Help guides
for a
Journey
to Remember
Essential General
Information below for
Planning Your
Moroccan Adventure
Time zones
Moroccan time is the same as GMT. So, when it’s noon in Morocco it’s noon in the UK.
However, Morocco has no daylight-saving time. So, when it’s noon in Morocco it’s 11.00 a.m. in the UK.
Weather and when to go
It’s generally agreed that the best time to visit is in the spring (usually around April and May). The hottest months are July and August. Winter can be perfect by day but can get quite cold at night (especially if visiting the dessert). Generally, most people tend to travel from April to October.
Aside from the weather it is also helpful to know the Islamic religious dates. The holy month of Ramadan is the most important month of Ramadan. This is the month of day time fasting and is usually in the Summer. Dates depend upon the the Islamic calendar. Therefore, it’s wise to check the date before arranging any travel.
What to wear
It is important to dress comfortably. Usually light coloured, lightweight clothes are to be preferred. The sun can be very hot, therefore it is advisable to have a sun hat or scarf to protect you.
When you are travelling around outside Marrakech, be tactful and leave your skimpy clothing for the beach. You should also be mindful of wearing expensive jewellery and expensive clothing, bags, cameras etc. which can potentially attract unwanted attention.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you do not travel to Morocco without comprehensive travel insurance, which should include cover for repatriation. This insurance should be set up and organised prior to your trip.
Ensure that you have a copy of the policy with you along with the contact information for the insurance provider readily available during your travels.
Culture and Language
Moroccan citizens are renowned for their friendliness, hospitality, and are remarkably tolerance. The vast majority of the population, approximately 99%, adheres to the Muslim faith, with around 1% identifying as Christians or Jewish. While Moroccans exhibit a show a commendable level of openness, it is very important for visitors to demonstrate respect for their cultural norms and religious beliefs. For instance, modest attire is expected, mainly outside of beach settings, and public displays of affection, such as kissing and hugging, are generally regarded as inappropriate.
In urban areas, one will observe that younger individuals tend to mirror fashion trends typical of cities in the United Kingdom. By contrast, rural communities often maintain very much more traditional standards of dress, with both men and women typically opting for conservative attire that covers the body extensively.
The primary languages spoken in Morocco are Arabic and French. In more remote areas, particularly the Atlas Mountains, the Berber language is also prevalent. Furthermore, English is increasingly being adopted, especially within tourist-centric locales such as Marrakech.
Money
The official currency of Morocco is the Dirham (MAD). It is essential to note that it is not possible to obtain Dirhams from banks in the United Kingdom prior to your departure. Currency exchange can be conducted at the airport either before your flight or upon arrival at Marrakech airport. However, it is prudent to recognise that exchange rates may differ significantly between the UK and Morocco; thus, caution is advised in this regard. Moreover, please be aware that taking Moroccan currency out of the country is prohibited. Consequently, it is recommended to convert any remaining Dirhams back into your home currency at the airport prior to your return journey.
In Marrakech, there is a variety of Bureau de Change and banking facilities are readily available. Nevertheless, should you plan to travel beyond Marrakech, it is advisable to carry sufficient cash while travelling. Automated teller machines (ATMs) can be found in Marrakech and other principal cities.