Moroccan Caravan Tours Travel Tips

Passports and Visas

U.S. citizens do not need a visa but a valid passport is necessary. If you are from outside the U.S., please contact the Moroccan Consulate nearest to you to find out if you need a visa to enter Morocco.

Money Concerns

The dirham is the unit of currency in Morocco. There is typically between 8 and 10 dirhams to the dollar (depending on the exchange rate). Money can be changed easily in hotels and banks. ATM machines are common but I typically recommend that people bring both ATM cards and traveler's checks in size of $100.00 are recomended to minimize the changing fees. Traveler's checks are good incase there is a problem with one of these forms of currency (your ATM card does not work, etc.). Tipping is recommended at restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Remember to let your bank know that you will be traveling to Morocco so they do not refuse your credit card purchases.

Voltage

The voltage used Morocco is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Two-pin round plugs. (the U.S. and Canada use 110/120 volts). You can purchase a converter at most hardware stores in Canada for appliances that do not switch to 220V. Also don’t forget adaptors that you can use to transform the flat pins on your plugs to round pins that you will need in Morocco..

Health

No inoculations are necessary to travel to Morocco from the U.S. We recommend that you consult with your health care provider before traveling. To prevent traveler's diarrhea, avoid drinking tap water and eating raw fruits and vegetables. I recommend that travelers buy the safe inexpensive bottled water commonly available in Morocco (a one liter bottle costs approximately 50 U.S. cents). Since your stomach may still become upset due to the change in diet, bring anti-diarrhea medicine just in case. For the latest overseas travel health information, visit the Center for Disease Control's web site at www.cdc.gov.

Communication

It is not possible to make collect calls from Morocco to the US. Calling cards can also be difficult to use and can be costly. I recommend you check with your phone company before you travel to find out their rates. The cheapest way to call from Morocco to the US is to use the numerous teleboutiques. Another good idea is to leave the addresses and phone numbers of your hotels with family and friends so they can call you. Of course, you can also call the US from your hotel but this is more expensive than the teleboutique. Internet service is common and it is easy to send and check your email from Morocco.

Climate / Clothing

Morocco's climate is Mediterranean in the north and sub-tropical in the south. Dress is casual, even in the major cities. We recommend that expensive jewelry be left at home. Comfortable shoes are recommended. The sun is beautiful in Morocco and sunglasses are a must. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts. Try not to overpack and bring too many clothes. You are certain to buy many souvenirs in Morocco and will regret if you arrive with overpacked suitcases. Easy to care for wash and wear clothes are the best. Hotels have laundry service where your clothing can be washed and pressed for a modest fee.

Idea on Temperatures in Morocco around the year:

11 C/ 50F in January, 13 C/ 55F in February, 16 C/ 61F in March, 19 C/ 66F in April, 21C/ 70F in May, 25C/ 77F in June, 32 C/ 90F in July, 35 C/ 95F in August, 25 C/ 77F in September, 21 C/ 70F in October, 16 C/ 61F in November, 12 C/ 54F in December

Idea on Rain in Morocco around the year:

30 mm in January, 30 mm in February, 30 mm in March, 30 mm in April, 17 mm in May, 7 mm in June, 2 mmin July, 3 mm in August, 10 mm in September, 20 mm in October, 30 mm in November, 35 mm in December.

Shopping

Shopping is wonderful in Morocco. Morocco is renown for its Berber jewelry, handwoven carpets, leather goods, fine metalwork, and decorative pottery. Prices are rarely fixed so be prepared to have fun bargaining for the best price. You may wish to avoid the street vendors, some of whom can be very aggressive.

Language

Arabic is the official language. Berber and French are widely spoken. English and Spanish are less common but it is not unusual to find people who speak these languages.

Traveler's Checklist

1. Pre-departure Essentials

2. Medicines

3. Basics

Enjoy your trip!

Oh... one last detail... don't forget to bring your smile and your sense of humor.

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