Understanding the Money of Morocco: A Complete Guide for Travelers

Key Takeaways

Morocco uses the Moroccan dirham (MAD), a partially closed currency that you will generally obtain after arrival rather than purchasing beforehand. Here are the essential points every traveler should know:

• The official currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD), divided into 100 santimat, with common banknotes in 20, 50, 100, and 200 MAD denominations and coins ranging from 0.5 to 10 MAD

• You can legally bring up to 2,000 MAD in or out of the country, but visitors typically arrive with EUR, USD, or GBP and exchange or withdraw dirhams upon arrival.

• ATMs are widely available in major cities like Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, and Rabat, though foreign banks commonly charge a 2–5% in combined withdrawal and foreign transaction fee.s

• For a 10-day trip, most travelers find success with a mix of cash and card, budgeting roughly 40–120 USD per person per day, depending on travel style.

• Morocco Classic Tours can include practical money tips in every custom itinerary, helping you navigate currency logistics throughout your journey.

What Is the Currency in Morocco?

The Moroccan dirham is the only official currency of Morocco. While some tourist businesses may informally accept euros or dollars, you will need dirhams for virtually all transactions during your stay.

Understanding the Dirham

The Moroccan dirham carries the currency code MAD (from “Moroccan Dirham”) and is subdivided into 100 santim or santimat. When you see prices written locally, you will encounter the currency symbol د.م. or DH placed after the amount—for example, 150 DH for a restaurant meal.

Moroccan Banknotes in Circulation

Current banknote denominations include:

Denomination	Common Uses
20 MAD	Small purchases, tips, taxis
50 MAD	Mid-range expenses, meals
100 MAD	Restaurant bills, entry fees
200 MAD	Larger purchases, accommodations
These Moroccan banknotes feature portraits of King Mohammed VI on one side, with culturally significant landmarks like the Hassan II Mosque, Atlas Mountains, or traditional kasbahs on the reverse. Recent series include enhanced security features such as holograms and watermarks.

Coins for Daily Transactions

Coin denominations comprise 10 santimat, 20 santimat, 50 santimat, 1 MAD, 2 MAD, 5 MAD, and 10 MAD. The smaller santimat coins are rarely used in practice due to inflation, making 1, 2, and 5 MAD coins essential for everyday transactions like bus fares, market tips, and small souk purchases.

A Note on Local Terminology

Older generations may refer to 1 dirham as “20 rials” from the pre-1960 silver rial system. You might also hear “franc” used interchangeably due to Morocco’s history as a French protectorate. Phrases like “cinq francs” for 5 MAD can confuse visitors, so understanding this historical context helps when navigating rural areas.

Currency Controls: Can You Take or Send Money Out of Morocco?

Morocco treats the dirham as a closed currency, meaning strict regulations govern what residents and visitors can take out of the country. Understanding these rules prevents potential problems at customs.

Import and Export Limits

Visitors are generally allowed to enter and leave Morocco with up to 2,000 MAD in cash without declaration. Amounts exceeding this require customs declaration upon entry, and exporting more than 2,000 MAD is prohibited unless proven to have been imported legally. Penalties can include fines or confiscation at borders like Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca.

Bringing Foreign Currencies

It is legal to carry unlimited amounts of hard currencies like US dollars, EUR, or GBP into Morocco. However, sums over 100,000 MAD equivalent (roughly 10,000–11,000 USD at current exchange rates) must be declared to avoid seizure. Moroccan customs uses X-ray scanners and conducts random checks at airports and land borders.

Sending Money Out of Morocco

Sending large amounts of money out of Morocco in dirhams is heavily restricted, primarily relevant for residents and businesses under Bank Al Maghrib oversight. Such transfers require bank approval, tax clearance, and documentation for amounts exceeding 200,000 MAD annually per individual.

Tourists rarely face these issues since they are expected to exchange dirhams back into foreign currency before departure rather than wire them abroad. To receive money while traveling, international transfers of foreign currency are allowed with proper receipts.

Converting Cash Left Over

Before departing, tourists typically convert leftover dirhams to foreign currency at authorized banks or airport exchange counters. Keeping original exchange receipts is important, as they may be required to comply with Office des Changes regulations. Without receipts, you may forfeit excess dirhams since they hold no value outside Morocco.

Paying in Morocco: Cash, Cards, and ATMs

The ideal strategy combines cards for major expenses with cash for everyday payments—particularly important when traveling with Morocco Classic Tours to medinas and remote desert areas.

