Memo to a Tourist in Morocco

Customs regulations in Morocco:

The import and export of foreign currency is not limited, but its circulation in the territory of the Kingdom is prohibited. When exporting unspent currency, you must have a bank exchange certificate. It is forbidden to export objects and things of historical and artistic value without special permission. There is a restriction on the import of professional photographic equipment (this does not apply to amateur photographic equipment), as well as on the import of alcohol – no more than one bottle of spirits and one bottle of wine, no more than 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250 g of tobacco can be brought into the country.

Mobile communications in Morocco:

In tourist areas, pay phones can be seen everywhere. They work with both cards and coins. You can also call from post offices. In order to contact Morocco, you need to dial 8 – 10 – 212 – area code – subscriber number. The Rabat code is 37.
Emergency numbers:

• Police – 19
• Ambulance – 177
• Fire department – 15

Opening hours of shops, banks, museums:
Opening hours of shops: from 08.30 – 22.00. Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8.30 – 16.00. Saturday and Sunday are days off.

Useful phone numbers:
Police – 19, ambulance – 177.

Money, currency exchange:
According to bridgat, currency exchange can be done at a bank or an exchange office. When exporting unspent currency, you must have a bank exchange certificate. The Moroccan dirham (Dh) is equal to 100 centimes. In Morocco, banknotes are in circulation in denominations of 200, 100, 50 and 10 dirhams, as well as coins of 10, 5, 1 dirham and 50,20,10, 5 centimes. As of April 2014, 1 euro = 11.23 Dh; 1$ = 8.12 Dh

Time:
Behind Moscow in summer by 2 hours, in winter by 3 hours

Mail and phone:
Calls can be made from a pay phone that works with cards or coins. Cards can be purchased at any kiosk or post office. After 23.00, as well as on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, a reduced rate applies. To call Russia, dial 7 (country code) + area code + number of the called subscriber. To call Morocco, dial: 8-10-212, then the city code: Agadir – 8, Marrakesh – 4, Rabat – 7, then the phone number.

Transport:
To move around the country, you can use the bus – the most popular mode of transport. Tickets are purchased at bus stations or from the driver. Inside the city limits, “small taxis” (maximum three people) ply, which are clearly visible due to the bright color, flag and roof rack. There are also so-called “big taxis” (maximum six people, analogous to “minibuses”), designed for long-distance and suburban trips.

Car rental:
To rent a car, you must be over 21 years of age and have an international driving license. Taxes, mileage, insurance, roadside assistance policy and transportation costs are paid separately depending on the type of car. In large resort areas, it is recommended to reserve a car in advance. Road markings are internationally marked, road signs are written in Arabic and French. Seat belts are required.

Electricity:
Mains voltage – 220 or 127V, current frequency 50Hz. French sockets. An adapter is required.

What to buy:
The main trading takes place in the markets that are usually open all day, do not forget to haggle!
Marrakech – national Moroccan outfits, Moroccan shawls, carpets
Fez – gold, pottery, leather
Rabat – leather goods, Essaouira carpets
– thuja products, leather lamps, national clothes, paintings

Embassy:
Russian Embassy in Morocco
Tel.: +212 5 37 75 36 09
Fax: +212 5 37 75 35 90.

Consulate General of Russia in Casablanca:
Tel.: +212 5 22 25 18 73
Fax: +212 5 22 98 93 57

Recommendations:

• Do not appear on the street in too bold clothes. This is especially true for women
• Do not drink the water offered by water carriers on the streets. Do not drink tap water (including in hotels). It is better to use bottled mineral water. Drink water from bottles opened in front of you.
• It is customary in the country to give small tips, but often. In restaurants and hotels, even if tips are included in the bill, it is customary to pay extra 10% of the bill. Tipping should be given to the person who served you personally.
• Get all the necessary medicines before the trip. You need to take gastric agents, antiseptics, dressings, aspirin, sunscreen.

It is forbidden:

• appear in a state of intoxication outside specially designated places (hotels, bars, restaurants, etc.).
• photograph the buildings of state institutions of Morocco, women of the Muslim faith without permission.
• swear in the presence of Muslims.
• to appear completely naked on the beach regardless of the time of day