Money in Marrakech: Cash, Cards & Prices Explained

Quick Summary

• Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
• Cash is King: You need cash for souks, taxis, and small cafes.
• Cards: Accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, and malls.
• ATMs: Widely available. Decline the "dynamic conversion" rate.
• Tipping: Expected and appreciated (5-10%).

Introduction

Cash is essential for small pleasures like mint tea.

"Can I pay with Euros?" "Do taxis take cards?" Money matters can be confusing in Morocco. While Marrakech is modernizing fast, it is still heavily reliant on cash for day-to-day transactions. This guide explains the currency, how to get the best exchange rates, and the subtle art of tipping.

The Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

• Closed Currency: You generally cannot buy or sell Dirhams outside Morocco. You get them when you arrive and spend them before you leave.
• Exchange Rate: Roughly 1 Euro = 11 Dirhams (approx). 1 USD = 10 Dirhams (approx). Check current rates.

Cash vs. Card

In the souks, cash is the only way to pay.

• Where to use Card: Hotels, supermarkets (Carrefour), brand stores, nice restaurants in Guéliz.
• Where to use Cash: The Souks, taxis, street food stalls, small cafes, entry fees to some monuments.
• Strategy: Always keep 200-500 DH in cash on you, preferably in small notes (20s and 50s).

ATMs and Exchange

• ATMs: The best way to get cash. They are everywhere.
  • Tip: When the ATM asks if you want to be charged in your home currency or MAD, always choose MAD. Your bank's rate is better than the ATM's "guaranteed" rate.
• Currency Exchange: There are exchange bureaus ("Bureau de Change") everywhere, especially near Jemaa el-Fna. Compare rates. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if possible (bad rates).

The Tipping Culture (Baksheesh)

Tipping is part of the culture. It’s not mandatory but highly expected.

• Cafe/Drink: 2-5 DH.
• Meal: 10% of the bill.
• Porter/Guide: 20-50 DH depending on service.
• Parking Guardian: 2-5 DH for a short stop, 10-20 DH for overnight.

Haggling: A Crash Course

Negotiating price is part of the shopping experience.

In the Souks, prices are not fixed.

1. Ask the price.
2. Offer 30-50% of what they said.
3. They will laugh and lower it slightly.
4. Go back and forth.
5. Walk away if the price isn't right. This is your strongest move. often they will call you back.

• Note: Do not haggle for food or in fixed-price stores.

Insider Tips

• Break Big Notes: Taxis and small shops hate 200 DH notes. Break them at supermarkets or larger restaurants whenever you can.
• Leftover Cash: Since you can't exchange Dirhams easily back home, try to spend your coins or donate them before leaving the airport.

Conclusion

Don't stress about every Dirham. Access to money is easy in Marrakech. Just remember to carry cash for the fun stuff (souks and food) and use your card for the big stuff (hotel and dinner). And always, always smile when you haggle.