What currency does Morocco use?

In Morocco, they use the Moroccan Dirham. It’s the official currency of Morocco and is used throughout the country. You’ll see it abbreviated as MAD. Today in Morocco, the dirham is made up of 100 santimat. You’ll see the following notes and coins in Morocco: 

Can I buy Moroccan currency in the UK?

No, Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, which means you can’t get it outside of Morocco. You will have to exchange your pounds for dirham once you land in Morocco. You can usually exchange your money at banks, hotels, or at an airport travel bureau.

You’re allowed to bring in or take out 2000 MAD. Any additional leftover currency will need to be changed back before you leave.

How much money should I take to Morocco?

The cost of living in Morocco is around 60% lower than it is at home[1], so you’ll find that your money is likely to go much further. How much you need depends on where you’re staying and for how long. For example, if you’re staying in an all-inclusive hotel in Marrakech you’ll only need local currency when you head outside the hotel.

Average prices in Morocco

So, how much do things cost in Morocco on average? Let’s take a look.

How much is a meal for two in Morocco?

A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will come in at around 250 MAD, but you can eat much more cheaply by heading to a local place with average costs around 40 MAD. Locals’ spots are ideal for sampling traditional tagines and other Moroccan delicacies. Just remember, you may struggle to buy alcohol in and around the Medina in cities like Marrakech and Tangier.

How much do drinks cost in Morocco?

When you can get an alcoholic drink, expect to pay around 30 MAD for a 0.5 litre draught of the local beer. Often this will be a Casablanca. For a 33ml bottle of imported beer – often Heineken in Morocco[2] – it will set you back around 33 MAD.

Coffee is very popular in Morocco and you can pick up a coffee at one of many coffee shops in major towns and cities for around 17 MAD. A traditional mint tea will cost around 20 MAD, whilst you’ll pay 6 MAD for a Coke and 3.5 MAD for a bottle of water.

How much do tourist attractions cost in Morocco?

It depends on what you want to see and do in Morocco. Many of the cities like Marrakech and Tangier have Medinas (Old Towns) that you can simply stroll around for free. You can also walk through the likes of Jemaa el-Fnaa (the main square in Marrakech) and the souks for free – they are a tourist attraction in themselves. But just be prepared to barter if you want to buy anything. You can also stroll around the incredible blue city – Chefchaouen – and snap pictures for free.

For other attractions you want to go to, you can expect to pay on average between 50 and 70 MAD[3]. Others like the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech might be a little more expensive.

How much does travel cost in Morocco?

Local transport is cheap in Morocco, with tickets on the buses around 5 MAD for a one-way journey. Taxis are easy to get in major cities, and you can expect to pay around 7 MAD for a starting price and another 7 MAD per kilometre. A taxi from the airport to the city centre in Marrakech is usually between 90 and 110 MAD[4].

If you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort in and around Marrakech, your hotel may offer a free minibus into the city centre.

How many Moroccan Dirhams to the pound?

Exchange rates vary on a daily basis. Currently, you’ll get 12.51 Moroccan dirham to the pound*.

*Rates correct at time of publishing – January 2024 [5].

How to pay in Morocco

You can pay in a range of ways in Morocco. All shops, bars and restaurants will accept dirhams in cash, and most will take contactless payments too. If you’re shopping in the souks and buying food from street food vendors, cash is the preferred method of payment. Most won’t have the technology to accept card payments.

Haggling in Morocco

Haggling is standard practice in Morocco. It’s expected in the souks with market traders, but you can also haggle for things like a taxi or a guide for the day. Shops, restaurants and supermarkets usually have fixed prices.

How you attempt to haggle is up to you. Just remember to always be respectful to locals and never haggle aggressively.

[1] numbeo.com

[2] globalbeertrekking.com

[3] [4] introducingmarrakech.com

[5] xe.com

[6] amboora.com