Morocco, officially referred to as the Kingdom of Morocco is located in North Africa with a population of nearly 37 million. It has a coast on the Atlantic Ocean that reaches past the Strait of Gibralter into the Mediterranean Sea. It has international borders with Spain in the north (Water border through the strait and land borders with Ceuta and Meilla. It’s southern borders are with Algeria.  Morocco is a land rich in natural beauty and unforgettable places that are both fascinating to visit and intriguing to explore.

 

This information has been compiled for your reference in good faith but please use this only as a general guide. We advise you to check with relevant authorities with regard to the latest requirement for passport, visa, travel advisory, entry restrictions, health requirements, local currency etc as these are subjected to change with without prior notice and our information given below may not be as updated.

 

Best time to go: The country is at its most beautiful in spring (Mar – May) when the landscape is green and lush, making for spectacular mountain hiking. Morocco is also lovely in autumn (Sep –Oct) when temperatures are very pleasant. Morocco's summertime (Jun – Aug) heat can have a major influence on the enjoyment of your time in the country and should be taken into consideration when planning your trip. The country's vast coastline is a magnet for locals and visitors alike during summer, with long, sunny days that are cooled by afternoon sea breezes. The higher reaches of the High Atlas, Middle Atlas, and Rif mountains are also pleasant escapes from the heat down on the plains. Travelling inland during this time, especially in central and southern Morocco but also Marrakech, Fes, and Meknes is extremely uncomfortable. Central and southern Morocco, as well as Marrakech, offer crisp, sunny days during the colder months (Nov-Feb), but be warned that the nights can be exceptionally cold. Mountain trekkers should also be aware that Morocco's mountainous regions are susceptible to flash flooding during winter from rainfall and spring from melting snow.

 

Often called the “Red City”, Marrakech requires sun protection and headgear all year long—even during winter.

 

Visa: New Zealand citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to three months. However, is it essential that all travellers arrive with a passport that is valid for at least six months from the time you enter Morocco. Your stay as a visitor is restricted to three months, but may be extended at a Moroccan police station. Visiting areas outside of recognized tourist areas isn't recommended for safety reasons. Travel regulations are known to change without notice to the public. We recommend before you travel, to check the current regulations.

 

Morocco is the only African State which is not a member of African Union

 

Currency: The currency used in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham, often abbreviated as DHS or MAD.The exchange rates fluctuates, one NZD is worth approximately 7 Dirham. The Moroccan Dirham is a closed currency, so by law you are not allowed to import or export Moroccan Dirham. you are not allowed to take more than 1000 Dirham into or out of the country (approx. 144 NZD). Foreign currency may be exchanged at the Bureau de Change at the airport on arrival, at a bank or a small amount at your hotel. There are many ATM machines both at the airports and in larger towns for cash withdrawal. Almost all hotels normally exchange money at the same rate as banks and do not charge a commission. However, do not expect a small hotel in the south, for example, to change £250 without prior notice. Most hotels and reputable shops will accept major credit cards – VISA, Master Card and American Express. VISA and MasterCard and debit cards can be used in ATM’s (found in the larger cities) and in some, but not all, hotels, restaurants and shops.

 

The dirham is divided into one hundred centimes (c). Please be aware that centimes may also be referred to as francs or pesetas in certain parts of the country. Centimes exchange hands at market places more often than Dirham. This money is available in10c, 20c, 50c, 1dh, 5dh, 10dh (all coins) and 10dh, 20dh, 50dh, 100dh and 200dh (all notes)

 

Please note that it is now difficult or impossible to change Travellers Cheques in Morocco.

 

Health: As with most destinations in Africa you have to careful about what you drink and eat in order to avoid stomach upsets. Buying food from street vendors carries some degree of risk and tap water should not be drunk. There is plenty of bottled water available throughout the country. Luckily Morocco is basically malaria-free. There are a few areas near the border with Mauritania that can harbor malaria but it's an unlikely destination even for the hardiest of travellers. No vaccinations are required by law to enter Morocco but Typhoid and Hepatitis A are two vaccinations that are recommended.

 

Food and drinks: Moroccan cooking is strongly characterized by the subtle blending of spices, and Moroccans expertly use them to enhance, rather than mask, the flavor and fragrance of their dishes. Spices such as cayenne, saffron, chilies, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, cumin, paprika, and black pepper are all commonplace in Morocco, as is a special blend of spices called  ras el hanout, translated as "head of the shop," which is usually a mixture of between 10 and 30 different spices. Fresh herbs are also present in Moroccan dishes, particularly garlic, coriander, parsley, and mint, as are fragrant additions such as orange or rose water, olives, and olive oil. Moroccan food is mostly homegrown, producing a wide range of fruit, vegetables, nuts, and grains, along with large quantities of sheep, cattle, poultry, and seafood. This range of seasonal and mostly organic produce is largely grown and cultivated by small-scale farmers and delivered daily to markets and souks around the country.