Card Acceptance

Cards are typically accepted at:

• Mid-to-high-end hotels and riads

• Restaurants in larger towns and tourist areas

• Larger shops and supermarkets (Marjane, Carrefour)

• Train tickets on ONCF

• Car rental agencies

• Some national monuments

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at Moroccan ATMs, but only Visa and Mastercard networks predominate, covering over 90% of the 5,000+ ATMs in urban areas. American Express works sporadically at major banks like Société Générale Maroc, while Diners Club and JCB are rare outside luxury hotels.

For payments at terminals, card acceptance mirrors ATM networks:

• Visa/Mastercard: 70–80% of terminals in mid-to-high-end establishments

• American Express: Limited to 20–30% of upscale venues

• Contactless (NFC): Growing at approximately 40% penetration in cities

ATM Availability and Fees

ATMs are the easiest way for most foreign travelers to access dirhams on arrival, especially in cities on classic routes like Casablanca–Marrakech–Fez–Sahara–Chefchaouen.

Understanding ATM Fees

International ATM fees in Morocco vary by your home bank and the local operator:

Fee Type	Typical Cost
Moroccan bank fixed fee	20–50 MAD (2–5 USD) per withdrawal
Home bank foreign transaction fees	1–3%
Currency conversion markup	1–2%
Total effective cost	2–5% of the withdrawal amount
Fee-free options exist through networks like Global ATM Alliance or specialist travel accounts like Wise or Charles Schwab checking accounts, which offer 0% FX fees and no foreign ATM charges.

Withdrawal Limits

Withdrawal limits cap at 2,000–5,000 MAD per transaction (approximately 215–540 USD) and 10,000–20,000 MAD daily, depending on the ATM and your card issuer. During peak tourist seasons, some ATMs may impose shorter limits due to liquidity constraints.

Security Tips

Split your cash between your wallet, a money belt, and your hotel safe. Notify your bank of your travel dates to avoid card blocks—data suggests approximately 20% of US cards are frozen during the first week abroad without prior travel alerts.

Mobile Payment Solutions

Contactless payments (tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets) are increasingly available in big cities, shopping malls, and chain supermarkets, but they are far from universal. Many terminals still require chip-and-PIN transactions, and in medinas and rural areas, most transactions remain cash-only. Always carry a physical bank card with PIN plus some cash, even if your home country has moved largely to contactless payment.

Several well-known digital wallets may work in Morocco:

• PayPal: Useful for online bookings (riads, tours)

• Apple Pay/Google Pay: Functions when linked to Visa/Mastercard at NFC-enabled terminals (approximately 25% of urban terminals)

• Revolut: Converts at interbank rates but holds no MAD balance

Very few global digital wallets hold balances in MAD directly. Instead, they convert from USD, EUR, or other currencies at their own rates. Mobile payments work primarily for online transactions rather than in-person purchases at markets or smaller shops.

When You Need Cash

Cash is essential for:

• Taxis and local transportation

• Tips for hotel staff, guides, and drivers

• Street food and café snacks

• Small souk stalls and local vendors

• Traditional hammams

• Rural cafés and roadside stops

• Some museum and monument tickets

Where Cash Remains King

In medinas, small guesthouses, rural auberges, and desert camps, cash is essential. Most hotels in the modern sense and larger establishments in Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, and Agadir accept cards, but smaller shops and traditional businesses operate strictly in cash.

The Bottom Line

For a smooth and enjoyable experience, carry at least one debit card plus one backup credit card, keeping 1–3 days of expenses in cash. This approach provides both security and convenience throughout your trip to Morocco.

Exchanging Currency: Before You Go and On Arrival

Because the dirham is not freely available abroad, most visitors exchange money on arrival or withdraw from ATMs.

Can You Buy Moroccan Currency in the US?

Moroccan dirham is unavailable or sold at exorbitant premiums (10–20% markup) by US exchange bureaus due to non-convertibility. Bank of Morocco prohibits export sales abroad, meaning no legitimate pre-purchase exists from US banks, AAA, or online foreign exchange services. Travelers should arrive with hard currency instead.

Best Foreign Currencies to Bring

The best currency to take to Morocco is euros (EUR), accepted at 95% of exchange points with the tightest spreads (0.5–1% vs mid-market rates) due to the dirham’s peg weighting toward the euro. Following EUR:

Currency	Typical Spread
EUR	0.5–1%
USD (crisp, post-2013 bills)	1–2%
GBP	1.5–2.5%
AUD/CAD	Often refused or 5%+ penalties
Avoid traveler’s checks, old or worn bills, and non-major currencies.

