Sachin Walls
The Moroccan Dirham is the official currency of Morocco and is a closed currency, meaning it is only available in Morocco. As such, you cannot buy Dirhams before you enter the country, but you can exchange currency at Marrakech Airport. While the exchange rate at the airport may be higher than in the city, it is still possible to exchange currency there. ATMs are also available at the airport, but you may be charged by your bank for using your card abroad. It is illegal to take Dirhams out of Morocco, so it is recommended that you exchange all your Dirhams back to your home currency before you leave.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency in Marrakech | Moroccan Dirham (MAD) |
| Denominations of coins | ½, 1, 2, 5, and 10 dirhams |
| Denominations of banknotes | 20, 50, 100, and 200 |
| Dirham as a closed currency | Cannot be traded outside of Morocco |
| Exchanging currency at Marrakech airport | Possible at BMCE ATM machines and currency exchange offices |
| Exchange rates at the airport | Can be 10% to 12% higher than local banks |
| Using debit/credit cards | Recommended to save on commissions |
| Carrying foreign currency | No limit on the amount of foreign cash that can be brought into Morocco |
Explore related products
$42.55 $55.99
What You'll Learn
It is illegal to take Moroccan dirhams out of the country
The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, which means it is not meant to be traded outside of Morocco. As a result, it is illegal to take Moroccan dirhams out of the country. This is corroborated by a traveller's account, who claimed that six years ago, they were told it was illegal to take Moroccan dirhams outside of the country. They also mentioned that they were unable to exchange the currency once they returned home.
Due to the closed nature of the currency, it is difficult to obtain Moroccan dirhams before arriving in the country. Foreign currency exchange counters at UK airports may offer Moroccan dirhams, but the exchange rates are typically unfavourable. Therefore, it is advisable to wait until you arrive in Morocco to exchange your currency.
Marrakech Airport has banks and foreign currency exchange counters in the main terminal building that offer competitive rates. However, it is worth noting that exchange rates at airports are generally higher than those found in the city. Additionally, some sources suggest that currency exchange counters at the airport may refuse to exchange Moroccan dirhams back into other currencies, even with a valid receipt.
To avoid any issues, it is recommended to plan your currency exchange carefully. Spend any remaining Moroccan dirhams before leaving the country or be prepared to exchange them for another currency within Morocco.
Unicom Frequency: Contacting Airport Advisory
You may want to see also
Explore related products
You can exchange money at the airport
The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is a closed currency, which means it is only available in Morocco. As such, you won't be able to buy any Moroccan Dirham before you leave for your trip, and you won't be able to exchange any leftover Dirham once you return home.
However, you can exchange money at the airport. Marrakesh Airport (RAK) has BMCE ATM machines and a currency exchange office in the arrival hall, after you pass through customs. While the exchange rates at the airport can be higher than at banks in Marrakesh, the convenience of exchanging money upon arrival may outweigh the extra charges.
If you plan to use an ATM at the airport to withdraw cash in Moroccan Dirham, it is a good idea to inform your bank that you will be travelling to Morocco to prevent problems with withdrawing money. Additionally, your bank or card issuer may charge you a fee for using your card abroad or for conducting a foreign exchange transaction.
You can bring foreign currency, such as US Dollars, British Pounds, or Euros, and exchange them at the airport without any problems. However, shops in the airport may accept Euros, but at a less favourable exchange rate. Therefore, it is generally recommended to exchange your money into Moroccan Dirham upon arrival at the airport.
Protein Powder: Airport Security Clearance?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
ATMs are widely available
The Moroccan Dirham is a closed currency, meaning it is only available within Morocco. As such, you cannot buy Moroccan Dirham before entering the country. However, ATMs are widely available throughout Morocco, and they typically offer the best exchange rates.
ATMs can be found in the Marrakech Airport, and you can withdraw Moroccan Dirham from them. However, using an ATM at the airport to withdraw cash in a foreign currency may result in charges from your bank or card issuer. It is recommended to inform your bank that you will be travelling to Morocco to prevent problems with withdrawing money.
