How Much Money to Bring to Morocco: Daily Budgets + Cash Tips
Morocco is more expensive than Egypt or India but offers great value. Here’s the realistic budget.
Daily budgets
Backpacker: 350-500 dirham/day ($35-50), riads, tagines, shared transit. Mid-range: 900-1,800 dirham/day ($90-180) — boutique riads, fine restaurants, drivers. Luxury: 3,000-12,000+ dirham/day ($300-1,200+): Royal Mansour, La Mamounia, private guides.
How much cash to bring
Bring $400-700 EUR or USD cash. Best exchange at official bureaux de change in cities (not hotels, not airports). Dirham (MAD) is a CLOSED CURRENCY. Can’t get it outside Morocco, can’t take much out (max 2,000 dirham).
ATMs
BMCE, BMCI, Attijariwafa ATMs accept foreign cards. Withdrawal limit 2,000-5,000 dirham ($200-500). Fees 20-50 dirham. Use bank-attached ATMs at branches for safety. Charles Schwab refunds fees.
Tipping + cards
Tipping (baksheesh) is integral, 10% at restaurants, 10-20 dirham for waiters/porters, 100-200 dirham/day for guides + drivers. Cards work at top riads + restaurants + hotels. Souks, taxis, markets = cash. Carry 20s + 50s for small tips.
Bargaining + scams
Always negotiate before accepting tea, taxi, or service. Start at 30% of asking price in souks. ‘Free tour’ = sales pitch + commission. Stay alert in Marrakech medina, but don’t be paranoid — most Moroccans are friendly + helpful.