Roberta Aguirre
Morocco is largely a cash-based country, with 90% of purchases being made using cash. While there are no limits on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Morocco, any amount over 100,000 Moroccan dirhams (MAD) (approximately 8,000 euros) must be declared to customs authorities to avoid penalties. It is important to note that Moroccan dirhams cannot be bought or sold outside of the country, so it is recommended to bring foreign currency or a bank card to withdraw money from ATMs, which offer better exchange rates than airports and hotels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Limit for bringing foreign currency into Morocco | No limit |
| Limit for bringing Moroccan dirham into Morocco | 2,000 MAD per person |
| Limit for bringing cash out of Morocco | 2,000 MAD per person |
| Limit for bringing foreign currency out of Morocco | No limit |
| Amount of money that needs to be declared to customs authorities | 100,000 MAD or more |
| Amount of money that can be withdrawn from ATMs in Morocco | Up to 2,000 MAD per day; up to 4,000 MAD per day (varies depending on the bank); up to 6,000 MAD per day (The Royal Bank of Scotland) |
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What You'll Learn
Foreign currency: no limit, but declare over 100,000 MAD
There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency you can bring into Morocco. However, if you are carrying more than 100,000 MAD, you must declare it to customs authorities. This is equivalent to approximately £8,189 in GBP or 8,500 euros. Failure to do so may result in your money being seized, and you may face additional penalties such as prosecution, fines, or imprisonment.
When declaring large amounts of foreign currency, it is recommended to have the necessary documentation ready, including your passport, home address, and other personal details. You may also need to provide details of your trip, such as your accommodation address, flight numbers, travel dates, and any countries you have transited through. Additionally, be prepared to disclose information about the source of the funds and their intended use.
It is worth noting that Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, which means you cannot typically buy or sell it outside of Morocco. Therefore, if you need to exchange currency, it is advisable to do so locally in Morocco, as exchange rates at airports and hotels are often unfavourable. ATMs are widely available throughout the country and usually offer the best exchange rates. However, it is recommended to use ATMs outside of the airport or in non-touristy areas to avoid higher fees.
If you need to move large sums of money in or out of Morocco, using a currency broker or a service like Wise or Western Union to transfer funds electronically may be a more convenient and cost-effective option.
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Local currency: 2,000 MAD limit
The Moroccan Dirham is a closed currency, which means it can only be bought once you arrive in Morocco. The local currency is subject to a 2,000 MAD limit per person when entering or leaving the country. This is equivalent to approximately £150 or 200 euros. This restriction does not apply to foreign currency, which can be brought into Morocco without any limitations. However, any amount exceeding 100,000 MAD must be declared to customs authorities to avoid penalties such as seizure of funds, prosecution, fines, or imprisonment.
When travelling to Morocco, it is advisable to bring foreign currency, such as British pounds or euros, and exchange it for Dirhams upon arrival. Airports, banks, hotels, and foreign exchange counters in cities like Marrakech or Agadir offer currency exchange services. ATMs are also widely available in Morocco and provide a convenient way to withdraw Dirhams directly with your bank card. However, be cautious of additional fees and unfavourable exchange rates associated with ATM withdrawals, especially in touristy areas.
It is important to note that Moroccan Dirhams cannot be bought or sold outside of Morocco, so ensure you exchange any remaining Dirhams before departing the country. Spending any spare cash before leaving is recommended, as there is also a limit of 2,000 Dirhams per person when taking money out of Morocco.
Card payments are widely accepted in larger towns and cities, offering a convenient alternative to carrying cash. Options like the Travelex Money Card or the Wise card can be used for purchases without incurring foreign transaction fees. These cards provide added security by minimising the risk of losing funds in case of loss or theft.
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Card payments: widely accepted, but cash preferred
Card payments are widely accepted in Morocco, especially in larger towns and cities, but cash is generally preferred. While Morocco has a relatively high rate of debit and credit card ownership compared to other North African countries, cash is still used for over 70% of transactions.
In Morocco, you can use your UK-issued credit card, as long as you go to a place that accepts cards. Visa is extensively accepted, particularly in tourist-centric establishments like hotels, restaurants, and shops in major cities such as Marrakech and Casablanca. Mastercard is also widely accepted throughout Morocco, with most hotels, restaurants, shops, and online retailers accepting it. Many ATMs also allow for cash withdrawals using Mastercard. American Express is accepted as a payment method in Morocco, but it may not be as widely recognised as Visa or Mastercard. It is recommended to carry an alternative payment method, such as a Visa or Mastercard, in case American Express is not accepted.