Airport vs In-City Exchange

Airport exchange desks charge 3–5% worse rates than city banks. For the best exchange rates, wait until you reach Marrakech, Fez, or Casablanca, where banks like Attijariwafa offer rates around 9.2–9.3 MAD/USD compared to airport rates of 9.5+.

Keep Your Receipts

Retain all official exchange receipts throughout your trip. These may be required if you want to convert cash left into foreign currency before leaving Morocco.

Morocco Classic Tours can advise guests where to find fair-rate exchange offices in key cities at the start of their tour.

Best Currency and Budget for a 10-Day Trip

Bringing a mix of a strong foreign currency plus cards works best, with your total budget depending on travel style and itinerary.

Recommended Currency to Carry

EUR is the optimal choice due to the Moroccan currency’s basket peg (approximately 60% weighted toward euros) and wide acceptance at exchange points. USD and GBP also work well for exchange or as backup payment in some tourist businesses.

Daily Budget Ranges

Travel Style	USD/Day	MAD/Day (approx.)
Budget backpacker	40–60 USD	370–560 MAD
Mid-range	70–120 USD	650–1,100 MAD
Comfortable/Upper-mid	130–200+ USD	1,200–1,850+ MAD
Using an illustrative rate of approximately 1 USD ≈ 9.3 MAD. Always check current exchange rates before travel.

Practical 10-Day Suggestion

For a mid-range traveler, consider arriving with the equivalent of about 300–500 USD in cash to be exchanged to MAD gradually. Cover remaining expenses via card and ATM cash withdrawals, withdrawing 1,000–2,000 MAD at a time to minimize fees while maintaining security.

Morocco Classic Tours can pre-price private tours, desert camps, and transfers in your home currency, reducing the amount of daily spending money you need to carry.

Sending Money To and From Morocco

Many travelers need to send money to Morocco in advance for tour deposits or family support, while others may need to receive emergency funds while in the country.

Secure Ways to Send Money to Morocco

Several options exist for sending money from the US, UK, or EU to Morocco:

Service	Typical Fee	Delivery Time	Best For
Wise	0.4–0.6%	1–2 days	Bank deposits, best rates
Remitly	Under 3 USD for 500 USD	24 hours	Cash pickup
WorldRemit	0.5–1%	1–2 days	Mobile wallets
PayPal	3–4% markup	3–5 days	Linked accounts
Traditional bank wire	40–50 USD flat + 2% FX	3–5 days	Large amounts
Western Union offers cash pickup but at higher effective fees (5–7%), making it less ideal for non-urgent transfers.

Key Selection Criteria

When choosing a service, prioritize:

• Transparent FX rates close to the mid-market rate

• Low transfer fees

• Strong online security (two-factor authentication, regulatory compliance)

• Clear delivery options (bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet)

Currency Conversion Notes

Dirhams are not widely supported in global digital wallets, so many services send EUR or USD that converts to MAD upon receipt, sometimes at a margin. Recipients should understand that this conversion happens on the Moroccan side.

Outbound Restrictions

Sending money out of Morocco in large amounts is regulated and mainly relevant for residents. Tourists typically only receive money or pay for services rather than export significant sums of MAD.

Digital Wallets and Prepaid Travel Cards

Digital payments are increasing in Morocco’s cities, but physical cards and cash still dominate—especially along classic touring routes like Marrakech–Atlas Mountains–Sahara–Fez.

International Digital Wallets

Several well-known digital wallets may work in Morocco:

• PayPal: Useful for online bookings (riads, tours)

• Apple Pay/Google Pay: Functions when linked to Visa/Mastercard at NFC-enabled terminals (approximately 25% of urban terminals)

• Revolut: Converts at interbank rates but holds no MAD balance

Limitations to Understand

Very few global digital wallets hold balances in MAD directly. Instead, they convert from USD, EUR, or other currencies at their own rates. Mobile payments work primarily for online transactions rather than in-person purchases at markets or smaller shops.

Prepaid Travel Card Benefits

Top-rated prepaid travel card options for Morocco offer several advantages:

• Lock in exchange rates before travel

• Separate travel balance from the main bank account

• Often lower ATM or FX fees than standard bank cards

• Fraud isolation (limits loss to card balance)

Popular options include Wise Multi-Currency Card (0% FX, 2 free ATMs monthly), Revolut (0% FX up to monthly limits), and Starling Bank (fee-free abroad for UK travelers).

