MOROCCO TRAVEL GUIDE
\nExperience the exotic sights and sounds of enchanting Morocco. Inhale the intoxicating scents of turmeric, cinnamon and
\nsweet paprika in the spice market as you weave through intricate alleys of the Marrakech souk. Enter into a world of \u2018A
\nThousand and One Nights\u2019 as you explore Imperial Cities such as Fes and Rabat, dazzling mosques and time\u00adhonored
\npalaces\u2014or dine on fragrant tagines. Bargain for woven carpets, brass trays and ornate metalwork in bustling bazaars.
\nWhen night falls, sleep in a villa with a rooftop pool and a mountain view, a luxury hotel boasting sunlit gardens, or a
\nBedouin camp under a ceiling of stars. Morocco is as ideal for kids as it is for those who are young at heart. Our \u2018Kidtastic\u2019
\ntailor\u00admade adventures have families riding camels, treasure hunting in bazaars, cooking with a local chef and watching the
\nsun set over the sand dunes. Get ready to explore this hospitable land and create unforgettable memories on your Moroccan
\ntour.
\nBEFORE YOU GO
\nPASSPORTS
\nA passport that is valid for at least six months after the end of your trip is required for both U.S. and Canadian citizens to
\nenter and depart the country. Please ensure that the name on your passport matches all travel documents we have issued.
\nIf this is not the case, please contact us immediately.
\nYour passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. This cannot include the \u2018endorsement\u2019 page at the
\nback.
\nPlease make a photocopy of your passport\u2019s identification page and keep it separate from your original. It\u2019s also a good idea
\nto leave a digital copy with someone at home. This may speed up the replacement process should you lose your passport.
\nVISAS
\nCitizens of the USA and Canada do not require a visa for Morocco, only a valid passport. If your stay is longer than 90
\ndays, a resident permit is required and can be issued by the Police Department of your place of residence in Morocco.
\nForeign visitors to Morocco are allowed to enter and exit the country with a maximum of MAD 2000.
\nFor more visa information please visit:
\nAmerica: www.travisa.com
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\nCOUNTRY INFO
\nMOROCCO
\nCapital: Rabat
\nLanguage: Darija (Moroccan
\nArabic), French, Berber
\nCurrency: Moroccan Dirham
\n(MAD)
\nReligion: Muslim, Christian,
\nJewish
\nTime Zone: UTC +1
\nElectricity: 220 Volt, 50 Hz
\nTelephone: Country code for
\ncalling is +212
\nCalling North America: Dial
\n001 plus area code and your 7
\n\u00addigit number
\nEmergency numbers in
\nMorocco: Police (in urban
\nareas): 19, Royal
\nConstabulary (outside urban
\nareas): 177 Firemen and
\nambulances: 15
\nCanada: www.travisa.ca
\nINSURANCE
\nCancellation and Medical Insurance is highly recommended as it can safeguard
\nagainst the expenses associated with in\u00adcountry medical emergencies, lost or
\ndelayed baggage and emergency cancelation or interruption of your trip. Please
\nensure your policy will provide you with upfront medical coverage so that you
\nare not responsible for a hefty doctor\u2019s bill while away. Insurance can be
\npurchased through us.
\nHEALTH
\nWe always recommend that you see a doctor or health\u00adcare provider who
\nspecializes in Travel Medicine. They will best determine your vaccination and
\nmedication needs based on your health and immunization history, areas of the
\ncountry you will be visiting, planned activities and up\u00adto\u00adthe\u00adminute requirement
\nchanges. Please bring vaccination certificates with you in your carry\u00adon
\nluggage as you may need to present them on arrival.
\nVACCINATIONS
\nNo vaccinations are required by law to enter Morocco but Typhoid and Hepatitis
\nA are two vaccinations that are strongly recommended. It is also a good idea to
\nbe up to date with your polio and tetanus vaccines. Some vaccines require
\nmore than one dose or a major length of time to be effective. For that reason, it
\nis recommended to see your doctor or health provider at least 6 to 8 weeks
\nbefore your trip. For all vaccinations and health requirements, you can also
\nrefer to the recommendations from:
\nWorld Health Organization (WHO): http:\/\/www.who.int and Centers for Disease
\nControl and Prevention (CDC) http:\/\/wwwnc.cdc.gov.
