Marrakesh Airport: Alcohol Availability And Restrictions

can you buy alcohol at marrakech airport

Alcohol is available for purchase at the duty-free shops in Marrakech Airport, but only for travellers leaving Morocco or the EU. The duty-free shop at the airport offers a range of spirits, fragrances, chocolates, clothing, and gifts. Alcohol is also available at special liquor stores and large supermarkets outside the medinas in Marrakech. However, it is heavily taxed in Morocco, so it may be more cost-effective to purchase alcohol at the airport duty-free shop before entering the country. It is important to note that drinking alcohol is not prevalent in Morocco, and it is generally not available in the Medina or 'old town' of Marrakech.

Characteristics Values
Alcohol availability at Marrakech Airport Alcohol is available for purchase at the duty-free shops in Marrakech Airport.
Duty-free shop access The duty-free shops are open to all travellers, but only those leaving the EU can purchase tax-free goods.
Alcohol availability in Marrakech Alcohol can be purchased in Marrakech from special liquor stores and large supermarkets outside the Medina (old town). It can also be bought in licensed bars, restaurants, and hotels.
Alcohol allowance for Morocco The general allowance for alcohol when entering Morocco is 1 litre of spirits per person.
Alcohol consumption recommendations It is recommended to consume alcohol in private, licensed settings like hotels or riads.

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Alcohol is available at the airport's duty-free shop

If you're travelling to Marrakech and wondering if you can buy alcohol at the airport, the answer is yes. Alcohol is available at the airport's duty-free shop, located at RAK Marrakech Menara Airport. The duty-free shop is open to all travellers, but it's important to note that only those leaving the EU can purchase tax-free goods. If you're within the EU, tax is already included in the price of the items.

The duty-free shop at Marrakech Airport offers a variety of items, including spirits, fragrances, chocolates, purses, clothing, sweets, sunglasses, eyeglasses, and soft toys. You can also find Moroccan handicrafts such as carpets, leather goods, jewellery, and souvenirs to take a piece of Morocco home with you.

It's worth mentioning that alcohol is heavily taxed in Morocco, so buying alcohol at the duty-free shop before you arrive can be a cheaper option. As a general rule, you won't find alcohol within the medinas (the old, historic parts of towns) but only outside in the newer parts of the city. So, if you're staying in the Medina, stocking up on alcohol at the airport or buying it at the airport on your way to Morocco might be a good idea.

Additionally, you can buy alcohol in Marrakech from special liquor stores and large supermarkets outside the medina. Alcohol can also be purchased and consumed in bars, restaurants, or hotels with a license to serve alcohol. However, drinking alcohol might not be a prominent part of your time in Morocco, as the drinking culture is weak, and alcohol is generally expensive.

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Alcohol is heavily taxed in Morocco

Alcohol is legal in Morocco, but it is heavily taxed, making it quite expensive compared to other countries. As a predominantly Muslim country, alcohol is generally frowned upon in Morocco, and drinking in public is largely forbidden and can get you into trouble with the police. As a result, alcohol is not widely available, and most restaurants in the Medina of Marrakech do not serve alcohol.

If you are looking to buy alcohol in Morocco, you can find it in special liquor stores, large supermarkets, and some shopping malls. In supermarkets, alcoholic drinks are often sold in a separate room, and you may need to be discreet when purchasing. Alcohol is also available in Morocco's airport duty-free shops, but only for those leaving the country.

When buying alcohol in Morocco, you will likely pay around €2.50 to €3.50 ($2.90 to $4) for a 25 cl domestic beer and €4 to €6 ($4.65 to $7) for a 33 cl beer. These prices are significantly higher than in other countries, reflecting the high taxes and negative perception of alcohol in Morocco.

It is worth noting that there are some restrictions on alcohol in Morocco. For example, a law forbids Muslim Moroccans from purchasing alcohol, and it is generally not acceptable to drink in public. However, tourists can drink alcohol in licensed hotels, bars, and tourist areas.

Overall, while it is possible to buy alcohol in Morocco, it is important to be respectful of the local culture and customs, which largely discourage drinking.

