TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR MOROCCO TRIPS
Useful information and tips for your Morocco trip from A to Z
Arrival at the airport
When entering the country, guests are asked to fill out registration forms. This is best done on the plane, where they are usually already distributed, otherwise the forms are available at the airport. It is worth having a pen handy
You can also fill it out while waiting in line at the counter. You must enter the name of a hotel on the form. If you do not know the name, write 'Riad Aicha - Medina Marrakech'
If many flights arrive at the same time, it can take up to 2 hours before you can get out of the airport.
When you are picked up by Voyages-Tfil at the airport, look for someone holding a piece of paper with your name on it.
departure
Due to the new safety precautions, this can also take up to 1.5 hours.
You should be at the airport 2 hours before departure. You will also have to fill out a form this time.
Bettler
Especially in the cities and along the tourist and trekking routes, travelers are repeatedly approached by children and young people who ask for money, sweets or a pen. Some children make a sport out of their intrusiveness, while others are sent out onto the streets by their parents to beg. In order to avoid raising a new generation of beggars with no future prospects, children should not be given money. Children should go to school and not beg on the streets. If a "no" doesn't help, often the only thing that helps is to keep walking. But one should not be annoyed by the intrusiveness of beggars and children. In their eyes, tourists have an immense amount of money, which is often true compared to Moroccan families. If you still want to give money, you should do so primarily in the cities. Men and women in need can often be found near religious sites, where they have sat down to beg. A small donation is expected for services, even the smallest kind, such as directions. The so-called baksheesh should be between one and five dirhams, depending on the service.
Customs and traditions of the Moroccans
Respect for customs and a spirit of tolerance should accompany travelers in Morocco. The locals will be happy and appreciate you for it.
When invited to private homes (which can also be a nomad tent), shoes are left at the entrance.
Moroccan men and women show as little skin as possible. In public, women wear a headscarf, which they take off at home. However, in the big cities, you increasingly see Moroccan women who dress in a very western and modern way.
The left hand is considered unclean in the Islamic religion. Therefore, one should perform all activities with the right hand if possible, even if one is left-handed. In particular, handing over money with the left hand is considered offensive.
Moroccan men and women are very cordial in their dealings with one another. Even male friends hug and kiss each other when greeting each other.
Couples hug and walk hand in hand, but kissing in public is considered disrespectful.
Mosques are taboo for so-called “unbelievers”. The only exceptions are the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and the renovated Tin Mal Mosque in the High Atlas.
The Moroccans are very loyal and devoted to their king, which can be seen in the many photos and images of the king. Lèse majesté is therefore
is strictly prohibited and can even lead to imprisonment. Therefore, please be careful with critical statements towards the king and the monarchy in general.
Shopping
Visiting the Moroccan markets (souks) is a must for every tourist. Anyone who wants to go shopping in a traditional atmosphere and is not afraid to negotiate prices will have a lot of fun.
In the larger shops you can usually pay by credit card. If you buy something like a carpet or antique furniture, they will be happy to send the items to your home against payment. Be prepared to allow some time for price negotiations.
Traditionally, you will be offered tea and only after a discussion about the advertised product will the actual negotiation about the price begin. Do not be afraid
to walk out of the deal if you can't reach an agreement. Often, someone will call after you and the price negotiations will continue.
Entry requirements for Morocco
EU and Swiss citizens need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date. Please note that children need their own passport.
Feiertage und Moussems
All regions of the kingdom have a diverse and varied folklore with dances, folk songs and colorful costumes. The numerous mousems, festivals and celebrations spread throughout the seasons are based on the traditions of Moroccan culture and the traditions of the Moroccan folk.
Photographing
Morocco has a particularly strong fascination for visitors from the western world. Of course, you want to try to capture it on photos to bring a piece of "A Thousand and One Nights" back to those at home. However, you should respect the fact that Moroccans are not allowed to have their photos taken because of their religion; photography is only permitted in Islam under certain conditions. If you want to photograph locals, you should definitely ask them for permission beforehand. Be careful on military grounds too: no photos! Children and "models" (e.g. water carriers) are usually happy to have their photos taken, but also expect a small gesture.
Leader
Your chauffeur can give you an insight into daily life in Morocco and provide information on many things related to it. However, he is not authorized to guide you through monuments. That is why you will be accompanied by local, licensed guides in the imperial cities.
Money and currency in Morocco
Morocco's currency is the Dirham (1 Dirham equals 100 Centimes). Money can only be exchanged in the country in exchange offices, banks and in large hotels (importing and exporting Moroccan currency is prohibited!). Common international credit cards are accepted in tourist centers. There are ATMs in every larger city where you can withdraw money. There are different daily limits: 2000-5000 MAD.
Gifts and souvenirs
Hospitality is a sacred duty in Morocco. However, bear in mind that, especially in poor families, tea and sugar consume a large part of the meager income and that as a guest who has traveled far, you will hardly have the opportunity to show your host family a proper return. These families are therefore happy to receive a small and discreet token of appreciation at the end of your visit. If you are unsure, your guide will be happy to advise you. Swiss chocolate is always and everywhere very welcome as a souvenir.