\nMOROCCO TRAVEL GUIDE
\n3
\nMEDICATION
\nIf there are any medical items essential to your health, such as prescription drugs or corrective eye wear, bring duplicates
\nand divide them between your checked bags and hand luggage. While non\u00adprescription drugs such as aspirin are generally
\navailable, it is difficult to replace prescription items.
\nOther recommended Items:
\nSunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), after\u00adsun lotion, lip balm, sunglasses
\nInsect repellent with a high concentration of DEET (at least 30 percent)
\nBasic medicine kit (painkillers, band\u00adaids, antiseptic cream, etc.)
\nDigestive aids such as Imodium, Pepto\u00adBismol. Also, re\u00adhydration salts and anti\u00addiarrhea preparations.
\nHydrocortisone tablets or cream for allergic skin reactions and bites
\nAnti\u00adnausea tablets if you suffer from motion sickness
\nALLERGIES & DIETARY NEEDS
\nIf you have health requirements or allergies that we should know about, please contact your travel advisor right away so
\nthat we might help in case of an emergency. This includes any allergies such as nuts, shell fish, etc. Please advise us as to
\nwhat you may need, how severe the reaction could be, and what we could do to help.
\nFor those guests with specific dietary requirements, please ensure that we are notified prior to your arrival so we can pass
\non the information to airlines or any suppliers providing meals. We can accommodate most reasonable requests.
\nSMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT\/ REGISTRATION PROGRAMS
\nDepending on your citizenship, your government may offer a free Travel Registration service. We recommend that in addition
\nto arranging comprehensive trip insurance coverage, you make use of these free travel safety programs. The programs are
\nsimple: you submit your travel plans so that in the event of a natural disaster or civil unrest, your government has your
\nitinerary and can provide you with necessary information or assistance.
\nFor American citizens: https:\/\/step.state.gov\/step\/
\nFor Canadian citizens: http:\/\/www.voyage.gc.ca
\nMOROCCO TRAVEL GUIDE
\n4
\nINSIDER TIP:
\nFOOD & DRINK
\nMoroccan cuisine is
\nconsidered by many experts to
\nbe among the finest in the
\nworld. It is characterized by
\nthe use of a plethora of
\nspices, including coriander,
\ncinnamon, cumin, saffron,
\ndried ginger and paprika.
\nSpecialties include\u037e couscous
\n(steamed semolina), which
\noften contains raisins or nuts,
\nroasted chicken with lemon
\nand olives and harira, a thick
\ntomato\u00adbased soup with
\nchickpeas and meat
\ntraditionally served during
\nRamadan. Stews called
\ntagines are found everywhere\u037e
\nalthough each cook has his or
\nher own secret recipe, the
\nbasic ingredients are meat or
\nfish and vegetables cooked in
\na \u201ctagine\u201d (or a cone\u00adshaped
\nterra cotta vessel) and
\nsometimes served with
\nalmonds, apricots or prunes.
\nMechoui, is whole goat or
\nlamb, seasoned with cumin
\npowder and slow\u00adroasted until
\nthe meat is tender and the
\nskin crisp.
\nThe average cost of dining
\nout is between 150\u00ad250 MAD
\nfor lunch and between 250\u00ad
\n400pp MAD for dinner in the
\nlarger cities. The cui
\nWEATHER, SEASONS & CLIMATE
\nThe Moroccan climate varies according to season and region. Throughout most
\nof the year, mornings and evenings can be cool and if you are travelling to the
\nSahara or trekking in the mountains please note that early mornings and
\nevenings can be extremely cold. Weather is rather unpredictable from October
\nthrough February and can vary greatly from one year to the next\u037e some winters
\nare quite moderate and others are wet and cold. Although there is a chance
\nyou might encounter rain at any time, the odds are greatest between November
\nand February. Summer temperatures are high from June to early September.
