Morocco Travel Guide

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Shopping

About as far as you can imagine from the typical department store, the souks are a maze of stores and artisans' workshops loosely organized by trade: leatherwork, basketry, carpets, jewelry, herbal remedies, metalworking or ceramics. These local handicrafts are produced by artisans and maalems (master craftsmen) whose techniques and tools have been handed down through generations, and the handiwork can range from charmingly rustic to flat-out astounding. To gauge what prices are considered fair, visit a state-run cooperative. Bargaining is essential in souks, and good buys generally work out at around a third of the asking price, or whatever you're happy paying. In the south, there are Berber carpet auctions, especially in Marrakech, Taroudannt and Tiznit. For fixed prices shops, head outside the souks to the nouvelle villes, or new town areas.

Shopping hours: Mon-Thurs 0900-1230 and 1530-1900, Fri 0900-1100 and 1530-1900; large stores are open Mon-Sat 0900-1300 and 1530-1900; souks (traditional markets) are open Mon-Sun 0900-1300 and 1530-1900. Shops in new towns are often open Friday afternoons and Sundays.

Currency

Moroccan Dirham (MAD; symbol Dh) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of Dh200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Dh10, 5 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimes.

Currency Exchange

Moroccan Dirhams can only be obtained in Morocco. The most convenient way to obtain Dirhams is through an ATM, where official rates automatically apply, but daily withdrawal limits can seem low for customers paying cash for rugs in the souks. National currencies should be exchanged at official bureau 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. The Euro and US Dollar are widely accepted, even preferred.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

Some credit cards are accepted in larger restaurants, hotels, guest houses and the occasional shop in the souks. Cash can be withdrawn from ATMs in larger towns.

Travelers Checks

Traveller's checks are accepted in some areas, though the exchange can be problematic.

Currency Restrictions

The import and export of local currency is prohibited; all local currency must be reconverted prior to departure. The import and export of foreign currency is limited to amounts equivalent to £10,000 and must be declared on arrival and departure.

Banking Hours

Mon-Thurs 0830-1230 and 1500-1830, Fri 0830-1200 and 1500-1830.

Exchange Rate