Travel for real
Types of accommodation
There is an overwhelming variety of accommodation to choose from. Whether five-star camping, self-catered accommodation or a riad, there is one thing you can be sure of: the quality of the welcome.
Hotels and riads
In the country's major cities, the top names among Western hotel chains have been established for a long time. And numerous establishments across all categories offer a great range of choices. Comfort and quality of welcome can be expected at any of them. Not to mention the riads, the traditional houses around a courtyard which have been refurbished as hotels, where you can rediscover the best of Moroccan art of living. In this land of traditions, hospitality remains a key value.
Authentic trips
Moroccan hospitality is confirmed by the welcome reserved for travelers in self-catered accommodation and bed-and-breakfasts. Whether in a city or the countryside, this type of accommodation will enable you to get to know local life better. The basic self-catered accommodation and bed-and-breakfasts are wonderfully authentic. Spending a couple of nights in one of these establishments is an unforgettable experience.
Camping in Morocco
Camping in Morocco is a unique experience: from the best surfing spots towild and tranquil beaches, contact with the local population is always warm. Nearly 90 camping sites are available across the country. Most are located in natural surroundings: beaches, clearings, woodland. Some offer accommodation in a bungalow or in a traditional tent. They often have small restaurants and general stores.
To remember
Try different accommodation – each shows the country in a new light. There is something for every taste and every budget.
Telephone and communications
Cell/mobile phones, telephone boxes, internet, postal, fax and telegram services: you can stay connected for your entire journey.
Telephone
The network of telephone boxes extends to the smallest villages. As well as these, stores offering private telephone booths operated using coins are springing up across cities. You will be able to spot them from their signs. Most cell/mobile phone operators have a network here, but ask before you leave. Top tip: don't forget pre-paid cards. Warning: rates charged by hotels are sometimes high.
Postal services
The extensive network of post offices makes it easy for you to send telegrams, parcels and faxes wherever you are. In the case of a simple postcard, you can find stamps in newspaper kiosks, cigarette stores and some hotel receptions.
Internet
Cybercafés and internet stores abound in Morocco, particularly in cities. They offer a good connection for an often modest sum.
To remember
It is not difficult to stay connected to the world from Morocco – communication is of many types and well dispersed.
Language and key vocabulary
Arabic is the language used in Morocco, but you will also be understood in French and Spanish in many places.
Modern and spoken Arabic
Spoken Moroccan Arabic is the product of the country's historic and cultural influences. It includes expressions and words of Berber origin in everyday language. Modern Arabic is used by government, the media, the justice system, culture, religion as well as politics.
Foreign languages
Geographical proximity and history make Spanish and French languages known by many Moroccans. In Tangier, Tétouan and Chefchaouen, the language of Cervantès is widely spoken. Meanwhile French is the country's first foreign language and is spoken throughout the country.
A few common words in Moroccan Arabic
Yes = na’am/lyyeh
No = la
Thank you = choukran, barak el-lah fik
Okay = ouakha
Please = min fadlak / afak
Goodbye = be-slama
Good morning = sebah-el-kheir
Excuse me = smeh-li
How much is that? = chhal / chhal el-tamane
I do not understand = ma fhemt-ch
To remember
Learn a few common words to make it easier to communicate with Moroccans and submerge yourself in their culture.
Health and safety
Morocco is an easy destination. In terms of health and safety, a trip here only requires the same rules to be observed as back home.
Health and safety
When traveling the body can be more sensitive before it soon adapts. Remember to wash your hands frequently, do not consume water which has not been opened in front of you and avoid ice cubes. As everywhere else in the world, stomach upsets come from water or food which is not cooked enough or badly washed.
Respectful tourism
Whereas Morocco is resolutely committed to the path of progress, the modern customs of young people should not make them more familiar and less respectful. Contact should occur with a spirit of openness and respect for traditional customs.
Simple rules
As for any journey, prepare photocopies of your identity papers and keep them separately. Also keep a list of useful telephone numbers, in case you loose your credit card for example. It is always useful to know the details of diplomatic contacts for your country. They can point you towards health professionals. Respect customs, and, of course, applicable laws and regulations.
Relax but be prudent
Safety rules to be observed are common sense. Your valuables and money must be discreet – always try to keep them in pockets close to your body. The safety of tourists is a priority here. The vigilance of the police and the severity of prosecutions represent an effective and highly dissuasive system. Morocco knows how to take care of its guests.
To remember
Morocco is a safe country, benefiting from all medical facilities. The rules on health and vigilance imposed are strictly common sense.
Times and public holidays
For a stress-free trip, check for any time difference, see what the weather is like where you are going and find out about public holidays.
Time check
The time is the same in Morocco throughout the year as Greenwich Mean Time or universal time. When it is noon in Paris, it is 11am in Morocco. The Spanish enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta are on Madrid time, i.e. two hours ( later) ahead than Morocco.
Feasts galore
Non-religious public holidays are related to the country's history (including independence day on November 18th, and Throne Day on July 31st) or shared with other nations (January 1st and May 1st). On these days, most stores and restaurants remain open. Religious festivals meanwhile follow the lunar calendar and therefore change slightly each year. There are five of these: 1st Muharram (New Year), Mouloud (birth of the prophet Mohammed), the start of ramadan, the Aïd es-Seghir (end of ramadan) and the Aïd el-Kébir (sacrifice of the prophet Abraham). Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar and marks the start of the revelation of the Koran to the prophet Mohammed. Muslims fast for this entire month from sunrise to sunset; the evening is therefore a time for gatherings and feasts. Be aware however that tourists are not obliged in any way in relation to this fast: they will be served even during the day, and can bathe and carry on as normal. Public parties to celebrate saints' feast days are organized throughout the year, across all regions.
To remember
Before you leave, find out about public holidays and upcoming festivals.
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