Choosing the Right Card

Select prepaid cards that:

• Support withdrawals on Visa or Mastercard networks

• Have clear, published fee tables

• Allow PIN and chip usage (required by Moroccan terminals)

• Offer mobile apps for rate monitoring

While Morocco Classic Tours does not issue cards or wallets, the team can advise guests on how best to use their chosen travel cards during specific itineraries.

Practical Money Tips for Traveling with Morocco Classic Tours

Most guests traveling with Morocco Classic Tours are international travelers who appreciate concrete, on-the-ground money advice tailored to their specific itinerary.

Arrival Preparation

Arrive with at least some small denominations of foreign cash—20–50 EUR or USD notes work well. These can be exchanged quickly for immediate needs like taxis, snacks, or tipping upon arrival at the airport.

ATM Strategy

Withdraw money in moderate amounts (1,000–2,000 MAD at a time) from ATMs in safe, well-lit areas:

• Airport arrival halls

• Modern shopping streets

• Near major banks in Marrakech and Fez

• Inside shopping malls

Denomination Mix

Carry a mix of denominations throughout your trip. Large 200 MAD notes can be difficult to break in smaller shops, while 20 and 50 MAD notes are ideal for daily spending at markets, cafés, and for tips.

Haggling and Tipping Culture

• Bargaining is expected in souks and with some local services—starting at 50% of the asking price is common practice.

• Tipping 10–15% in restaurants is appreciated

• Small coins (5–10 MAD) for porters, drivers, and guides are customary

• Many guides and hotel staff rely on tips as a significant income source

Expert Guidance

Morocco Classic Tours guides help guests understand local prices, avoid common tourist overcharging, and suggest when cash or card is more appropriate during each day of the tour. This guidance ensures an enjoyable experience focused on exploration rather than money concerns.

FAQs

Can I use euros or US dollars to pay directly in Morocco?

Some hotels, higher-end shops, and desert camps in tourist areas may accept euros or US dollars, but usually at poor, unofficial exchange rates that favor the seller. For everyday expenses in markets, taxis, and local restaurants, payment is almost always expected in Moroccan dirhams. Treat foreign cash mainly as a source to exchange into the local currency or as an emergency backup rather than a primary payment method.

Are contactless payments common in Morocco?

Contactless payments (tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets) are increasingly available in big cities, shopping malls, and chain supermarkets, but they are far from universal. Many terminals still require chip-and-PIN transactions, and in medinas and rural areas, most transactions remain cash-only. Always carry a physical bank card with PIN plus some cash, even if your home country has moved largely to contactless payment.

Is it safe to use ATMs in Morocco at night?

Major Moroccan cities are generally safe, but using ATMs after dark in quiet streets carries increased risk as in any country. Use ATMs attached to most banks, inside malls, or near busy, well-lit areas—preferably during daytime or early evening. Shield your PIN, avoid accepting help from strangers at the machine, and choose bank-branded ATMs rather than standalone units where possible.

Do desert camps and Atlas Mountain lodges accept credit cards?

Many remote desert camps around Merzouga and Zagora, as well as small lodges in the Atlas Mountains, operate primarily in cash due to limited connectivity and payment terminals. Some higher-end camps now accept cards, but this should always be confirmed ahead of time with the operator. Morocco Classic Tours informs guests in advance which nights will be cash-only and suggests appropriate amounts to withdraw beforehand.

Will I find Western-style banks and ATMs in smaller towns?

Mid-sized towns on popular routes—Ouarzazate, Erfoud, Midelt, Chefchaouen—usually have at least a few bank branches and ATMs. However, in very small villages, there may be no ATM at all, so visitors should withdraw sufficient cash in the previous larger city. Morocco Classic Tours itineraries are planned with these gaps in mind, allowing guests to stop in larger towns for banking needs before heading into more remote areas.

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Planning your trip to Morocco becomes much simpler when you understand the local money landscape. With the right mix of cash, cards, and preparation, you can focus on experiencing the country’s incredible medinas, Sahara sunsets, and Atlas Mountain adventures rather than worrying about currency logistics.

Ready to explore Morocco with expert guidance on everything from money tips to hidden gems? Contact Morocco Classic Tours to start planning your custom journey, with practical advice included at every step of your adventure.