ATMs can also be found in the city of Marrakech, particularly in the main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, and in Gueliz, the new part of the city. It is recommended to withdraw smaller amounts of cash to avoid carrying large wads of cash and to avoid frequent foreign transaction fees.
It is important to note that you should keep your transaction receipt when exchanging currency in Morocco. This receipt will be necessary when exchanging any remaining Moroccan Dirham back into your home currency before leaving the country.
Airport Scanners: Can They See Through Aluminum?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Dirham is a closed currency
The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the official currency of Morocco, where Marrakech is located. The Dirham is a closed currency, which means that it is exclusive to Morocco and cannot be bought or sold outside the country. As such, you cannot obtain Dirhams before arriving in Morocco.
Due to the Dirham being a closed currency, you should only exchange the amount of money you think you will need during your stay in Morocco. You can exchange your foreign currency at Moroccan banks, airport counters, exchange bureaus, or ATMs once you arrive. Using an ATM is often the easiest and most cost-effective way to obtain Moroccan Dirhams. ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist hubs, including Marrakech Airport, and offer competitive exchange rates. However, larger banknotes like 100 and 200 Dirhams can be difficult to use for small purchases, as vendors and taxis often prefer smaller notes, such as 10s and 20s.
It is important to note that you cannot re-exchange Dirhams into other currencies once you leave Morocco. Therefore, it is recommended to spend all your Dirhams within the country. Additionally, traveller's checks are generally not accepted in Morocco, so it is best to use alternative forms of cash, such as a travel money card, which allows you to preload funds in Dirhams and make secure transactions directly.
While some shops in Moroccan airports may accept Euros, it is generally more expensive to pay in foreign currencies. Thus, it is advisable to exchange your money into Dirhams upon arrival in Morocco and use that during your stay.
Denture-wearers' Guide to Airport Security
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Shops in the airport accept euros
The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the official currency of Morocco, and it is a ''closed' currency, meaning it is only available within the country. As a result, you won't be able to buy any Moroccan Dirhams before you enter Morocco. However, shops in the Marrakech airport do accept Euros.
While Euros are accepted at airport shops, it is generally more expensive to pay in Euros than in the local currency. The exchange rate for Euros will likely be rounded up to a higher percentage, resulting in a less favourable rate. Therefore, it is recommended to exchange your currency into Moroccan Dirhams upon arrival at the airport. There are currency exchange offices and ATMs available in the airport where you can obtain Moroccan Dirhams.
It is worth noting that Morocco is predominantly a cash-based country, and most transactions will require cash. ATMs are widely available throughout Morocco, and they typically offer the best exchange rates. It is a good idea to inform your bank that you will be travelling to Morocco to prevent any issues with withdrawing money from ATMs.
Additionally, some high-end establishments and hotels may accept credit or debit cards, but this is not common. Some shops in the markets may also accept credit cards, but they might charge an additional fee of 5-10% for using a card. Therefore, it is generally more convenient and cost-effective to use cash during your stay in Morocco.
Exploring Beyond the Airport: Re-entry Allowed?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can spend Dirhams at Marrakech Airport. However, Dirham is a closed currency, so it is difficult to obtain outside of Morocco. It is recommended that you exchange your money when you arrive at the airport.
There are plenty of banks and foreign currency exchange counters in the airport's main terminal building. You can also find BMCE ATM machines and a currency exchange office in the arrival hall.
You can bring US Dollars, British Pounds, or Euros to exchange for Dirhams. However, shops and street traders may try to convince you of an exchange rate that is more favourable to them. It is recommended to pay by card or, if possible, to pay in Dirhams.
Yes, there are ATMs at Marrakech Airport where you can withdraw Dirhams. However, you may be charged a fee by your bank or card issuer for using your card abroad or for a foreign exchange transaction.
Yes, you can exchange your leftover Dirhams at the airport when you leave. However, make sure to keep your transaction receipt, as you will need it to exchange your Dirhams back into your original currency.
