Car hire in Morocco

Morocco’s dramatic landscape encompasses golden sand beaches, rugged mountains, green hills and desert. The colours, smells and sounds of the country reflect a rich cultural heritage that has numerous outside influences. Car hire in Morocco offers a comfortable way to get around, as public bus services can be slow and the majority of buses have no air conditioning. Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to follow your own itinerary without having to negotiate complicated timetables or deal with the fallout of late arrivals.

Morocco has an adequate road network and highways are in good condition in most parts of the country. Using car rental in Morocco allows you to get off the beaten tourist track and explore small villages and unspoilt terrain. Compare car hire prices before you travel to find a deal that suits your needs.

Car hire driving tips in Morocco

Modern freeways join Casablanca, Marrakesh and Tangier, while smaller cities are joined by highways. Police officers inspect cars within the cities and on the freeways to ensure that they are complying with driving regulations. Ensure that you have enough money to pay any on-the-spot  fines if you want to avoid having your driving license taken away. The freeways between Casablanca and Tangier are in good condition and there is a toll fee to use this service. Toll fees are low in relation to western prices and the freeways are in better shape than the provincial road. Road signs adhere to the European model, with instructions in both French and Arabic. Car rental vehicles are not permitted to cross the country’s international borders.

Need to know essentials

Driving licences: foreign drivers should have an International Driving License.

Which side does Morocco drive on: traffic travels on the right side of the road.

Speed limits:

Cities: 40kph

Main roads: 80kph

Freeways: 120kph

Alcohol limits: do not drink any alcohol if you are planning to drive as there is a zero-tolerance policy against drinking and driving.

Driving age: 18 years (the minimum age for car rental in Morocco is 23, while the maximum age is 75).

Compulsory items: it is a legal requirement to ensure that you have your license and car rental paperwork in your vehicle.

Seatbelts: local regulations state that seatbelts must be worn at all times in the front and the back of the car.

Mobile phones and GPS: it is prohibited to use a mobile phone while driving. The city centres are not well signposted so it is essential to carry a map or to hire a car with GPS.

Cost of fuel in Morocco: the price of petrol in Morocco is less than in the UK.

Car hire and fuel payment: a credit card is normally required to hire a car, but a cash deposit may be accepted. Large petrol stations such as Shell accept credit cards; however, small stations only accept cash so it is advisable to carry enough money with you during your trip.

Insurance: third-party insurance is essential while an even higher level of cover is recommended due to the high risk of unforeseen damages like cracked windscreens.

Traffic and parking: the traffic in large cities such as Marrakech can be chaotic, with vehicles seemingly constantly changing lanes. In the cities, there are parking meters and fees are charged at hourly rates.

Our travel editors recommended drives

Rabat to Meknes – drive from the bustling city of Rabat, where markets sell interesting items such as spices, local crafts and leatherwork, to Meknes.

Meknes to Fes – this route takes you past Volubilis, where you can see ruins including pillars and mosaics. Another attraction near Meknes is Moulay Idriss, a pilgrimage site.

Dades Valley to Ait Benhaddou – this route passes Skoura and Kasbah Ben Moro. Once you reach Ait Benhaddou, there are many activities to enjoy including mountain biking, hiking and camel rides.

Morocco travel tips

Tourists are drawn to Morocco’s culture, history and beautiful landscape. Shopping in the bustling markets is a popular activity and there are many unique items to be discovered. It is customary to bargain and prices may change daily. Items to look out for include leatherwear and carpets. For a unique souvenir, look for the birad, a traditional tea pot. Read our easy travel tips to ensure your trip runs smoothly.

Morocco weather and tourist season

The climate in Morocco changes according to the region. The coastal areas have a moderate climate with cool sea breezes. Inland, weather conditions see an increase in extremity and temperatures can fall to below freezing in the mountainous regions.

Morocco contact numbers (+21)

Police - 19 or 177

Medical - 15

Fire - 15           

Highway emergency service - 177

Information - 160

International information – 120

American Embassy 21 237 762 265

British Embassy – 21 237 633 333

Australian Representation – 21 237 687 400

Canadian Embassy – 21 237 687 400

Holidays and festivals

Ramadan (the ninth month of Islamic calendar) is the biggest festival in Morocco and it is important to note that most restaurants will not serve lunch during this period. As a sign of respect, you should not eat or drink in public areas during this time. If you want to buy alcohol during this holy month, you need to show your passport. Another important holiday is Eid ul-Fitr, held at the end of Ramadan, when most shops are closed for a week.

Money matters

The Moroccan dirham is the local currency; one dirham is made up of 100 centimes. The dirham is the only currency that is officially permitted, but some establishments may also accept euros or dollars. It is not permitted to take in excess of 1,000 dirhams out of Morocco, so it is not impossible to change money before arriving in the country. Legally, all money exchange counters, such as banks and official currency exchanges, should have the same rates. Look up the rates before you go to a money exchange counter to ensure that you get the correct amount of dirhams. It is also possible to exchange money at post offices or international airports. ATMs are located near major hotels and in big shopping centres. Check that the ATM is compatible with international cards before using the machine.

Health and safety

No standard inoculations are required for travel to Morocco, but it is advisable to check with your doctor prior to departure. A hepatitis A inoculation is an option if you are planning to eat street food. It is recommended to drink bottled water and be cautious of ice from restaurants. If you buy bottled water, ensure that it is sealed as some vendors may try to scam tourists by refilling bottles with tap water.

Fitting in...

The left hand is unclean according to Muslim culture and it is impolite to use it to give someone money or shake hands. Elder and handicapped people are highly respected in Moroccan culture. If you are waiting for a taxi, observe this tradition by allowing such persons to go ahead of you and give them your seat on the bus.

Visas for Morocco

In order to enter Morocco, your passport should be valid for at least six months and there must be sufficient blank pages to allow for border stamps. Travellers should have documents proving that they are planning to leave the country, such as a return air ticket. Entry visas allow travellers three months in the country. Those who plan to stay longer can apply for an extension within the country.

Electricity

The common voltage in the country is 220 Volts, 50 Hertz and Europlugs are used. These plugs are similar to the ones used in the Middle East and Europe.

Business hours

Banks are open from 08:15 until 11:30 and 14:15 to 16:30 on weekdays. Trading hours at markets vary but are generally 10:00 until 18:00.

Helpful phrases

The local language is Moroccan Arabic, which is different from Middle Eastern Arabic as it has been influenced by French. French is also spoken and many local people can speak both languages fluently. English is not widely spoken and the majority of local people can only utter a few key phrases. The younger generation is becoming more proficient in English, however, and some shop owners in the large cities can converse fairly well.

Ahlan - Hello

Bslama - Goodbye

Shukran - Thank you

Smah li - Excuse me

Fayen ja… ? - Where is… ?

Menu afak - Menu please

Atay – Tea

lla - No

Wakha - Yes

Resources online

www.wikitravel.org/en/Morocco

www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morocco

www.visitmorocco.com/index.php/eng