UnionPay is another prevalent payment option in Morocco, accepted at various major retailers, hotels, restaurants, and establishments that support credit card transactions, both online and offline. To utilise UnionPay in Morocco, individuals must possess a UnionPay card issued by an affiliated bank, and transactions can be conducted at any point of sale terminal displaying the UnionPay logo.
While cards are becoming more popular, cash is still the primary payment method in Morocco, driven by a substantial unbanked population, cultural preferences favouring cash transactions, and challenges in accessing digital payment infrastructure. Cash is often the only option in small shops and restaurants and on public transport. It is also the only way to pay for street vendors or to bargain at bazaars. Therefore, it is advisable to carry some cash in Moroccan dirhams to avoid missing out on certain experiences.
If you do not want to carry large amounts of cash, you can use a card such as the Wise card, which works in Morocco without any foreign transaction fees. It automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate for a small conversion fee. Alternatively, you can use a currency broker to transfer money electronically to or from your bank account, avoiding any restrictions on the amount of foreign currency you can bring into the country.
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Exchanging money: do outside airport for best rates
Exchanging money outside the airport will generally get you a better rate. While it is possible to exchange money at the airport when you arrive in Morocco, the rates are often poor and come with high transaction fees.
It is recommended to use a currency exchange bureau, bank or ATM to get the best rates. Currency exchange bureaus and banks will have boards listing the exchange rates for various currencies, but be sure to read any signs that indicate commissions and fees. You will always be asked to provide identification when exchanging cash, usually in the form of a passport. ATMs are also a good option, with many located across the country, including at banks, airports, hotels, bars, souks and tourist locations. The upper limit for withdrawals is generally 2000 dirhams (approximately 200 euros).
If you are exchanging a large sum of money, it is recommended to use a currency broker to transfer the money electronically. This way, you don't need to worry about limits or restrictions.
It is worth noting that Morocco is primarily a cash-based country, so while you can use a credit or debit card in certain places, you will need cash for many transactions. It is also important to be aware of the local laws regarding the declaration of currency. If you are bringing more than 100,000 Moroccan dirhams (approximately £8,189) into the country, you must declare it to customs authorities.
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ATMs: widely available, with good rates
ATMs are widely available throughout Morocco, and they typically have the best exchange rates. Even when paying a fee from your own bank for an overseas withdrawal plus ATM provider fees, it is usually more cost-effective to use an ATM than to exchange money. You can find ATMs outside Moroccan banks and in most commercial centres. However, ATMs in tourist locations, pubs, and nightclubs are known for charging higher fees. It is recommended to stick to ATMs in or near a bank branch, ideally during working hours so you can get help in case of any issues.
ATMs in Morocco dispense 100 and 200 dirham notes, with a maximum of 2,000 MAD per transaction. While you can use credit and debit cards in towns and tourist areas, small merchants are unlikely to accept card payments. Therefore, it is best to carry some cash on you for emergencies.
Some sources suggest letting your bank know about your travel plans in advance to avoid issues. Bank fees for overseas ATM withdrawals are common, but the exact amount varies depending on your bank account. It is a good idea to check the details before your trip to avoid surprises. You might also be charged by the local bank or provider when using ATMs in Morocco.
Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) is a common issue in Morocco. When given the option to pay in your home currency or the local currency, always choose the local currency (Moroccan dirham) to avoid high fees and poor exchange rates.
If you bring too much cash into Morocco or fail to declare it, your money may be seized, and you may face other penalties. You must declare any foreign currency in cash exceeding 100,000 MAD to customs authorities.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency you can bring into Morocco. However, you must declare anything worth 100,000 Moroccan dirham or more to customs authorities. This is equivalent to around £8,189 in GBP or 8,500 euros.
While you may not be asked for all of it, it is recommended to have the following ready to provide at customs: your passport, home address and other personal details, the address of where you'll be staying in Morocco, details of your journey, including flight numbers and travel dates, and details of who owns the cash and the intended recipient.
Morocco is largely a cash country, with 90% of purchases being made using cash. However, card payments are becoming more common, especially in tourist areas and larger towns and cities. It is advisable to carry a mix of cash and cards to avoid any inconvenience.
