Living in Morocco for over a decade has taught me countless lessons about navigating daily life here – and trust me, understanding currency in Morocco was one of my first (and most important) learning curves!
When I first arrived in Morocco back in 2013, I'll admit I was completely bewildered by the currency in Morocco situation. From trying to figure out why vendors were talking about "francs" when the official currency is dirhams, to learning the hard way about ATM fees, I've made pretty much every money mistake you can imagine. But hey, that's what makes for good blog content, right?
Whether you're planning your first trip to Morocco or you're a seasoned traveler looking for updated information, this guide will help you navigate currency in Morocco like a pro.
Understanding Currency in Morocco: The Moroccan Dirham
The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is Morocco's official currency, and you'll be seeing a lot of it during your stay. Each dirham is divided into 100 centimes (though you'll rarely encounter centimes in daily transactions anymore).
Current banknotes you'll use:
- 20 MAD (about €1.87) - perfect for small purchases
- 50 MAD (about €4.68) - great for taxi rides
- 100 MAD (about €9.36) - your go-to for restaurant meals
- 200 MAD (about €18.72) - ideal for shopping or accommodation
Pro tip from experience: Always keep smaller bills handy. Breaking a 200 MAD note for a 10 MAD purchase at a small shop can be... challenging.
Exchange Rates: Currency in Morocco vs International Money
As of 2025, 1 Euro equals approximately 10.68 MAD. Understanding currency in Morocco exchange rates is crucial since the dirham has remained refreshingly stable over the years, which is great news for both residents like me and travelers planning their budgets.
Quick math trick I use: Roughly divide your euro amount by 10 to get a ballpark dirham figure. So €50 ≈ 500 MAD.
Where to Exchange Currency in Morocco
Banks: The Safe Bet
Moroccan banks offer competitive rates and security. BMCE, Attijariwafa Bank, and Banque Populaire are everywhere. Just be prepared for potential queues, especially on Mondays!
Exchange Offices (Bureau de Change)
Found at airports, ports, and tourist areas. They're convenient but often come with higher fees. I've learned to use them sparingly – mainly when banks are closed.
Hotels: Convenient but Costly
High-end hotels and riads offer exchange services, but the rates usually aren't in your favor. I only recommend this for emergencies.
ATMs: Your 24/7 Friend
ATMs are abundant in cities and tourist areas. However, here's where I learned an expensive lesson: withdrawing small amounts frequently means paying hefty fees each time. Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize costs.
Using Currency in Morocco: Payment Methods That Work
Cash: The Primary Currency in Morocco
Especially in souks, rural areas, and with local vendors. Cash remains the dominant form of currency in Morocco, and I always carry a mix of denominations because:
- Small shops often can't break large bills
- Taxi drivers prefer exact change
- Tipping requires small notes (5, 10, 20 MAD)
Credit and Debit Cards
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in:
- Hotels and riads
- Restaurants in cities
- Larger stores and malls
- Tourist attractions
Reality check: Don't expect to pay by card at your neighborhood hanout (corner shop) or in traditional markets.
Mobile Payments: Currency in Morocco Goes Digital
Morocco is gradually embracing mobile payments, but traditional currency in Morocco (cash and cards) still dominates. I stick to cash and cards for reliability.
Foreign Currency in Morocco: Can You Use Euros?
Short answer: Sometimes, but understanding currency in Morocco means knowing that dirhams are always your best bet.
Many tourist-focused businesses accept euros, but you'll typically get an unfavorable exchange rate, and your change will be in dirhams anyway. I've seen tourists lose money this way, so my advice? Exchange to dirhams for the best value when dealing with currency in Morocco.
Exception: Some high-end hotels and tour operators prefer euros, so ask in advance.
Historical Currency in Morocco: Understanding Old Terms
Here's where currency in Morocco gets delightfully confusing for newcomers! You'll hear vendors mention:
Francs: 1 franc = 1 centime (1/100 of a dirham)Reals: Can mean 1/10 or 1/20 of a dirham, depending on the region
Cultural insight: This reflects Morocco's colonial history and shows how language preserves the past. When a vendor says "cinquante francs" (fifty francs), they mean 0.5 dirhams. Understanding this aspect of currency in Morocco confused me for months!
Essential Currency in Morocco Tips from 10+ Years Living Here
Before You Arrive:
- Notify your bank about travel plans
- Check your card's international fees
- Download currency conversion apps
During Your Stay:
- Always carry cash for markets and small purchases
- Keep receipts from money exchanges (needed for reconversion)
- Don't flash large amounts of cash in crowded areas
- Learn basic numbers in Arabic or French
Before You Leave:
- Important: It's illegal to take currency in Morocco (dirhams) out of the country
- Exchange leftover dirhams at the airport before departure
- Keep some small bills for last-minute tips
Common Currency in Morocco Mistakes (I've Made Them All!)
- Over-relying on cards - I once got stuck without cash during a power outage
- Not having small change - Missing out on great street food because I only had large bills
- Ignoring ATM fees - As mentioned, this cost me dearly when learning about currency in Morocco
- Not understanding "franc" pricing - Led to some amusing overpayment situations
Regional Variations: How Currency in Morocco Works Differently by Location
In Cities (Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech):
- Cards widely accepted
- ATMs everywhere
- Tourist-friendly exchange options
In Smaller Towns and Rural Areas:
- Cash essential
- Limited ATM availability
- Bargaining still common
In Tourist Hotspots:
- Euros sometimes accepted
- Higher prices overall
- More exchange options
Currency in Morocco 2025: What's New
- Increased card acceptance in tourist areas
- More ATMs in smaller towns
- Growing (but still limited) mobile payment options
- Stricter enforcement of dirham export regulations
My Final Thoughts on Currency in Morocco
After living here for over a decade, I can tell you that understanding currency in Morocco isn't just about convenience – it's about showing respect for the culture and connecting more authentically with local people. When you master currency in Morocco, you can focus on what really matters: experiencing the incredible warmth and hospitality that makes Morocco so special.
Whether you're haggling in the Jemaa el-Fnaa, buying fresh bread from your local baker, or treating yourself to a fancy dinner in Gueliz, having the right approach to money will make your Moroccan experience so much smoother.
Remember: When in doubt, ask! Moroccans are incredibly helpful, and most speak multiple languages. Don't be afraid to seek assistance when dealing with currency in Morocco – it often leads to the most wonderful conversations and unexpected discoveries.
What questions do you have about currency in Morocco? Drop them in the comments below – I love sharing the lessons I've learned from my bewildering (but amazing) journey here!