware of your surroundings, don’t wave your phone around, and ignore solicitations from “false guides”.
Safety is why Morocco is a favoured destination in North Africa, as crimes committed against tourists are extremely low (and severely punished by Moroccan law). However, you should always check your state department website before traveling to any country.
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Alcohol is prohibited in the Muslim religion, but that is not to say that it’s not available in Morocco. In fact, alcohol is served in many restaurants and bars. Alcohol is generally more expensive in Morocco than other countries, because it is mostly imported and also because a high “sin” tax is applied to discourage local consumption.
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