Morocco Currency: The Moroccan Dirham Explained

The official Morocco currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD, written DH locally). It is a closed currency, which means you can only get it inside Morocco. Here is everything you need to know before your trip: notes and coins, where to change money, cards and tipping.

Moroccan dirham notes and coins

• Banknotes: 20, 50, 100 and 200 dirhams.
• Coins: 10, 20 and 50 centimes, and 1, 2, 5 and 10 dirhams.

One dirham equals 100 centimes. In markets you may also hear prices in “rials” or “francs”, old units still used by some vendors. If a price sounds too high, simply ask “in dirhams?”.

Exchange rate

As a rough guide, 1 euro is about 10–11 dirhams and 1 US dollar is about 9–10 dirhams. Rates change every day, so check a current converter before you travel.

Can you bring dirhams into Morocco?

Travellers may import or export up to 2,000 MAD in local currency. In contrast, there is no limit on foreign currency, but you must declare amounts equal to 100,000 MAD or more at customs. Also keep your exchange receipts: you need them to change unused dirhams back at the airport.

Where to exchange money

• Bureaux de change: official exchange offices in cities usually give the best rates and charge no commission.
• Banks: reliable but slower, with shorter opening hours.
• Airports: convenient for a small amount on arrival, although rates are a little lower.

Bring clean euro or dollar notes; torn notes are often refused. Never change money with people in the street.

ATMs and credit cards

ATMs are easy to find in Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca and other towns, and most accept Visa and Mastercard. Your bank may charge a fee, so withdraw larger amounts less often. Hotels, riads and modern shops take cards. However, souks, taxis and small cafés are cash only.

On a Sahara desert tour, take enough cash before leaving the city. ATMs exist in Ouarzazate and Rissani, but there are none in the dunes of Merzouga.

Tipping in Morocco

• Restaurants: about 10% if service is not included.
• Porters and small services: 10–20 DH.
• Local guides: 100–200 DH per day, depending on the group size.
• Drivers on multi-day tours: tipping is optional and appreciated.

How much money do you need per day?

Excluding accommodation and tours, a simple lunch costs 60–100 DH and dinner in a good restaurant 150–300 DH. Petit taxis inside cities cost 15–40 DH. For this reason, many travellers book an all-inclusive tailor-made Morocco tour and only need cash for meals, souvenirs and tips.

Planning your trip? Read about the best things to do in Marrakech or contact us with any question.