Atms At Marrakech Airport: Availability And Locations

If you're planning to travel to Marrakech, it's useful to know that the local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). This is a 'closed' currency, which means it's only available in Morocco. As a result, you won't be able to buy any Moroccan Dirhams before you arrive, but you can easily exchange other currencies like US Dollars, British Pounds, and Euros at Marrakech Airport. There are BMCE ATM machines and a currency exchange office in the arrival hall, after you've passed through customs. It's recommended to exchange enough money at the airport to last a couple of days, as the exchange rate is often higher than in the city, and there's usually a charge for using the airport ATMs. However, it's good to have multiple options for accessing money, and ATMs can be found throughout Marrakech.

ATM locations in the airport

Marrakesh Menara Airport is the first point of arrival for most visitors to Marrakech. It is also the most logical place to get hold of some local currency.

After passing through customs, you will enter the arrivals hall, where you will find BMCE ATM machines and a currency exchange office. It is recommended that you withdraw enough Dirhams to last for the first few days of your trip, as the exchange rate at the desks is generally poorer in the airport than in the city's Medina, and the airport ATM machines have a service charge.

There are also currency exchange desks in the airport, which can change from a wide variety of currencies, including Euros.

ATMs can be found all over Marrakech, and they generally have an English-language option when they recognise a foreign card.

Exchange rates at the airport

The Moroccan Dirham is a closed currency, which means it is exclusive to Morocco, so it is not available for exchange outside of the country. This means that you will need to exchange your currency once you arrive at Marrakech Airport.

There are currency exchange desks in the airport, which are convenient, but they are known to have higher exchange rates than in the city. One source suggests that the rates can be 10% to 12% higher than what you would pay at a bank in Marrakech. However, the desks offer a wide variety of currencies, including Euros, British pounds and US Dollars, which can be exchanged without any problems.

There are also BMCE ATM machines in the airport, which offer an English language option. However, using an ATM overseas often comes with a charge from your bank or card issuer for using your card abroad or for carrying out a foreign exchange.

It is recommended to exchange enough money at the airport to last a couple of days and then find an ATM in Marrakech to withdraw Dirhams, as they are easy to locate. ATM's in the city generally have an English-language option and it is a good idea to inform your bank that you are travelling to avoid any problems with withdrawing money.

It is also worth noting that cash is king in Morocco, so it is always a good idea to have some Dirhams to hand.

Pros and cons of exchanging money at the airport

Pros

• Convenience: Currency exchange kiosks and counters are conveniently located within airport terminals, making it easy to access them just before departure or immediately after landing. This eliminates the need to hunt for currency exchange services in an unfamiliar city.
• Accessibility: Currency exchange services at airports are often located in multiple areas, including departure and arrival terminals. This ensures that travellers can easily exchange currency regardless of where they are in the airport or how much time they have before their flight.
• Extended Hours: Airport currency exchange services typically operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is particularly beneficial for travellers arriving late at night or early in the morning, as banks and local exchange offices usually have specific working hours.
• No Need for Advanced Planning: Currency exchange kiosks at the airport are a convenient option for travellers who haven't had the time or opportunity to exchange currency in advance.
• Emergency Option: Airport exchanges can be a crucial last resort when travellers haven't had the chance to exchange money before their trip. They allow travellers to immediately obtain local currency, which is essential for paying transportation, food, or other essentials upon arrival.
• Multiple Currency Options: Airport exchange counters typically offer a wide range of currencies, which is useful for those travelling to multiple countries or less common destinations.