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Alcohol is not sold in the Medina

While alcohol is available in Morocco, it is notably harder to come by in the Medina. As a predominantly Muslim country, Morocco's drinking culture is weak, and alcohol is generally not sold within the Medina. The Medina is the old, historic part of the city, and alcohol is more readily available in the newer parts of the city outside the Medina walls.

There are a few licensed bars and restaurants in the Medina, but these can be hard to find, as they are often not visible from the street. Many are located on rooftops, and some are speakeasies, where locals discreetly sip on beer or something stronger. There are also a couple of strategically placed shops just outside the walls of the Old City that sell alcohol.

If you are staying in the Medina, you may want to stock up on alcohol from one of these shops or from a supermarket outside the Medina, as you can drink alcohol in private, licensed settings like your hotel or riad. Alcohol is also available in Morocco's airport Duty-Free shops, but only for those leaving the country.

Some recommended spots to grab a drink in the Medina include Cafe Arabe in Mouassine, Terrasse des Epices, Riad El Fenn, Le Trou au Mur in Ben Youssef, Jardins du Lotus, and Kabana. For a quiet meal with wine, try Le Trou au Mur, located in the heart of the Medina. For a chilled evening with pizza and wine, Cafe Árabe, located next to Le Jardin Secret in the centre of the Medina, is a good option.

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Alcohol can be purchased in Marrakech from special liquor stores and large supermarkets

If you're travelling to Marrakech and want to buy alcohol, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to note that the drinking culture in Morocco is generally weak, and alcohol is heavily taxed, making it quite expensive.

You can legally buy alcohol in Marrakech from special liquor stores and large supermarkets outside the medina or 'old town'. These shops are typically located on the outskirts of the medina, so if you're staying in the old town, it's recommended to stock up on alcohol at the airport duty-free shop before arriving in Morocco or take a taxi to reach these stores. Keep in mind that alcohol sections in supermarkets may be separate rooms with their own doors, cashiers, and security.

In addition to liquor stores and supermarkets, you can find alcohol in bars, restaurants, and hotels with licenses to serve alcohol. However, most restaurants in the Medina do not serve alcohol. If you plan to visit the square at Jemaa el-Fnaa or go on day trips like Sahara desert tours or Atlas Mountain adventures, note that alcohol may not be available during these activities.

When bringing alcohol into Morocco, there are customs limits to consider. Generally, you are allowed to bring a maximum of 1 litre of alcohol per person, including spirits. However, if you're travelling from the EU, you can only purchase tax-free goods at the airport duty-free shop if you're leaving the EU.

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Alcohol can be consumed in licensed bars, restaurants, and hotels

If you are looking to consume alcohol in a bar or restaurant setting, there are a few places in Marrakech that serve alcohol, mostly in the newer parts of the city. You can refer to online resources for a list of the best restaurants serving alcohol in Marrakech. These restaurants will likely be licensed to serve alcohol and will be able to provide a central location for you to enjoy a drink.

If you prefer to drink in the comfort of your accommodation, you can choose a hotel or riad that serves alcohol. This will allow you to enjoy a drink in your room or on your balcony without having to venture out. Some hotels in Marrakech that serve alcohol include the hotels in Erfoud and Marrakech, as well as riads in Fez and Ouirgane.

Additionally, you can bring alcohol into Morocco, but there are limits on the quantity enforced by customs. Generally, you are allowed to bring a maximum of 1 litre of alcohol per person, including spirits. It is recommended to check the specific regulations for your destination country before travelling.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can buy alcohol at the Marrakech airport's duty-free shop.

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to take alcohol into Morocco. However, drinking alcohol in public spaces is not allowed. You can only drink in a private, licensed setting like your hotel or riad.

The alcohol allowance is 18L of still wine, 4L of spirits, 42L of beer, or 9L of fortified or sparkling wine.

Yes, you can buy alcohol in Marrakech from special liquor stores and large supermarkets outside the medina or old town. You can also buy alcoholic drinks in any bar, restaurant, or hotel with a license to serve alcohol.

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