Health
Although medical care in Morocco cannot be compared to European standards, the health system in cities is well developed. Many of the doctors trained in Europe. Pharmacies can be found in all larger towns. If you are travelling to rural areas, you should bring a first aid kit with you. Special vaccinations are not compulsory, but careful use of tap water is highly recommended. No special vaccinations are required to enter Morocco. A tetanus booster may be recommended.
Diarrhea and infectious diseases can be avoided by using water carefully. This means: always drink bottled mineral water. Salads can generally be eaten if they are freshly prepared. Fruit should be peeled. Bathing in stagnant water should be avoided at all costs due to the risk of schistosomiasis. Mosquito repellent is advisable in the oases and on river and lake shores.
Clothing
Am idealsten sind Sie ausgestattet, wenn Sie sich in Schichten kleiden und die wärmenden und gegen Witterung schützenden Pullover und Jacken auch mitführen.
Selbst in der Wüste sind Trekkingsandalen geeignet, da eindringender Sand auch wieder abgeschüttelt werden kann.
Gegen Sonne sowie Kälte oder Wind helfen Schals aus Viskose oder Baumwolle, die multifunktional eingesetzt werden können. Sonnenschutz ist wichtig.
Es ist besonders dem Respekt gegenüber der ländlichen Bevölkerung geboten, nicht zu viel Haut zu zeigen, was insbesondere bedeutet, Schultern und Beine (bis zum Knie) bedeckt zu halten. Dies wird auch dazu beitragen, selbst respektiert zu werden.
Climate in Morocco
The climate is ideal for travelling between September and June (temperatures between 23 and 30°C). In winter, the temperature can drop to 2°C at night. The average daytime temperature is between 4°C and 18°C in January and between 19°C and 37°C in August (Agadir, Casablanca, Marrakech) and can rise to 45°C in the south (Zagora, Ouarzazate) in August. During the day, you need lighter clothing, but a sweater or jacket is not out of place for the cooler nights in the interior and south.
Moroccan cuisine
Moroccan cuisine is considered to be one of the best and most varied in the world: from fresh fish, méchoui (whole lamb), tajines (all types of meat with vegetables), couscous, honey or almond cake, yoghurt, to Moroccan wine (white, rosé, red). Peppermint tea is and remains the national drink.
Opening hours of banks and shops in Morocco
Banks: Monday-Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.; Shops: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. In larger cities there are always small shops that are open until late in the evening and are also open on Sundays. During the fasting month of Ramadan there are limited opening hours!
Travel insurance for Morocco
We recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your activities. If you are planning a trek, the insurance should include rescue and repatriation. Helicopter rescues will only be carried out if it has been clarified that the insurance will also cover this.
Therefore, please bring written documentation from your insurance company with you.
Tip: You are often already sufficiently insured through various memberships (Alpine Club, automobile club protection letter, etc.). But check the benefits of this insurance carefully!
religion
The state religion of Morocco is Islam. Almost all inhabitants of Morocco (over 99%) belong to this youngest of the world religions. The majority of them are Sunni Muslims. There are only about 70,000 Christians in Morocco. Religion determines the lives of the inhabitants of Morocco in many areas. For example, alcohol, gambling and eating pork are prohibited. Tourists who want to buy alcohol can do so in shops with a special license or in large supermarkets (Marjane) in every major city. Alcohol is served in large hotels, restaurants and nightclubs.
Religious festivals are traditionally celebrated in the family. They are based on the Islamic calendar and the date varies from year to year. Religious holidays include Eid al-Fitr at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan or the Feast of Sacrifice.
Telephone calls and internet during your Morocco holiday
In every town there are also so-called teleboutiques, where you can often find computers with internet access as well as pay phones. There are also internet cafes almost everywhere and you often have the option of accessing the internet via WiFi in hotels.
If you want to make calls within the country, the cheapest option is to buy a Moroccan SIM card. These are available for around 5 euros with a small starting credit. Providers include Meditel or Maroc Telecom (Carte Jawal). The prerequisite for this is a SIM-lock-free cell phone.
Electricity voltage in Morocco
In Morocco the voltage is 220 volts, just like in Germany. You can easily charge your cell phone and camera with a two-pin plug.
Tipping in Morocco
Because incomes are usually very low, tips play a very important role in Morocco. Tips are expected for good service in restaurants and hotels; in restaurants, around 10 percent of the bill. Porters in hotels or at the airport expect 5-10 dirhams per piece of luggage. Chambermaids get around 10 dirhams per night. Tour guides and guides get their rate, but still expect to receive a tip from you, depending on their discretion and satisfaction, e.g. for a city tour starting at 100 dirhams.
Tipping the driver: Voyages Tfil does not want to dictate anything to you, tipping should be voluntary! But many customers would like a hint. A daily tip of 100 MAD or more is a reasonable amount in the country. If you were very satisfied with the service, you are welcome to give more.
Environmental protection in Morocco
The unspoiled nature is one of Morocco's most precious treasures. It is very important to us to preserve this treasure. Unfortunately, the awareness of some organizers is underdeveloped and it can happen that you come across garbage dumps in the open air. This seems particularly inconsiderate when the unique landscape is used as a backdrop for event trips and then left contaminated. Garbage should therefore be taken back with you and disposed of with the garbage in the city. For outdoor needs, a lighter is recommended so that the used paper can be burned on the spot.
Time difference
The time difference is Central European Time (CET) -2 hours in summer and CET -1 hour in winter.