The co-operative shops of Moroccan craftspeople,
coopartim, operate under state control selling local handicrafts at fixed prices and issue an authenticity receipt or a certificate of origin for customs when exporting.
Souks are also worthwhile places to visit for local products. Special buys are leather, tanned and dyed in Fès; copperware; silver; silk or cotton garments; and wool rugs, carpets and blankets. Bargaining is essential, and good buys generally work out at around a third of the asking price. In the south, there are Berber carpet auctions, especially in Marrakech,
Taroudannt and Tiznit. Visitors will need a guide to make the best of these occasions.
Shopping hours Mon-Thurs 0830-1200 and 1430-1830, and Fri 0830-1100 and 1500-1830; large stores are open Mon-Sat 0900-1300 and 1500-1900;
souks (traditional markets) are open Mon-Sun 0830-1300 and 1430-1800.
Currency Information:CurrencyMoroccan Dirham (MAD) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of MAD200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of MAD10, 5 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimes.
Currency ExchangeMoroccan Dirhams can only be obtained in Morocco. National currencies should be exchanged at official bureaux de change only (identified by a golden sign); changing money in the street is illegal. There is no commission charge and visitors will be issued with a receipt which they must keep in order to exchange Moroccan currency back into the original national currency upon departure. Money can be withdrawn in banks with a credit card and a cheque book in some larger towns.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsSome credit cards are accepted. Cash can be withdrawn from ATMs in some larger towns.
Traveller's ChequesTo avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
Banking HoursMon-Thurs 0815-1215 and 1415-1715; Fri 0815-1115 and 1430-1730; Sat 0900-1300.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | MAD16.49 |
| $1.00= | MAD8.35 |
| €1.00= | MAD11.16 |
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