Should You Carry Cash in Morocco?

Morocco is a country rich in cultural heritage and a truly fascinating destination. The cost of living is relatively low, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.

The country’s official currency, the dirham, plays a central role in everyday transactions, and it is essential to understand local payment habits to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Travellers often wonder to what extent card payments are accepted in Morocco and how necessary it is to carry cash.

In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about the Moroccan dirham to help you plan a stress-free trip and ensure you have the right payment methods during your stay.

 

Key Takeaways:

• The Moroccan dirham (MAD), introduced in 1960 and not convertible abroad, is the country’s official currency. It is divided into 100 santimat and exists as banknotes and coins featuring national symbols.
• Cash remains the main method of payment in Morocco: bank cards are accepted only in certain hotels, restaurants, or shops in major cities.
• Mobile payments are slowly developing but remain marginal, so you should not rely on them for all your expenses.
• Cash is indispensable for taxis, markets, rural areas and tipping, where cards are rarely, if ever, accepted.
• It is advisable to withdraw or exchange a reasonable amount upon arrival, use small denominations for daily purchases, and convert any leftover dirhams before leaving the country.

 

Morocco formerly used the Moroccan rial, which was later replaced by the Moroccan franc during the French protectorate, but the current official currency is the Moroccan dirham. Introduced in 1960, its name derives from the Greek drachma, referring to an ancient silver coin.

The ISO 4217 code for the Moroccan dirham is MAD, and it is a closed currency, meaning it is not convertible outside the country. As a result, it is particularly difficult to obtain dirhams abroad, and the most common solution is to exchange currency once in Morocco.

Moroccan banknotes display a portrait of King Mohammed VI and national landmarks such as the Hassan Tower, the Hassan II Mosque, or the Bab El Mansour gate. The banknotes currently in circulation are:

• 20 dirhams (blue/green)
• 50 dirhams (green)
• 100 dirhams (red)
• 200 dirhams (blue)

One Moroccan dirham is divided into 100 santimat, and the coins are as follows:

• Santimat: 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50
• Dirhams: 1, 2, 5 and 10

The Moroccan dirham is one of the most stable currencies in North Africa, thanks to the central bank’s prudent management.

Cash continues to be the preferred method of payment in Morocco, even though some establishments in major cities may accept card payments.

Certain mobile payment platforms (such as Maroc Pay or Inwi Money) are becoming increasingly popular, but they remain marginal. In any case, you should not rely on them to cover all your expenses during your trip.

Read also:

• How to Get Cash Before Travelling Abroad?
• Marrakech in October: The Ultimate Guide

Here are some examples of situations where paying in cash is strongly recommended – and sometimes the only option:

• Taxis: Taking a taxi is very common in Morocco due to the attractive prices. In most cases, you will need to pay in cash. Remember to negotiate the fare before setting off!
• Markets: Markets are extremely popular in Morocco, and card payments are almost never accepted. Cash is therefore essential if you plan to bring home souvenirs.
• Rural areas: If you venture beyond major cities to explore villages or rural regions, you will absolutely need cash, as cards are rarely accepted.
• Tips: Tipping is customary in Morocco. Whether thanking a guide, porter or restaurant waiter, you will need to be able to offer a small amount in cash.

Read also: How to Handle Tipping Abroad?

It is advisable to get hold of some cash as soon as you arrive to cover your initial expenses. However, we recommend exchanging only a small amount at the airport to avoid high rates, as airport exchange bureaux often charge significant fees. If possible, exchange a few dirhams on arrival to reach your hotel and cover essential purchases. As soon as you can, go to an exchange bureau in town for better rates and lower costs.

Read also: Should You Exchange Currency Online or at the Airport?

Always keep small denominations (10, 20 and 50 MAD notes) with you for taxis, coffee breaks, tips, or market purchases.

If you need to withdraw money, check with your bank beforehand regarding any international fees to avoid unexpected charges.

Finally, make sure to exchange any remaining dirhams before you leave, as it may be difficult to do so once you are outside the country.