 

As an Islamic nation, Morocco gives drinking alcohol a low profile, and it is not generally possible to buy alcohol in city Medinas. Ordinary bars are very much all-male preserves, in which women may feel uneasy, but upmarket bars – especially in Marrakesh or Casablanca or in tourist hotels – are usually fine.

 

Seksou (couscous) is the Moroccan national dish. It is granules of semolina that are steamed over a pot filled with a rich meat and vegetable stew.

 

Safety & security Like in any other part of the world, a few precautions need to be taken to avoid any problems. Please do not leave your bags unattended at any times. Please use safe deposit in your hotel room or Reception to keep your money or valuables including passport. When you leave the room, it is recommended that you lock your suitcase. It is also recommended to carry a copy of your passport including the visa page.

 

Djemma El Fna, is the ancient square that lies at the heart of Marrakech, and acts as a gathering point for locals, street performers—such as dancers, musicians, and snake charmers—as well as street food vendors

 

Clothing The spring and fall are great times to go, when things have warmed up a bit, but haven’t quite hit the brutal summer highs. Since Morocco is an arid climate, temperatures tend to go down after sunset throughout the year. Pack a jacket or windbreaker on you for after dark, but also make sure to pack clothes that’ll keep you cool during the day. A pair of loose fitting pants or a long skirt and breathable t-shirts work well.

 

December to February are the coldest months of the year in Morocco — and it does get chilly. You’ll see snow on the tops of mountains, and the Sahara can be very cold at night. Bring a jacket, closed toe shoes and socks, and a wool cap. If you’re heading to the coast, make sure that jacket is a windbreake. 

 

White is the color of mourning in Morocco. A Moroccan widow wears white for 40 days after the death of her husband.

 

Language The main spoken language in Morocco is Moroccan Arabic, which has fewer vowels than other dialects and includes a number of Spanish and French words. There's usually no problem communicating in English at hotels and bigger restaurants. The official written languages are Arabic and French, and most signs are written in both, so you don't need to know Arabic script to find your way around. Numerals within Arabic script are the same Arabic numerals we use in English. When travelling to Morocco bringing along an English/ French - Arabic dictionary will make your Morocco Travel experience more enjoyable.

 

Gratuities: The culture of tipping is very strong in Morocco. Tips, according to the quality of service, are expected for hotel and restaurant staff, tour and excursion drivers, camel or mule drivers, hammam attendants who give you a scrub or massage. Meals and accommodation are much cheaper in Morocco than in Europe or North America, even with the addition of tips.

 

Airport tax: Generally your international air ticket should include airport tax on international departure.

 

Morocco is the largest processor and exporter of sardines in the world.

 

Internet: Internet access is very good throughout Morocco, with most towns and cities well served by public Internet cafes. 

 

Morocco’s highest point is Jebel Toubkal at 13,665 feet (4,165 m); its lowest point is Sebkha Tah at -180 feet (-55 m) below sea level

 

Telephone: Morocco has a dialling code of +212 from New Zealand. Telephone numbers of Hotels arranged by us will be supplied to you in your itinerary. While calling New Zealand from Morocco, you will need to dial +64… Coin-operated phones can be found in private  staffed phone booths within every village, town, and city. You can make local and international calls from here, though you will need a stack of coins. Card-operated public phones are scattered everywhere, including outside post offices. Cards can be bought from the post office and newspaper stalls. Per-minute costs to landline numbers are currently 1dh for local calls, 1.50dh for national calls, 2.60 dh to 3.75 dh for calls to Europe, and up to 7dh to elsewhere.

 

Morocco was the first nation to sign a treaty with the United States in 1786.

 

Time Difference: Morocco is on Greenwich Mean Time year-round, which equates to 12 or 13 hours behind of New Zealand Standard Times, depending on if daylight saving time is being observed. Koura, or soccer, is Morocco’s most popular sport. The national team is called the Lions of Atlas

 

Photography: Taking photos of Moroccans going about their daily business is fine if you ask for permission first.

 

In Morocco, the liver is traditionally associated with love, instead of the heart.

 

Electricity: In Morocco the standard voltage is 220 V. The standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power sockets that are used are of type C / E. Plug type C has two round pins and plug type E is the plug which has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then you just need a travel adapter.

 

Postage: The Moroccan postal service is reliable. The postcards and letters take time between 1 and 3 weeks to international destinations, depending on where you post from. A postcard or small letter costs 10dh to 15dh to Australia and New Zealand. A package weighing 1 kilogram (2.2 lb.) costs around 195dh to Australia and New Zealand. Post offices are open Monday to Friday 8AM to 4:15PM, and Saturday 8AM to 11:45 AM. Stamps can be purchased from post offices and sometimes from souvenir shops.

