Getting Moroccan Dirham for Your Trip

Morocco offers an incredible mix of ancient medinas, Sahara adventures, and coastal relaxation. Understanding the money situation is essential, especially because the Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is a "closed currency" — meaning you can't legally buy or sell it outside Morocco.

This restriction actually simplifies things: you'll get your Dirham when you arrive, either from an ATM or by exchanging cash. Morocco is still largely cash-based, particularly in the souks and medinas that are highlights of any visit, so having plenty of Dirham on hand is essential.

Best Ways to Get MAD

Here are your options for obtaining Moroccan Dirham:

1. ATM Withdrawal with Wise/Revolut Card

The most convenient option with excellent rates. Moroccan ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Use a Wise or Revolut card to avoid your UK bank's foreign transaction fees. ATMs dispense 50, 100, and 200 Dirham notes.

2. Exchange EUR or GBP Cash in Morocco

Bring Euros or British Pounds and exchange at banks or official bureaux de change in Morocco. Rates are reasonable, though ATMs are usually slightly better. Avoid street money changers who may offer better rates but could give you counterfeit notes.

3. Airport Exchange (on arrival)

Exchange a small amount at the airport for immediate expenses (taxi, tips). Rates at Moroccan airports are worse than city banks, but acceptable for getting started. Exchange just enough for your first day.

4. Hotel/Riad Exchange

Many hotels and riads offer currency exchange. Rates are typically worse than banks or ATMs but convenient in a pinch. Fine for small amounts when you need cash urgently.

Using Cards in Morocco

Card acceptance exists but is limited compared to Europe:

Where Cards Work

International hotels and upmarket riads, restaurants in the "Ville Nouvelle" (new town), large shops and supermarkets (Marjane, Carrefour), petrol stations, tourist agencies for excursions, and some high-end shops in medinas.

Where You'll Need Cash

Souks and medinas (virtually all vendors), local restaurants and cafes, taxis (both petit and grand), tips for riad staff, guides, and drivers, hammams, small shops everywhere, riads and guesthouses in the medina (some accept cards, many don't), and street food.

Card Tips for Morocco

Visa and Mastercard work at most places that accept cards. American Express is rarely accepted. Many card machines in Morocco are unreliable — always have cash backup. When paying by card, insist on Dirham (not GBP) to avoid DCC. Card fraud can occur — only use cards at reputable establishments.

Withdrawing Cash from ATMs

ATMs are your best friend for getting Moroccan Dirham.

Best Banks for ATMs

BMCE Bank — Widely available, reliable machines, no local fees.

Attijariwafa Bank — Largest bank in Morocco, ATMs everywhere.

Banque Populaire — Good coverage, especially in smaller towns.

Société Générale — Found in tourist areas, reliable.

ATM Tips

Always decline the ATM's offer to convert to GBP — choose Dirham. Moroccan ATMs typically don't charge fees, but your bank might. Withdraw larger amounts to minimize per-transaction fees. Maximum withdrawal is usually MAD 2,000-4,000 per transaction. Inside-bank ATMs are safest, especially at night. In the medina, ATMs can be scarce — withdraw before entering.

ATM Availability

Abundant in Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and Agadir. Present in smaller towns but may be limited. Scarce in rural areas, villages, and the Sahara. If doing a desert tour, bring enough cash for the duration.

The Dirham as a Closed Currency

The Moroccan Dirham cannot be legally exchanged outside Morocco. This has practical implications:

Before you go: You cannot buy Dirham in the UK. Don't waste time looking — it's not available. Bring Euros, GBP, or USD to exchange on arrival.

When you leave: Spend your Dirham or exchange it back before departing. Banks and exchange offices at the airport will convert Dirham to Euros or other currencies. Keep your original exchange receipts — you may need them to exchange back (though this isn't always enforced).

Legal limit: You can bring up to MAD 2,000 into or out of Morocco, but larger amounts are prohibited. In practice, having some small Dirham notes from a previous trip is fine.

Euros in Morocco

Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, particularly in Marrakech and Fes medinas. However, paying in Euros typically costs you more:

Vendors set Euro prices at convenient round numbers, which rarely match the true exchange rate. You might pay €5 for something that costs MAD 45 — when €5 is actually worth MAD 55+. For small purchases, the difference adds up.

When Euros make sense: If you're out of Dirham and can't reach an ATM, paying in Euros works in a pinch. Tour operators and hotels sometimes quote in Euros — this is fine. For larger purchases where you can negotiate, you might get a fair Euro price.

Best practice: Use Dirham for everything when possible. Keep Euros as backup, not primary spending money.