Geography
Morocco is situated in the northwest corner of Africa, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Algeria and Western Sahara are the land borders to the south and east. Jebel Toubkal is the highest point of Morocco at 13,664 ft. (4,165m) and is also the highest peak of the Atlas Mountains. While the lowest point of the country is Sebkha Taha at -180 ft. (-55m). The southeastern region of the country is covered by the Sahara Desert, the world’s third largest Desert at over 3,600,000 square miles (9,400,000 square km). Morocco spans an area of 710,850 km2 (274,460 sq mi) and has a population of over 36.9 million (as of June 2020).
 
Morocco’s capital city is Rabat and the largest city is Casablanca. Other port cities include Tangier, on the Strait of Gibraltar, Agadir, on the Atlantic, and Al-Hoceïma, on the Mediterranean Sea. The city of Fès is said to have some of the finest souks, or open-air markets, in all of North Africa.
 
Morocco’s principal religion is Islam and its official languages are Arabic and Berber dialect. French is also widely spoken by the locals.
 
Best Time to Visit 
In Morocco, the coastal regions can be visited year-round. During winter it can be pleasantly mild, while in the summer temperature is around mid 20°C. The high Atlas Mountains can also be visited, though it can be very cold during winter. But the best time to visit the country is during spring (mid-March to May) or autumn (September to October) when the landscape is green and lush. The weather is warm and pleasant and not too cold like the temperature of winter or the heat of the summer.
 
Dress Code 
Just like any Muslim country, the first rule in dressing when travelling to Morocco is that you have to be conservative and modest at all time. One should not expose their shoulders and thighs or too much skin. This both applies for men and women. Avoid wearing revealing tops like tube top, tank tops, crop tops, short shorts and short skirt.
 
Health & Safety 
Make sure that your routine vaccines are updated when travelling to Morocco. You may consult a health care professional or you may visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel. Also make sure you get a travel insurance that includes a medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Medical service and facilities in Morocco varies depends on the location. Cities like Casablanca, Marrakesh and Rabat have good and private facilities. Care in public health facilities are not up to the westerners’ standards.
One must be vigilant at all times as petty crimes such as pickpocketing, scams and other thefts that take place mostly in medinas, market areas, park and beaches.
Tap water, in most places in Morocco, is not safe to drink. Bottled water is available and can be bought in most major cities and towns, or you may bring your own filter bottle.
 
Currency Information 
The Moroccan currency is dirham (Dh). The bank notes denomination are Dh 20, Dh 50, Dh 100 and Dh 200. Coins come in denominations of Dh1, Dh2, Dh5 and Dh10, and 10, 20 and 50 centimes.
Dirham is a restricted currency, meaning that it cannot be taken out of the country and is not available abroad. The dirham is fairly stable, with no major fluctuations in exchange rates. Euros, US dollars and British pounds are the most easily exchanged currencies.
When travelling around Morocco, you will need to carry some cash with you. A handful of small denomination can be helpful for day-to-day transactions as well as for tips for guide, taxis or restaurants. 
Major credit cards are accepted in the main tourist centers. They often attract a surcharge of up to 5% from Moroccan business.
 
Tipping 
Tipping is customary and accepted in daily life in Morocco. It comprises a meaningful portion of some of Moroccan worker’s overall income since minimum wages are very low in comparison to the cost of living.
For guides and tour driver, 100 dirhams for half day and 300 dirhams for full day, if you felt you were given a best service you may add some more.
For coach bus driver (for large group tour) 5 to 10 dirham per person per day.
For camel or horseback ride guide, 10 to 20 dirhams per person
For Restaurants and café, add 5 to 10 percent of the bill, just like most of the countries.
For Hotel porter/bellboy 10 to 20 dirhams is appropriate.
For taxi drivers you may round the fare and let them keep the change as a tip.
 
Photography 
There isn’t a strict photography etiquette in Morocco, but it is important to show respect towards the religion and the Moroccan culture. Landscape photo shoot is fine anywhere in the cities, just make sure no military buildings or military personnel should be present. If you want to take an up-close photo of a Moroccan, always ask a permission first before taking out your camera.  In general, you should be careful taking pictures as some Moroccans do not feel like being photographed. Drone equipment are prohibited and will be confiscated by the authorities upon entry.
 
Internet Access  
Wi-Fi is widely available in restaurants, café, high-end to midrange hotels and it is slowly becoming widespread in other attractions that hosts foreign tourists. Internet cafes are widely available around Morocco too. In rural areas, internet access is not easy to find.
For tourist, you may buy a sim card when visiting Morocco and you just have to show your passport or ID. There are several providers to choose from, including Maroc Telecom, INWI, Meditel, and Wana. Maroc Telecom generally offers the better coverage, but it is also the most expensive option.
 
Alcohol 
Alcohol is available on some places like hotels, bars, restaurants and touristic resorts. Remember that Morocco is a Muslim country so the local norms and customs should be respected. Drinking in public is strictly forbidden.
 
Climate 
Morocco has a Mediterranean climate along the coast, with more extreme temperatures and weather in the mountains and desert. Temperatures are high in the summer, mild in the spring and fall, and cool in the winter.
 
Electricity 
Morocco uses what’s considered a type C or type E power plugs. Type plug C is the plug that has two round pins, also known as “Euro” plug.  The plug type E is the plug which has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin. Morocco operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.
 
Ramadan and Tourist Sites Closure 
Opening time of some restaurants and cafes during Ramadan changes and are usually closed during daylight hours outside the cities. The souks, cafes and shops will generally stay open longer during the evening. The museums, Hassan II Mosque, gardens and Madrassa will close early throughout Ramadan period.
 
Riads in Morocco 
A Riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with a central courtyard restored to its original beauty. The word riad comes from the Arabic word for garden. Staying in a riad in the heart of a medina is an experience that is unique to Morocco. Your hosts will embody the finest of Moroccan hospitality. Similar to a bed and breakfast, but with more opulent interiors, the room may not have a television or telephone, and breakfasts may be continental. In a riad, one can experience the traditional home life of Morocco, walk through the chaotic medina, relax in a garden courtyard, and feel the heartbeat of the country.
 
Morocco Public Holidays 
For Muslim holidays, it changes annually as it is based on lunar calendar.
  • New Year’s Day            
  • Independence Manifesto Day
  • Milad un Nabi
  • Labor Day
  • Throne Day
  • Eid al-Fitr
  • Oued Ed-Dahab Day
  • Revolution Day Morocco          
  • King Mohammed IV’s Birthday
  • Eid al-Adha      
  • Fatih Muharram (Islamic New Year)
  • Green March Day
  • Independence Day Morocco
 
Responsible Travel 
  • Sight-seeing tours are operated and led by a local guide and/or local drivers.
  • When buying souvenirs encourage clients to buy Moroccan crafts from the local producers like Moroccan leather, carpets, jewelries, ceramics embroidery and basketworks.
  • We do not support and recommend animals entertainment; monkeys are usually used for this purpose and some of them are not being well taken-cared of.
  • When doing trekking of hiking in the mountains or in the desert, leave no trace and be prepared with safety and medical kits with you.
  • Take your garbage or rubbish with you or dispose them properly and do not add anymore to the country’s waste problem.
  • There is a scarcity of water in Morocco. When staying at your accommodation, we encouraged to save water by not taking too long in the shower.