 

General: The Moroccan working day is a combination of both Western and Eastern cultures. For example, most Moroccans eat three meals a day at the usual mealtimes of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, most will also work from 9am to 7pm, with short breaks during the day to pray and an extended lunch break. Shops in the medina will usually open at 8 or 9am and stay open until 8 or 9pm. Business hours for the country's banks are Monday to Friday 8:15am to 3:45pm, though during Ramadan these are shortened from 9am to 2:30pm, depending on the bank. Government departments work from Monday to Thursday 8:30am to noon and 2 to 6:30pm, and Fridays 8:30 to 11:30am and 3 to 6:30pm.

 

New Zealanders are represented by their embassy in Spain at Calle del Pinar 7, Madrid but in an emergency can call on the U.K. Moroccan embassy or consulates.

 

For police assistance, dial tel. 19 anywhere in the country.

 

The Atlas Mountains get really cold at night - so pack warm if you're hiking there.

 

Cities of interest:

 

Marrakech Marrakesh, a former imperial city in western Morocco, is a major economic center and home to mosques, palaces and gardens. The medina is a densely packed, walled medieval city dating to the Berber Empire with mazelike alleys where thriving souks (marketplaces) sell traditional textiles, pottery and jewelry. Built in the eleventh century, the Jemaa el Fna has become a symbol of Marrakech and enjoys protection since1922, under the artistic heritage of Morocco. It offers a unique concentration of traditions, such as the tales of storytellers, traditional medicine and various forms of entertainment as well as commercial.

 

Fes Fes is the second largest city of Morocco, with a population of 1.1 million. It is a north eastern Moroccan city often referred to as the country’s cultural capital. It’s primarily known for its Fes El Bali walled medina, with medieval architecture, vibrant souks and old-world atmosphere. The medina is home to religious schools such as the 14th-century Bou Inania and Al Attarine, both featuring elaborate cedar carvings and ornate tile work.

 

Meknes Meknes is one of the four Imperial cities of Morocco and its name and fame are closely linked to that of Sultan Moulay Ismail. The sultan turned Meknes into a impressive city in Spanish-Moorish style, surrounded by high walls with great gates. While Meknes is an imperial city with a lot of historical monuments and natural sites it is also the nearest city to the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

 

Casablanca Casablanca is Morocco's largest city with a population of almost 4 million and also boasts the world's largest artificial port but no ferry service of any kind. Casablanca is also the most liberal and progressive of Morocco's cities. It is commercial hub in western Morocco, fronting the Atlantic Ocean. The city's French colonial legacy is seen in its downtown Mauresque architecture, a blend of Moorish style and European art deco. Standing partly over the water, the enormous Hassan II Mosque, built in 1993, has a 210m minaret topped with lasers directed toward Mecca.

 

Chefchaouen Chefchaouen (or Chaouen) is a gorgeous mountain city in northeastern Morocco. The picturesque medina, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rif Mountains, is filled with white-washed homes with distinctive, powder-blue accents. It is a popular shopping destination offering many native handicrafts that are not available elsewhere in Morocco, such as wool garments and woven blankets. The goat cheese native to the area is also popular with tourists. The region around Chefchaouen is one of the main producers of cannabis in Morocco. Hashish is subsequently sold all over town, but is mostly the domain of native Chaouenis.

 

Tangier Tangier, a Moroccan port city on the Strait of Gibraltar, has been a strategic gateway between Africa and Europe since Phoenician times. Its whitewashed hillside medina is home to the Dar el Makhzen, a palace of the sultans turned museum of Moroccan artifacts. The medina also has dozens of outdoor cafes, such as those along the Terrasse des Paresseux balcony overlooking the Mediterranean.

 

Rabat Rabat is Morocco’s political and administrative capital since independence in 1956. The colonial architecture is stunning, the palm-lined boulevards are well kept and relatively free of traffic, and the atmosphere is as cosmopolitan as its economic big brother down the coast. The quiet medina has an authentic feel to it, some good shops and fascinating architecture. You’ll be blissfully ignored on the streets and souqs, so it’s easy to discover the city’s monuments and hidden corners at your own pace. The picturesque kasbah, with its narrow alleys, art galleries and magnificent ocean views, is also worth exploring.

 

Essaouira Essaouira is at once familiar and exotic with its fortified walls, fishing harbour and seagulls soaring and screaming over the town. Essaouira was designed by the same Frenchman who designed Brittany’s most famous port town, Saint-Malo. It is a port city and resort on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Its medina is protected by 18th-century seafront ramparts called the Skala de la Kasbah, which were designed by European engineers. Old brass cannons line the walls, and there are ocean views. Strong "Alizée" trade winds make the city’s crescent beach popular for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.