Any tips on getting money exchanged in Morocco?

Question

Hi ive booked to go to Agadir in Morocco for next year in May. I understand that I cannot get Moroccan Dirhams in this country? Obviously that means im not gonna get a good deal in a place like the airport?! Any tips? I know hotels can be pricey too for charging to exchange money. Also is it worth me taking a debit/credit card? Im a little nieve so i dont know if they have cashpoints available in most areas? Im in a touristy area so i dont think it would be a problem.

Also if im all inclusive in my hotel how much cash would we need? Im not into huge drinking sprees anyway, just for general cash while where out and about. Possibly some basic gifts for people back home.

Answer 1

First of all I have never been to Morocco- but I have been living in China for 3 years so it might be similar.

-Most big banks in the country do currency exchange (In China they have a sign in the door)...you might want to look up some banks online before you go and ask them. Also depending on how 'big' the city is it may be harder to find places to use other countries debit/ credit cards...not to mention risky carrying them.

-When you land at the Airport you should be able to exchange there...that's how all the countries I've been to do it. Check out the airport website...if they have one.

-If you bring more money than you'll need put it in the hotel safe along with your cards...then instead of having to find/ run to a bank you'll always know where your money is if you need it and you don't have to worry.

-I used traveler's checks but it gave me a lot of trouble in China and Korea so I don't do it anymore. You might have better luck if you know that the banks there have American express or something like that.

-Don't flash any money around...people look for that kind of stuff in bigger cities where they know tourists are. Put your cash in small sums in different parts of your clothes...including underware if need be. Then even if you have your purse stolen then you still have cash enough to get a cab back to your hotel. If you need to pay for something go to the restroom before and take out the amount you need to pay.

-If you are confused or unsure about doing something ask someone working...not just anyone on the street. Then if anything happens you know where they work and where to start looking.

-When carrying a purse don't have a shoulder or hand bag!!!!! Have a strap long enough to go across your chest...that way when a thief rides by they won't go for your bag. ALSO keep cameras in your bag when your not using them...when you are keep the strap around your wrist.

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It may seem a little defensive but if you don't know what to expect- be prepared for everything. Be careful and then you'll have a good vacation and not a horror story!!

Answer 2

You can not get dirhams abroad.

There is an exchange office at Agadir airport, plus an ATM, which you'll find all over Agadir as well.

Exchange rates in Morocco are decided by the government, so they're basically the same wherever you change money.

For an idea of how much money you're likely to spend, see this page:
http://www.triotours.com/faq/ma/prices.htm

The price of a souvenir obviously depends on what you buy and the quality of that item.

Answer 3

We drove through Morocco a few years back and cash machines are pretty commonplace. In Agadir you'll have no problem.
Recommend taking a credit or debit card but make sure your bank doesn't rip you off on the charges. Try Nationwide as they don't charge you for using a cash machine abroad.
Also don't let your card out of sight IE in a restaurant or cafe, We had a card cloned. But we could just have been unlucky!
If you get a chance to get into the Atlas, go for it. Just stunning!!!!

Answer 4

I would exchange my money in the airport (in the US) then you dont have to worry about wether or not you were getting ripped off. I would check online sites to find hotels. They do jack up the prices for tourists. It can be very expensive. When buying gifts in an open market you must haggle the prices down.

Answer 5

i was in morocco last march and i had no difficulties getting cash: even in smaller towns you'll find ATM's, so all you need is your debit card (with maestro) or credit card.

if you've booked an all-in, you only need cash for drinks outside the hotel and for gifts. take care: you have to discuss on the price of all gifts, try not to pay more than 60% of the initial price!

enjoy your stay!

Answer 6

NEVER get currency exchanged at an airport. Most banks will do currency exchange and you will need to find the best rates when looking.

Answer 7

Travellers Cheques and exchange in the hotels that's the best way i found in Tunisia should be similar.