Moving to Morocco or planning an extended stay? One of the first things you'll need to sort out is internet access. Whether you're a digital nomad settling into a riad in Marrakech, an expat starting a new chapter in Casablanca, or spending several months exploring this incredible country, reliable internet isn't just nice to have - it's essential for staying in touch with loved ones, working remotely, and navigating daily life.
Let me share the real scoop on mobile WiFi options in Morocco - beyond the glossy brochures and sales pitches!
Why Mobile WiFi Makes Sense for Long-Term Visitors
When you're living in Morocco for an extended period, mobile WiFi can be a game-changer, especially if:
- You're still apartment hunting and moving between temporary accommodations
- You've rented a place that doesn't have internet installed
- You're living outside the main cities where fixed internet isn't readily available
- You want the flexibility to work from different locations (hello, café hopping!)
- You're not ready to commit to a long-term internet contract while you're still settling in
Your Two Main Options: Inwi vs. Orange
The two big players offering mobile WiFi are Inwi's Dar Duo and Orange's Dar Box. Both have packages at 200 MAD and 250 MAD per month, but here's what you really need to know before choosing.
Real-World Speeds
Let's be honest - mobile internet speeds in Morocco can be unpredictable. They vary based on your location, time of day, and various other factors. But here's what you can generally expect:
Inwi Dar Duo:
- Download speeds: typically 10-40 Mbps (occasionally reaching 60 Mbps)
- Upload speeds: usually 5-25 Mbps
Orange Dar Box:
- Download speeds: generally 10-40 Mbps (sometimes hitting 60 Mbps)
- Upload speeds: typically 5-30 Mbps
For video calls and online meetings, the ping (latency) usually ranges from 20-40 milliseconds, which is decent enough for most remote work needs.
The "Unlimited" Myth - What You Really Get
Here's where things get interesting. Both providers advertise "unlimited" internet, but there's definitely fine print you need to understand:
Inwi Dar Duo:
- 200 MAD/month: 3GB daily at full speed → drops to 1 Mbps after you use it up
- 250 MAD/month: 4GB daily at full speed → drops to 4 Mbps after you use it up
The speed resets every day at midnight, which can work well if you have consistent daily usage.
Orange Dar Box:
- 200 MAD/month: 80GB monthly at full speed → throttled to ~1 Mbps when depleted
- 250 MAD/month: 200GB monthly at full speed → throttled to 1-2 Mbps when depleted
With Orange, you get your full allowance for the entire month - use it wisely!
The key difference? Inwi gives you a daily refresh, while Orange provides a monthly bucket. Think about your usage patterns when choosing!
Who Is This Really For?
Mobile WiFi in Morocco works brilliantly for certain situations:
Ideal if you:
- Are living in rural areas or smaller towns without fixed internet options
- Move frequently between cities for work or exploration
- Change accommodations often and need portable internet
- Are in temporary housing while searching for a permanent place
- Want internet access both at home and on the go
Perfect for everyday use like:
- Staying connected with family and friends back home
- Browsing websites and social media (WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook are huge here!)
- Moderate YouTube watching or streaming (just remember to adjust quality settings!)
- Remote work, emails, and video conferences
- Sharing your Moroccan adventures online
Works for households of 6-10 people with regular (not heavy) internet usage.
Pro Tips for Making It Work
Before You Commit:
Test the network first! Buy a simple SIM card (just 5 MAD) from your chosen provider and test it in your phone at your apartment or wherever you'll be staying. Check the signal strength and speeds. This small investment can save you a lot of frustration!
Money-Saving Strategy:
Instead of paying premium prices for a new router, scout Facebook Marketplace or local electronics shops for used routers (typically 100-150 MAD). Then subscribe without commitment - you'll save money and maintain flexibility to cancel whenever you need.
Smart Data Management:
- Stream videos at 720p or 480p instead of HD to conserve data
- Download maps and content over WiFi at cafés before heading out
- Keep an eye on your daily/monthly usage to avoid slowdowns
The Real Costs
Inwi Dar Duo Setup:
- 12-month contract: 200-250 MAD activation + 250-500 MAD router
- No contract: 200-250 MAD activation + 500 MAD router
Orange Dar Box Setup:
- 12-month contract: 200-250 MAD activation + 200 MAD router
Both services come with a trial period of 8 days. If you're not satisfied, you can return everything, get refunded (minus about 50 MAD), and try the other option!
Making Your Decision
Before heading to the store, consider:
- Your location: Which network has better coverage in your area? (Test with that 5 MAD SIM first!)
- Your usage pattern: Do you use internet steadily every day (Inwi) or in bursts throughout the month (Orange)?
- Your commitment level: How long are you staying in Morocco? If you're uncertain, skip the 12-month contract.
- Your budget: Factor in the router cost unless you buy used.
The Bottom Line
Mobile WiFi in Morocco isn't perfect, but for those of us living here temporarily or in areas without fixed internet, it's often the best solution. The key is going in with realistic expectations - this isn't the lightning-fast, truly unlimited fiber internet you might be used to back home. But for keeping connected, working remotely, and sharing your Moroccan journey with the world? It gets the job done.
Just remember: lower those streaming quality settings, test before you buy, and choose the package that matches how you actually use the internet. With the right approach, staying connected in Morocco is totally manageable - and you'll have one less thing to worry about as you navigate your new adventure!
Have you used mobile WiFi in Morocco? Any tips or experiences to share? Drop them in the comments below!