A practical money guide for Morocco: the dirham, how to get cash, when to pay by card, how much to tip and how to avoid money problems.
Written by the Highlights Morocco Tours team in Marrakech
In this guide
The short answer
The currency of Morocco is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). It is difficult to buy outside Morocco, so most travellers withdraw dirhams from an ATM or exchange a small amount on arrival. Cards work in many hotels and larger restaurants, but you need cash for the souks, taxis and small cafes. Tipping is customary and appreciated, about 10 percent in restaurants when service is not included and small amounts for guides, drivers and staff, but it is never obligatory.
Money is simple in Morocco once you know the basics. This guide explains what to bring, how to pay and how to tip, without numbers that change every week. If you want help planning a trip, message us on WhatsApp.
The Moroccan dirham
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Name and code | Moroccan dirham, MAD or DH |
| Subunit | 1 dirham equals 100 centimes |
| Coins and notes | Several coins and banknotes are in use, and small ones are useful for taxis and tips |
| Buying before you travel | Difficult, because it is a restricted currency |
| Exchange rate | It changes, so check a current converter before you travel |
Cash, ATMs and cards
- ATMs: common in cities and airports, rarer in small villages and the desert. Withdraw before long trips.
- Cards: accepted in many hotels, larger restaurants and some shops in tourist areas.
- Cash: needed for the souks, taxis, small cafes, markets and tips.
- Currency choice: when a machine or a terminal offers to charge you in your own currency, choose dirhams.
- Your bank: tell it you are travelling, and ask about fees and withdrawal limits.
Want a trip with fewer money worries?
Our private tours are quoted in advance, so you know what is included. Tell us your dates and we send a free quote.
Where to exchange money
- Use banks, official exchange offices and ATMs.
- Avoid street money changers.
- Count your money before you leave, and ask for a receipt.
- Exchange small amounts at a time, and keep your receipts.
- At the end of the trip, spend or exchange your last dirhams at the airport, following the current rules.
Tipping in Morocco
Tipping is part of daily life in Morocco. It is appreciated, not obligatory, and the amount depends on the service. Here is a simple guide:
| Where | What many travellers do |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | Around 10 percent when service is not included |
| Cafes | A few dirhams in change |
| Porters and hotel staff | A small amount for each service |
| Taxi drivers | Round up the fare if you are happy |
| Guides and drivers on a tour | A personal choice at the end of the trip, depending on the service |
| Toilet attendants and parking helpers | A coin or two |
Keep small coins and notes ready, because it is awkward to tip with large notes.
Bargaining and money scams
- Bargain in the souks. Start lower, stay friendly and be ready to walk away.
- Do not bargain in fixed-price shops, restaurants or taxis with a meter.
- Agree on the price first for rides, photos, henna and small services.
- Count your change and check the bill.
- Ignore unrequested help that ends with a request for money.
For more safety tips, read is Morocco safe for tourists and our Marrakech travel guide.
Tours and prices
Our private tours are quoted in advance, so you know the price and what is included before you travel. Our from-prices per person are:
- 3-day Marrakech to Fes tour: from 249 euros.
- 4-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour: from 319 euros.
- 5-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour: from 349 euros.
- 10-day Morocco tour from Marrakech: from 649 euros.
See all Morocco tour packages, or ask for a free quote.
Ready to plan your Morocco trip?
Send your dates and we reply with a free, no-obligation quote.
Morocco currency and tipping: frequently asked questions
What is the currency of Morocco?
The currency of Morocco is the Moroccan dirham, abbreviated MAD or DH. One dirham is divided into 100 centimes. Coins and banknotes of different values are in use, and small notes and coins are useful for taxis, cafes and tips.
Can I buy Moroccan dirhams before I travel?
The dirham is a restricted currency, which makes it difficult to buy outside Morocco. Most travellers withdraw dirhams from an ATM or exchange money after they arrive. Keep your exchange receipts, and check the current rules for taking dirhams out of the country.
Should I bring euros, dollars or dirhams?
Bring a small amount of euros, dollars or pounds to exchange on arrival, and use ATMs for the rest. Foreign currency is not accepted everywhere, so you need dirhams for daily payments.
Are there ATMs in Morocco?
Yes. You find ATMs in cities, airports and many towns, but they can be rare in small villages and in the desert, so withdraw cash before long trips. Banks may charge fees, and machines have withdrawal limits, so ask your bank before you travel.
Can I pay by card in Morocco?
Cards are accepted in many hotels, larger restaurants and shops in tourist areas. Cash is needed in the souks, small cafes, taxis and for tips. If you are offered the choice to pay in your own currency or in dirhams, choose dirhams.
Where is the best place to exchange money?
Use banks, official exchange offices or ATMs. Avoid street money changers, count your money before you leave and ask for a receipt. Hotels often give a less favourable rate.
How much should I tip in Morocco?
Tipping is customary and appreciated, not obligatory. As a guide, many travellers leave around 10 percent in restaurants when service is not included, a few dirhams in cafes, and a small amount for porters, hotel staff and drivers. Tips for guides and drivers are a personal choice and depend on the service.
Do I tip the guide and driver on a private tour?
Many travellers do, at the end of the trip, if they are happy with the service. There is no fixed rule, and the amount is up to you. Keep small notes ready.
Is bargaining expected in Morocco?
Yes, in the souks and with many street sellers. Start with a lower offer, stay friendly and be ready to walk away. In shops with fixed prices, restaurants and taxis with a meter, you do not bargain.
How can I avoid money scams in Morocco?
Agree on prices before a service, use taxi meters, count your change, ignore people who offer unrequested help and keep cards and cash in a safe place. Read our guide on whether Morocco is safe for tourists for more tips.
How do I get a quote for a private tour with Highlights Morocco Tours?
Send us your dates and number of travellers with the contact form, by WhatsApp or by email. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote and, when you are happy with it, we confirm the booking.
Plan your Morocco trip with us
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you would like to see. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote.
