Morocco

Visitor Information

Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Public Holidays | Electrical Power | Travel Insurance

CLIMATE

The rugged mountain ranges and the Atlantic Ocean moderate the tropical heat of Morocco; the mean temperature is 16.4° to 23°C (62°F - 73°F) on the west coast and 10° to 27°C (50° - 81°F) in the interior., Temperature variations are small along the Atlantic coast, while the interior is characterised by extreme variations. The eastern slopes of the Atlas Mountains, which divert the moisture-laden Atlantic winds, have a rigorous pre-Saharan climate, while the western slopes are relatively cool and well watered. The rainy seasons are from October to November and from April to May. Maximum annual rainfall (30 to 40 inches) occurs in the northwest.

Climate Chart for Agadir

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Nationals from Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and South Africa require visas, most other nationalities do not and are issued with a permit for a 90 stay on arrival. Check with your local representative or tour operator.

We recommend you check the latest visa required with your local Moroccan embassies or representative.

Listing of Moroccan Embassies, tourist offices and/or high commissions locations around the world

MONEY

Official Currency:  Dirham (DH)=100 centimes.
Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate

Credit cards are widely accepted but you may be charged a surcharge. Some banks have automatic teller machines and you can withdraw money using your card. Travellers cheques can be readily exchanged and are best taken in Pounds Sterling.

Location of Visa ATM's

Banking hours

Banking:    Monday to Friday: 0930-1300

LOCAL TIME

Morocco is the same time as GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air/Flights:	International flights to Morocco from Europe Click for flights from Europe with KLM Click for flights from Europe with BA.com Domestic flights Royal Air Maroc, or Royal Air Inter, provide regular, inexpensive domestic flights to all the major towns within the country. Discount are available for students under the age of 31.
Train:	The railway system is mostly concentrated in the north of the country, linking all the main towns. The service is modern, comfortable and fast.
Bus:	CTM LN is the main bus company and links all the main cities, offering a range of services, delux, 1st class and 2nd class buses. Smaller companies operate regionally. Buses travel throughout the country is inexpensive and generally efficient. In the towns the "Petit taxi" is a popular form of transport, maximum passengers 3. Shared Taxis ("Grands taxis) carry up to six people and cover outer areas, linking towns together. They do not leave till full and make sure you agree a price in advance. CTM website
Ferry:	Coming from the African Continent you can choose to come either to Algeciras or Tarifa. There are every day many ferries coming and leaving to and from Algeciras/Tarifa to Ceuta/Tangier on the African side of the Strait. The fast Ferry takes about 35 min. For timetables, prices and online booking visit Ferrys Rápidos del Sur Website Trasmediterranea (Ferries between Spain and Morocco) Algercerias to Tangiers West Med Ferries
Self Drive /	All the main roads in the north and northwest of the country are sealed and in good condition. South of the Atlas mountains and towards the interior conditions deteriorate and crossing the Atlas mountains particularly in winter can be difficult. Driving is on the right hand side and valid foreign licences are accepted as are International Licences. Insurance and a Green Card are also a requirement. Wearing seat belts is compulsory and the spar limit is 120kph on motorways. There is a wide selection of hire cars from four wheel drive to small private car. If you are only going for a short holiday and during busy periods it is advisable to book a car in advance of arriving, although you may get a better deal if you have time to shop around check the small print and the car before agreeing to a rental.
	The Africa Guide's recommended Map Morocco   (Maps Worldwide) Published by GeoCenter International UK Ltd. This series of maps at a scale of 1:800000 for national maps and 1:300000 for regional maps are excellent for route/holiday planning. Tourist attractions are marked; street plans included and there is an index in a range of languages. Other Maps & Atlases for Sale

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

ELECTRICAL POWER

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Morocco, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.
	- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies, single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get your quote and policy on-line....
	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .
	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.