Money & duty free for Morocco
Exchange rates:
Moroccan DirhamC$1 = Dh7.6
€1 = Dh10.62
£1 = Dh12.64
US$1 = Dh10.21
Currency & Money
Moroccan Dirham (MAD; symbol Dh) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of Dh200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of Dh10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20 and 10 centimes.
The Moroccan dirham is a restricted currency and is not usually available outside Morocco. Prices may occasionally be quoted in euros in tourist areas, but payment in dirhams is normally expected.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at major hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, shopping centres and larger tourist businesses. Cash is still required in souks, small shops, cafés, rural areas and by many taxis. American Express is accepted less widely.
Some businesses add a fee for card payments or impose a minimum transaction amount. If a card terminal or ATM offers conversion to the cardholder's home currency, choosing to pay in dirhams usually avoids the less favourable dynamic currency conversion rate.
Apple Pay can be used at businesses with compatible contactless card terminals. Other mobile wallets and QR-based services are available, but many are linked to Moroccan bank accounts and are therefore of limited use to short-term visitors. Travellers should continue to carry cash, particularly outside major cities and tourist areas.
ATMs are widely available in cities, towns, airports and tourist resorts. Most accept international Visa and Mastercard cards and dispense Moroccan dirhams. Availability is more limited in rural and mountain areas, so sufficient cash should be obtained before travelling to remote destinations.
Withdrawal limits vary between banks and individual machines, and fees may be charged by both the Moroccan bank and the card issuer. Use ATMs attached to banks where possible, check the machine for signs of tampering and shield the keypad when entering a PIN.
The import and export of Moroccan dirhams are restricted. Moroccan Customs states that no more than Dh1,000 may be taken out of the country.
Foreign currency may be brought into Morocco without restriction, but amounts equivalent to Dh100,000 or more must be declared to Customs on arrival. The declaration should be retained if the traveller intends to take the remaining currency out of Morocco. Receipts for currency exchanged or withdrawn should also be kept.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, authorised bureaux de change, airports and some hotels. The euro, US dollar and pound sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange. Exchange bureaux are common in cities and tourist resorts, and rates are officially regulated, although hotels and airports may offer less favourable rates.
Keep exchange receipts, as they may be required when changing unused dirhams back into foreign currency before departure. Any remaining dirhams should be exchanged before leaving Morocco, as the currency is difficult to exchange abroad.
Morocco duty free
Non-residents may import the following without paying customs duty:
• Personal belongings appropriate to the purpose and length of the visit.
• 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 25 cigars or 250g of assorted tobacco products.
• 1 litre of wine and 1 litre of spirits or another alcoholic drink.
• 150ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.
• Gifts and souvenirs with a total value not exceeding Dh2,000.
Personal electronic devices, cameras and sports equipment may be admitted temporarily but must be taken out of Morocco when the visitor leaves.
Duty-free allowances are subject to change, sometimes at short notice due to policy updates or external factors. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should verify current allowances with official customs authorities before departure. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these regulations.
Prohibited imports include illegal drugs, weapons and ammunition without authorisation, and publications or other material considered contrary to public order or morality. Drones require prior authorisation and may be confiscated if brought into Morocco without permission.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate near you for the most up-to-date information.
Authorisation from the Moroccan cultural authorities is required to export works of art, collectors' items and antiques. The export of protected wildlife, plants and products derived from them is prohibited without the appropriate permits. Exporting Moroccan currency is restricted to Dh1,000.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate near you for the most up-to-date information.
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