\nFor up\u00adto\u00addate forecasts, check www.weather.com.
\nPACKING: LUGGAGE
\nYou will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible.
\nChoose durable luggage that can withstand rigorous use. We highly recommend
\nthe use of a small duffel or backpack (whatever you find easiest to carry).
\nEvery bag or pack should be clearly labeled. We cannot be held responsible for
\nlost, stolen or damaged luggage. Insurance is highly suggested for this reason.
\nPlease consult your airline carrier for detailed luggage restrictions specific to
\nyour international and internal flights. Luggage limits on airlines are often
\nstrictly enforced. As well, due to limited vehicle capacity in country, luggage
\nshould be carefully considered. The cost of transporting any luggage beyond
\nthese restrictions is the responsibility of the client.
\nPACKING LIST
\nIn keeping with many Muslim countries you will find that people in the capital
\nand other major towns are used to foreigners and are therefore likely to be
\nmore tolerant and more liberal. However once outside\u037e the population is more
\ntraditional and rigid so please be sure to cover your shoulders, stomach, hips
\nand bare legs. For women scarves or pashminas can be a quick fix and help
\ncover & avoid some unwanted attention.
\nMOROCCO TRAVEL GUIDE
\n5
\nlarger cities. The cui
\nMorocco can be very hot, especially from March to October, so don’t forget to bring some light clothes, T\u00adShirts and shorts.
\nBring some warm clothes too, if you are planning to go to the desert (it gets really cold at night), and some long trousers if
\nyou want to visit mosques and religious buildings.
\nThe winter months of November \u2013 March are mild but none the less cooler especially in the evenings so pack a jacket or
\njumper\/pullover or pashmina, it is also wetter so it’s a good idea to pack a waterproof windbreaker.
\nMake sure you take comfy footwear for daytime and it is best to avoid heels \u00ad flat sandals for the evenings and preferably
\nclosed in shoes for day as the streets are often uneven and dusty.
\nBe sure to take along a scarf or pashmina to tie around your face to keep out the blowing sand on any trip into the desert
\nand wear long sleeves and full length trousers, otherwise the mosquitoes will have a feast
\nVALUABLES
\nPlease leave your valuable belongings, including jewelry, at home. Everywhere in the world, no matter how safe, tourists
\nare amongst the most easily targeted for theft. We assume no responsibility for personal belongings in your possession, left
\nin a hotel room or left on a vehicle during a trip. Additionally, hotels will not compensate their travelers for theft from the
\nhotel premises. That is why we strongly urge you to leave valuables at home, and to review your personal insurance policy
\nto make sure you are adequately covered for the belongings you do plan to take with you.
\nELECTRICITY, PHONE & INTERNET
\nElectricity: Electricity in Morocco is provided at 110\/220 volts and 50HZ.
\nPhone: Roaming charges vary between carriers, but tend to be quite costly. Consult your phone provider prior to departure
\nto discuss overseas rates and international package options.
\nCURRENCY
\nThe Moroccan unit of currency is the dirham which is divided into 100 centimes. There are ATM’s throughout Morocco in all
\nof the major cities and most towns. We recommend that you get local currency from your bank before you leave home or
\nfrom a bank machine in\u00adcountry which is much cheaper than an exchange service at the airport or in tourist areas. Your
\nbank card may work, but Visa or MasterCard are more widely accepted. You will need a 4\u00addigit PIN to be able to use your
\ncards. For current exchange rates please visit www.xe.com
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\n6
\nINSIDER TIP:
\nCULTURAL
\nSENSITIVITY
\nDress modestly, shorts are not
\nrecommended for either sex\u037e
\narms and shoulders should be
\ncovered. Bring a smart set of
\nclothes to ensure entry into
\nmore up\u00admarket
\nestablishments. Dress
\nrespectfully as if you were
\ngoing to a place of worship
\nand you won\u2019t go far wrong.
