If you are planning a trip to Morocco, one of the first things to sort out is your travel currency. It is a country full of colour, noise, spice and heat, and the way you pay for things is a little different to what most people are used to in Europe. Knowing what currency Morocco uses, how payments usually work, and what to expect with cash and cards can save you a lot of confusion when you arrive.
Morocco uses the Moroccan dirham as its official currency, often written with currency code MAD. You will also see it shortened simply to “dh”. The dirham is the only currency accepted in shops, markets, cafés, hotels and attractions across the country. Even in areas with lots of tourists, you cannot rely on paying with pounds or euros, so it helps to understand how the dirham works before you go.
Morocco handles money quite differently to the UK. Cash is used far more often, exchange rules are stricter and card machines are not always available. So while you only need one currency, there are a few important things to know to make spending easier.
Understanding the Moroccan dirham
The dirham is a closed currency. This means you cannot freely buy large amounts outside the country, and you are not supposed to take it out when you leave. In practice, most people keep a small amount as pocket change, but you are expected to exchange or spend most of it before departure.
Notes come in several sizes, with different colours for each value, and coins are used often in markets and small cafés. Morocco is still a very cash focused country. Even in big cities like Marrakech, Rabat, Tangier and Casablanca, small purchases are usually made in cash.
The exchange rate changes, but the important thing is that the dirham is far more practical once you are inside Morocco. Almost everything you see, from meals and hammam treatments to taxi rides and souvenirs, is priced in dirhams.
Do places in Morocco accept pounds or euros?
Generally, no. Morocco expects payments in dirhams. Larger hotels may accept euros for room bills, but this is not guaranteed. Shops, restaurants and markets will usually turn down any foreign currency. Some sellers in tourist areas may tell you they can take euros, but you will nearly always get a worse rate.
If you want the fairest prices, pay in the local currency. Morocco has set rules for pricing and exchange, and paying in anything other than dirhams often leads to confusion or higher costs.
Should you bring cash to Morocco?
Yes. Out of all the countries people travel to from the UK, Morocco is one where cash matters most. You need cash for:
• Traditional markets
• Small shops
• Local cafés
• Street food stalls
• Taxis
• Small museum entrances
• Tips
• Rural petrol stations
• Hammams and local services
Card machines exist in larger hotels, modern restaurants, chain shops and shopping centres, but the moment you wander into the medina or explore smaller areas, cash becomes essential.
Many travellers try to rely on cards and quickly realise that Morocco does not operate the same way as the UK or Europe. Carrying enough cash for the day is the easiest way to avoid hassle.
Withdrawing money in Morocco
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. They work with most UK bank cards, although it is always best to tell your bank you are travelling to avoid any security blocks. The main thing to watch is that Moroccan ATMs often charge a fee per withdrawal. This varies depending on the bank, so you should withdraw sensible amounts rather than taking out small sums repeatedly.
Just like anywhere abroad, always choose to be charged in the local currency. When an ATM asks whether you want to be billed in pounds, select dirhams. The conversion rate offered by the machine is almost always weaker.
If you are travelling to smaller towns or rural areas, withdraw enough while you are in a main city. ATMs outside cities can be harder to find, and some run out of cash during busy seasons.
Can you exchange money before you go?
Because the dirham is a closed currency, most UK exchange providers either do not sell it or offer only limited quantities. However, it is always worth asking us as we may be able to order it in and always offer a great rate with zero commission. Many travellers find that even airport exchange desks have little or none available, so it’s highly recommended to visit a Travel Cash store or order online before travelling.
Avoid exchanging money with people in the street or informal stalls, especially in busy medinas. These can be unregulated and may not offer fair rates. If you do wish to exchange cash in Morocco, stick to official exchanges. We would also recommend taking USD with you as it is the mostly widely accepted foreign currency in Morocco and the easiest to exchange for dirham.
Using cards in Morocco
Cards are accepted in some places but not everywhere. You can expect cards to work in:
• International hotels
• Larger restaurants
• Shopping centres
• Big supermarkets
• Some modern cafés
• Tourist attractions in major cities
Outside these areas, card machines may be unavailable or unreliable. Even when a business has a machine, the connection may drop or the machine may not read your card type.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted when cards are accepted at all. American Express is accepted only in a small number of places.
The safest plan is to use cards for bigger purchases and keep cash for everything else.
Tipping in Morocco
Tipping is a normal part of life in Morocco. Most people tip for restaurants, taxis, hotel staff and small services. It does not need to be a huge amount, but a few dirhams shows appreciation and is often expected.
For restaurants, many travellers leave around ten per cent unless the service charge is included. For cafés, rounding up is enough. For taxis, adding a small amount on top of the fare is common. Tour guides also expect a tip.
Because most tipping is cash based, it helps to keep smaller coins and notes handy throughout the day.
Paying in markets and souks
This is where things feel very different to the UK. Prices in Moroccan markets and souks are often flexible, and bartering is normal. Sellers expect you to negotiate. The final price should always be agreed in dirhams, even if they speak to you in English, French or Spanish.
If you offer to pay in pounds or euros, you will almost always end up paying more. Sticking to dirhams keeps the process clear and avoids confusion.
Always keep your wallet secure and avoid showing large amounts of cash when browsing. Markets are busy, and it is better to take out the exact money you intend to spend.
Transport and taxis
Most taxis in Morocco run on cash only. In cities like Marrakech, Casablanca and Tangier, there are small red or blue taxis that operate with set fares or meters (although meters are not always used). You will need dirhams for every journey.
For long distance taxis, known as grand taxis, fares are usually agreed before the trip. Again, dirhams are required.
If you use train or bus stations, card payments may work at the ticket counters in larger stations, but cash is often the safer option.
Is Morocco expensive compared to the UK?
Morocco can be great value if you avoid overly touristy areas. Eating out is often cheaper than the UK, especially in local cafés, food stalls and traditional restaurants. Markets vary. Some goods are very affordable, while handmade items can be more expensive depending on quality.
Hotel prices also range widely. Big cities offer a mix of budget riads, mid range hotels and luxury resorts. Rural areas are usually more affordable, although transport can add to costs.
When comparing prices, it is usually better to think in dirhams rather than converting everything back into pounds. This helps you get used to local pricing and stops you overthinking every purchase.
Key things to remember about Morocco’s currency
• The Moroccan dirham is the only currency used
• It is a closed currency, so exchange rules are stricter
• Cash is essential for daily spending
• ATMs are common but often charge a fee
• Markets, taxis and smaller shops rarely accept cards
• Pounds and euros are not accepted for normal purchases
• Use official exchange offices if exchanging cash
• Always choose to be charged in dirhams at ATMs
• Tips are usually given in cash
Morocco is an incredible country to visit, and once you understand how money and payments work, everything becomes much simpler. The dirham is the only currency you need, but the way you use it varies depending on where you go. Carrying a mix of cash and cards, knowing when ATMs are reliable and understanding that many places do not take cards will help you move around with confidence.
Whether you are wandering through the tight streets of the medina, exploring the desert, relaxing by the coast or enjoying a rooftop meal at sunset, having the right currency makes every part of your trip to Morocco smoother. The dirham becomes second nature once you settle in, and before long, you find yourself navigating markets, taxis and cafés like a local.