Cons

• Higher Exchange Rates: Airport currency exchange services often charge a premium for the convenience they provide, with rates that can be 10-15% higher than the market rate. These higher rates can significantly reduce the amount of foreign currency received, especially when converting large sums of money.
• Service Fees: In addition to higher exchange rates, many airport currency exchange services impose service fees or transaction charges, further eroding the value of your money.
• Limited Time for Comparison: Airports are busy environments, and travellers are often pressed for time. This can make it difficult to compare rates and fees between different exchange kiosks, leading to less favourable deals.
• Limited Availability: Smaller or more regional airports may have limited currency availability or even higher rates due to a lack of competition among providers.
• Security Concerns: Carrying large amounts of cash, especially in a busy airport, can pose security risks. Exchanging a significant sum of money at the airport may make travellers targets for theft, especially if they are alone or in unfamiliar surroundings.

ATM machines' foreign exchange fees

Marrakech Airport (RAK) has BMCE ATM machines and a currency exchange office in the arrival hall. The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the local currency and is a 'closed' currency, meaning it is only available in Morocco. As a result, you won't be able to buy any Moroccan Dirham before you arrive in the country.

When using an ATM at the airport to withdraw cash in a foreign currency, you may be charged a foreign exchange fee by your bank or card issuer. This is usually a flat fee, often between 1 and 5 USD, or a percentage of the total withdrawal amount, typically between 1% and 3%. Some banks, such as Bank of America, charge a flat fee for global withdrawals and an additional percentage-based fee. Even if your bank does not charge a specific ATM fee, you may still be charged a 'conversion fee' of between 1% and 3% of the transaction.

Some ATMs may also offer dynamic currency conversion (DCC), which allows you to pay in your home currency. While this may seem convenient, it often includes significant hidden fees. It is usually more cost-effective to pay in the local currency.

To avoid unnecessary fees, it is recommended to inform your bank that you will be travelling abroad to prevent issues with withdrawing money and potential card freezes. Additionally, consider using a travel credit card that waives foreign transaction fees or a bank that doesn't charge foreign ATM fees, such as Capital One 360 or HSBC.

Other ways to get local currency

The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is a 'closed' currency, meaning it is exclusive to Morocco and should only be available there. As such, you won't be able to buy any Moroccan Dirhams before you enter the country. However, you can bring US Dollars, British Pounds, and Euros to exchange at the airport or elsewhere in Marrakech.

There are several ways to obtain local currency in Marrakech other than using an ATM. Here are some options:

Currency Exchange Desks at the Airport: After passing through customs at the airport, you will find currency exchange desks in the arrival hall. It is recommended to exchange enough money to last for a couple of days, as the exchange rate at the airport is typically less favourable than in the city centre. However, exchanging a small amount at the airport can be convenient to cover immediate expenses, such as transportation or small purchases.

Currency Exchange in the Medina: There are plenty of currency exchange bureaus and shops in the Medina, Marrakech's historic city centre. Before exchanging money, it is advisable to check the current exchange rate and calculate what you should expect to receive. Compare the exchange rates offered by different bureaus and be aware of any additional fees. It is generally not recommended to exchange large amounts of money at these bureaus due to potentially poor exchange rates and extra charges.

Credit and Debit Cards: Credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are widely accepted and can be used for cash withdrawals at ATMs throughout Marrakech. Using a free credit card can help you avoid withdrawal fees, and it is generally safer to carry less cash. Additionally, credit cards offer the convenience of cashless payments in larger shops, restaurants, and hotels. However, using credit or debit cards for purchases in shops, restaurants, or hotels may incur higher additional charges than those levied for cash withdrawals.

Using Foreign Currency: In some cases, you may be able to pay directly with foreign currency, especially Euros, in shops and restaurants. However, the exchange rate offered may not be favourable, and they will likely only accept banknotes, not coins.

Traveller's Cheques: You can cash traveller's cheques at currency exchange bureaus or banks for a fee. However, this option may not be as widely accepted or convenient as other methods.

Changing Money in Advance: While not recommended due to potentially unfavourable exchange rates and fees, you can consider exchanging a small amount of money into Moroccan Dirhams in advance through a bank in your home country. This can provide you with some initial spending money upon arrival, but it is challenging to predict your exact cash needs during your trip.

Frequently asked questions