\nIt is customary to shake hands
\nwith just about everyone you
\nmeet. If eating out, where no
\neating utensils are provided,
\neat with your right hand, the
\nleft is for performing
\nablutions! On entering a
\nMoroccan home it is usual to
\nremove your shoes. Some
\nMoroccans, especially women
\nand older men, do not like to
\nbe photographed or
\nvideotaped because of a
\ncombination of religious and
\nfolk beliefs. If a woman is
\nveiled, assume she would not
\nlike to be photographed.
\nPlease show respect \u00ad ask
\nbefore taking a photo, use a
\nwide angle or point the
\ncamera away from them.
\nCREDIT CARDS & TRAVELERS CHECKS
\nIn major cities, the full cadre of banks cards is generally accepted including
\ndebit cards, American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. However, in
\nsmaller towns and villages, choice is generally narrowed to cash or MasterCard
\nand Visa. Credit cards are accepted at most of the higher end hotels,
\nrestaurants and shops. You can change money and traveler checks at all major
\nbanks, bureau de change and some hotels. It is recommended to contact your
\ncredit card company to advise them when and where you will be traveling to
\navoid what may be picked up as suspicious activity by your credit card
\nprovider.
\nACCOMMODATION
\nBed sizes vary considerably around the world, with most countries having their
\nown standards and terminology. North American guests could find hotel rooms
\nand beds smaller than those they may be used to. Please let us know if you
\nrequire a full King\u00adsize bed so we can make appropriate rooming requests with
\nthe hotels. An upgrade may be required.
\nCHECKING IN
\nOnline Check\u00adin: To simplify your check\u00adin at the airport, we recommend you
\ncheck in online with the airline website, usually open for check\u00adin and seat
\nselection 24 hours prior to your flight departure.
\nFlight Check\u00adin Times: Please check in early at all airports due to additional
\nsecurity which now affects international travel around the world (at least one
\nhour prior for domestic flights, three hours for all flights to the USA and
\nCanada, and two hours for regional and other international flights). Please be
\naware that during peak season, delays are often encountered on scheduled
\nflights.
\nMOROCCO TRAVEL GUIDE
\n7
\nON ARRIVAL
\nOur aim is to ensure that you are provided with 24\/7 support when you are traveling with Kensington Tours. As such,
\nplease note that you have access to our local representative(s) should you have any questions. Nothing is too big or too
\nsmall so please do feel free to call if you have any questions or concerns throughout your trip. We want to make sure that
\nyou know that your first point of contact should be to contact the local office (information is detailed in your day by day
\nitinerary under the \u201cContact Information page\u201d below the \u201cIn\u00adCountry Tour and Internal Airfare\u201d section). This will be the
\nquickest and easiest route for you to contact someone if you need assistance.
\nAIRPORT PICK\u00adUP
\nUpon your arrival in Morocco, you will clear passport control (be patient) and pick up your luggage from the baggage
\ncarousel (porters are normally available to assist). Upon clearing customs, you will exit the luggage hall through a pair of
\ndoors and see a crowd of people behind a rope. Your driver or guide will be waiting for you here holding a sign with your
\nname written on it. If your flight is slightly delayed, do not worry as your driver or guide will wait for you. If your flight has
\nbeen changed or substantially delayed, it is essential that you call our office in Marrakech at one of the numbers below so
\nthat you can be met upon your arrival.
\nFrom the US:
\n011 212 5 24 42 19 96 during normal office hours 0900\u00ad1830 GMT
\n011 212 661 24 64 21 after hours or in an emergency\/ Miss Aziza Kourout.
