Some facts about Morocco
Transport
Morocco has a large number of airports. There are a total of 15 airports, such as Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Agadir, Casablanca, Rabat, Essaouira, Tangier and Errachidia. Several European airlines, and of course, Royal Air Maroc, offer regular flights to Morocco and this makes Morocco good and easily accessible. In a few hours time you set foot on land in Morocco. Assuming a normal flight from the Netherlands to Morocco, the flight time is about 3 hours and 15 minutes total.
Travel Documents
To visit Morocco, you must be in possession of a valid passport and this must be valid for at least 6 months after departure from Morocco. A visa is not required if you are less than 3 months in Morocco.
Hint: Before your departure, make a note of the address and phone number of your embassy. In case of loss, you can renew your papers. Most embassies have a special number that you can call in case of emergency.
Weather, climate and best time
Morocco has both a Mediterranean climate like a desert climate. In the summer months, temperatures of 30 to 40 degrees. During the winterperiod, temperatures are around 20 degrees. But in the high altitudes, temperatures can drop to -15 degrees. The best months to visit Morocco are the months of April, May, August and September. By traveling in these months you avoid the winter and the hot summer months.
Time difference
In Morocco, time is one hour earlier than in the Netherlands. Exception is the period of Ramadan, than it is in Morocco 2 hours earlier.
Vaccinations
Regardless of the length of stay, the following vaccinations are recommended: vaccination against DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio) and vaccination against hepatitis A (infectious jaundice). If you have not had measles or measles vaccination is an MMR vaccination is recommended. Check with your health insurance if your insurance covers vaccinations.
Language
Arabic and Berber are both official languages in Morocco. Furthermore, French, English and Spanish is spoken.
Money and finance
The currency of Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham. One Euro is about 10 dirhams. There should be no dirhams imported or exported. Keep this in mind when you withdraw money. Withdrawing money can be done almost everywhere in Morocco, but it may be that in less touristy areas there are no ATMs. It may also happen that the ATMs are empty, so be sure to have always enough cash money and do not wait until the last minute with withdrawing money. On arrival at the airport, you can withdraw money at the vending machine in the hall, so you immediately have local money.
Water
Drinking tap water is not recommended, it is better to buy water in bottles. Remember this when brushing teeth and eating / washing of fruits and vegetables.
Tipping
In Morocco, it is customary to provide different services for a tip. That may be the taxi driver, a guide, in restaurants and hotels. Make sure to always have some small money with you.
Negotiaite
In Morocco it is usual to negotiate about the price. The merchants expect that negotiating the price and have adjusted their asking price thereon. Beginning at about a third of the asking price and think in advance what you want to pay. By haggling the price you win the respect of the merchants.