Salam friends! I still remember my first month living in Morocco - watching my budget disappear faster than a plate of chebakiya during Ramadan. Between tourist-priced taxis and imported cereals that cost a small fortune, I was definitely not saving money in Morocco! But after years living here, I've learned some local secrets that have transformed how I spend.
Whether you're planning a short visit or considering a longer stay, these five tips will help you experience the real Morocco without emptying your wallet. The best part? Following these suggestions actually connects you more deeply with local culture and traditions. Let's dive in!
1. Master the Art of Negotiation
If there's one crucial skill for saving money in Morocco, it's learning to negotiate with confidence. This was honestly the hardest adjustment for me as someone who grew up never questioning price tags!
In Morocco, negotiating isn't just accepted - it's expected. This applies to almost everything: transportation, accommodation, souvenirs, and even services. I was shocked to discover you can negotiate school registration fees and some medical costs!
Just yesterday, I was at my local market in Temara where the initial price for a beautiful handwoven basket was 150 dirhams. After some friendly back-and-forth (and walking away once), I paid 70 dirhams - less than half the starting price. The vendor still made a fair profit, and I got a beautiful piece of craftsmanship at a reasonable price.
Pro tip: Always negotiate with a smile and respect. It's not about aggressive bargaining but rather a cultural exchange. Start by offering about 40% of the asking price and work your way up. If you can't reach a fair agreement, it's perfectly fine to thank the seller and walk away.
2. Rethink Your Housing Strategy
Housing will likely be your biggest expense in Morocco. When I first arrived, I made the classic mistake of renting an unfurnished apartment thinking I'd save money. Three months and thousands of dirhams of furniture purchases later, I realized my error!
If you're staying for less than a year, consider a furnished apartment even if the monthly rent seems higher. For example, an unfurnished place might cost 4,000 dirhams monthly while a furnished one costs 5,000 dirhams. The extra 1,000 dirhams monthly is nothing compared to what you'd spend furnishing an entire home, especially since furniture is surprisingly expensive here.
When looking for housing:
- Negotiate commission fees upfront: Real estate agents typically charge one month's rent as commission, while informal brokers (simsar) ask for half a month. These fees are negotiable, especially for higher-priced properties.
- Look beyond tourist areas: My apartment in a local neighborhood costs about 30% less than equivalent options in expat-heavy areas, plus I get the authentic experience of everyday Moroccan life.
- Use local connections: Some of my friends found their best housing deals through word-of-mouth. Join Facebook groups for your city and ask locals for recommendations.
3. Embrace Local Food and Products
This tip has completely transformed my spending habits and my appreciation for Morocco. When I first arrived, I clung to imported foods from home - those familiar cereals and snacks that cost three times what they would back home!
The simple rule: anything imported costs significantly more. Local products are not only cheaper but often fresher and more sustainable. For example:
- Local bananas cost around 9 dirhams per kilogram, while imported ones can be 18 dirhams or more
- Moroccan dairy alternatives to brands like La Vache Qui Rit cost a fraction of the imported versions
- Local seafood like sardines is much more affordable than imported salmon
I've grown to love starting my day with Moroccan breakfast traditions - fresh bread with amlou (almond butter with argan oil and honey) instead of expensive imported cereals. Not only do I save money, but I genuinely prefer these foods now!
Where to shop: For the best deals, visit local markets (souks) away from tourist centers. For example, in Agadir, most visitors shop at the famous Souk El Had, but locals know that traveling a few kilometers to Inezgane offers similar products at much lower prices. Yes, these markets might be more crowded and less polished, but that's where the real deals are!
Timing tip: Shop near closing time at markets (about an hour before they shut down) when vendors dramatically reduce prices to avoid food waste. I've scored amazing deals on beautiful produce this way!
4. Support Local Businesses for Services
This money-saving tip extends beyond food to all services you might need - and it creates meaningful connections with your community.
When my car needed repairs, the dealership quoted me 3,000 dirhams. A local mechanic recommended by my neighbor completed the same work perfectly for 1,200 dirhams. I've found similar savings with local tailors, phone repair shops, and hairdressers.
Finding reliable local services requires some research:
- Ask neighbors and friends for recommendations
- Join Facebook groups specific to your city
- Build relationships with local business owners
- Check reviews and ask for previous customer references
While big chains and international brands might feel more familiar, local businesses offer significantly better prices and often more personalized service. Plus, you're supporting the local economy directly!
5. Master Public Transportation
When I first moved to Morocco, I relied heavily on taxis, which quickly consumed my budget. Learning to use Morocco's diverse public transportation system has saved me thousands of dirhams.
If you're in cities like Rabat, Casablanca, or Marrakech that have trams, trains, or extensive bus networks:
- Get rechargeable cards: Most transportation systems offer reloadable cards that provide discounts on regular fares. The small initial investment pays for itself quickly.
- Look for combined tickets: If your journey requires multiple forms of transportation (like tram + bus), ask about combined tickets that cost less than purchasing separately.
- Consider monthly passes: If you use public transportation daily, monthly subscriptions offer significant savings. When I switched from daily tickets to a monthly tram pass in Rabat, my transportation costs dropped by almost 40%.
- Try night travel between cities: When traveling between cities by bus, evening departures often cost less than daytime journeys. An overnight bus from Marrakech to Fez can save you both hotel costs and ticket price!
Not only does public transportation save money, but it also offers authentic glimpses into everyday Moroccan life that you'd miss from a taxi window.
Bonus Tip: Experience Ramadan for Unique Budget Travel
If your travel dates are flexible, consider visiting during Ramadan. This might seem counterintuitive, but it can be both culturally rich and budget-friendly.
During this special month, I've noticed:
- Morning hours are peaceful for exploring museums and medinas with fewer crowds
- Evening iftar (breaking fast) meals are often shared communally, and locals frequently invite visitors to join
- The festive nighttime atmosphere offers free cultural experiences as streets come alive after sunset
- Many hotels offer special Ramadan rates during what would otherwise be slower business periods
Just be aware that restaurant hours change during this time, with many places closed during daylight hours except in major tourist centers. Banking hours also adjust, typically opening later (around 9:30 AM) and closing earlier (around 2:00 PM).
If possible, I'd recommend visiting just after Ramadan during Eid al-Fitr when the country celebrates with festivals and special foods, and all businesses return to normal hours.
Connecting to Moroccan Culture Through Mindful Spending
What I love most about these money-saving strategies is how they've deepened my connection to Morocco. By shopping where locals shop, eating what locals eat, and negotiating like locals negotiate, I've experienced Morocco in ways that would be impossible from the bubble of tourist-oriented experiences.
These approaches to saving money in Morocco aren't just about spending less - they're about spending wisely in ways that support local communities and allow you to experience the authentic rhythms of Moroccan life.
Have you tried any of these money-saving techniques in Morocco or other countries? Do you have other budget travel tips to share? I'd love to hear your experiences in the comments below!