\nFrom Europe:
\n00 212 5 24 42 19 96
\n00 212 61 24 64 21 \/ Miss Aziza Kourout
\nFrom within Morocco:
\n0524 42 19 96
\n0661 24 64 21
\nMOROCCO TRAVEL GUIDE
\n8
\nOUR VEHICLES
\nWe use are fully insured, air\u00adconditioned vehicles with experienced drivers who are English\u00adspeaking but perhaps not
\nalways fluent. All vehicles are required to have fully functioning seatbelts and by law, all passengers must wear a seatbelt.
\nIf you are driving a rental car, we urge you to exercise extreme caution and to wear your seatbelt at all times.
\nLOCAL TRANSPORT
\nTaxis are readily available throughout town and probably the most efficient way of getting to the main sites. Grand taxis are
\nold Mercedes cars that carry up to six people for a fixed fare. They usually keep to specific routes and you’ll find them at
\nthe bus station. Petit taxis are inexpensive compared to European or American standards. You get it to yourself and they’ll
\ntake you anywhere you want to go. The meters start from 1.60 MAD and aren’t always used so either ask the driver to
\nswitch it on or bargain for your fare before you hop in.
\nCURRENCY
\nWe recommend Moroccan Dirham while traveling. It is relatively easy to change money in Morocco. You can exchange it at
\nthe airport Exchange Counter or you can ask your driver to stop at an ATM before you arrive at your accommodation. Before
\nleaving your home country acquaint your card issuer with your movements and be sure you know your PIN number. Many
\nhotels give you about the same rates as the banks. Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at larger shops and
\nrestaurants etc (at smaller places always ask, even if they have the sticker on the door). When purchasing items that you
\nare having shipped home, be sure to place your purchase on a credit card so that you have recourse in the event of any
\nproblems. American Express is less commonly accepted. It is not unusual to pay an additional 3 or 4% for using a credit
\ncard. ATMs are now found in most major cities but some only accept debit cards not credit\/charge cards. It can be a lengthy
\nprogress to change Travellers Checks, cash or card is better.
\nTIPPING
\nTips are voluntary and completely up to you and reflect service received. Generally speaking we advise bringing Dh350 \u2013
\n520 Moroccan Dirham per day for spending money per person. Local Currency or USD cash is the preferred method for
\ntipping. Be sure to bring lots of small bills for porters, wait staff and housekeeping (not obligatory and based on your
\nsatisfaction). It is customary to leave a couple of dollars per day for housekeeping and to reward a particularly helpful
\nconcierge.
\nSuggested amounts:
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\n9
\nAirport Transfers: $5\u00ad-10 USD per group, per transfer
\nGuide: $10-\u00ad15 USD per person, per day
\nDriver $5\u00ad-10 USD per person, per day
\nPorters: $1 USD per bag
\nLodge Gratuity Box: $10-\u00ad20 USD per person, per day
\nWait Staff: A minimum of 10% of the bill, with 15% to 20 % the norm for good service is usual in restaurants that
\nimpose no service fee (This is optional where service fee is added to bill). In bars, tips are the exception rather than the
\nnorm and generally the loose change from your drink is acceptable.
\nSHOPPING & YOUR GUIDE
\nIf you are not interested in shopping you can simply mention this to your guide. If you wish to shop, ask your guide to stay
\nwith you in the store so you can leave when you are ready. Not only are our chosen guides knowledgeable about their
\ncountry, its culture and customs, but their job is also to help you to negotiate a reasonable price and ensure that you are
\nnever pressured into buying anything.
\nSTAYING HEALTHY & SAFE WHILE TRAVELING
\nComprehensive insurance is advised for all nationals. Although many travelers drink the local water, it is our advice to avoid
\nit as mineral water is available everywhere, as is hot tea and the ubiquitous mint tea. Sidi Ali and Sidi Harazem are the best
\nbrands of bottled water in Morocco and are available everywhere. Cleaning your teeth in the tap water of hotels and riads
\nwe use should not pose a problem. Avoid uncooked vegetables and fruits (unless they can be peeled), food or fresh drink
\nsold from street vendors, and cheap restaurants. Cooked food in four and five\u00adstar hotels and the better restaurants is
\ngenerally safe.
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