How to get from the Tangier Airport to the City Center

By globedrifters Morocco

How to get from the Tangier Airport to the City Center

Getting from the Tangier airport to the city center is easy enough and you’ve got a couple of options. The most common mode of transportation is by taxi. Airport pick-up is not included on our Morocco trip, but this blog will serve as a guide to help you get from Tangier Ibn Battouta International airport to your hotel in Tangier with relative ease. See some of your options explained in more detail below.

Pre-arranging a Transfer from Tangier Airport

One way to get from the Tangier Airport to your hotel in the city center is to pre-arrange airport pick-up before arrival with companies such as Welcome Pickups. This is one of the faster and slightly more expensive options. It will take you approximately 20 – 30 minutes to get to the city center. You can find other transfer companies by searching travel websites such as TripAdvisor. The cost will vary depending on the company.

You can also ask your hotel if they offer airport transfer services. Many hotels in Tangier offer these services at elevated prices. If you prefer this option, you can get in touch with your hotel and ask them to arrange an airport pick-up. If you’re signed up for our Morocco trip, we will let you know the name of the hotel after booking and you can contact them directly and ask them if they can arrange your airport arrival transfer.

You will usually see your driver waiting for you in the arrivals area just after the baggage claim area exit. All you need to do is look for the driver holding a sign with your name on it. Tangier is a small airport and you usually won’t have trouble finding the driver. You’ll then be transferred to your accommodation and the adventure begins!

Your driver will be waiting for you just through the glass doors after you’ve collected your luggage.

Your driver will usually be waiting for you in this area with a sign with your name on it.

Note that it’s important to have WhatsApp downloaded and set up on your phone before you arrive so you can be in touch with the transfer company or your driver. There is free Wifi at the Tangier airport, but if you can’t connect, you can turn on data roaming to be in touch with your driver.

Taxi

The most common way to get from the Tangier airport to the city center or your hotel is by taxi. Getting from the Tangier airport to the city center will take about 20 – 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost is about 250 – 300 dirhams (approximately $25 – $30 USD). Before hopping in a cab, be sure to agree upon the fare with the driver!

When you exit the airport, you’ll see a line of cream-colored taxis lined up. These are called grand taxis and are a legal mode of transportation in Tangier. Show the driver your hotel address, but be aware that some locations in the medina are not accessible by car, so you may be dropped off as far as the driver can go in his car. If this happens, you’ll have to go the rest of the way on foot.

Morocco is waiting for you!

PRO TIP: If you exchange money at the airport, be sure to ask the cashier for small bills that are easier for small, local vendors to break. Be sure to check out our Money in Morocco blog for more information on currency.

Getting from the Tangier airport to the city center is pretty easy, and most travelers don’t have any issues. Happy travels!

Money in Morocco: Currency, Exchange & Card Usage

By globedrifters Morocco

Money in Morocco is a pretty straightforward, simple affair. It’s easy to obtain Moroccan currency, and as long as you stick to legal money changers or ATMs, you shouldn’t have any problems during your travels.

What is the currency in Morocco?

Morocco’s official currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). The dirham is a closed currency, so you can’t buy, sell, or trade it outside of Morocco. You’ll need to exchange your money once you arrive.

You can check live rates for your home currency against the dirham using an online converter like Wise.

For the sake of convenience, think of $1 USD as roughly 10 MAD when making purchases during your travels.

PRO TIP: Australian and Canadian dollars usually aren’t accepted for exchange in Morocco. It’s best to bring US dollars, euros, or British pounds.

Moroccan dirhams (MAD)

How can I exchange money in Morocco?

Exchanging money in Morocco can be done in two main ways: 

1. Currency exchange offices, also known as bureaux de change. 

2. ATMs

Let’s look at both in more detail.

Exchanging Money in Morocco: Exchange Offices

It’s easy to exchange money when you arrive in Morocco. The best place to do this is at a bureau de change. You’ll find these exchange offices in most tourist areas and at the Tangier airport if you prefer to get some cash upon arrival.

Airport exchange rates are often less favorable, so consider changing only a small amount at the airport, then look for better rates elsewhere.

If you choose to exchange money in this way, it’s best to bring clean, crisp notes with limited to no creases, wrinkles, markings, or tears.

PRO TIP: Ask for smaller bills when exchanging cash at as many local vendors struggle to provide change. This is also handy when you need to leave a tip. Check out our Tipping in Morocco blog to learn more about this!

An example of a currency exchange office in Morocco

Exchanging Money in Morocco: ATMs 

We recommend withdrawing dirhams from ATMs during your travels in Morocco. It’s fast, easy, and convenient. You can use the Tangier airport ATM, but again, withdraw only a small amount there because airport ATMs often charge higher fees and offer worse rates.

ATMs are common in big cities and airports but much rarer in rural areas. When traveling outside of the city, be prepared by having enough cash as ATMs aren’t always as readily available.

If you’ve signed up for a Globe Drifters Morocco trip, your Moroccan guide will help you find reputable exchange offices and ATMs and plan stops before traveling into places without ATMs.

PRO TIP: Withdraw odd amounts from ATMs (like 490 dirhams instead of 500) to get smaller bills. They’re handy for tipping and small purchases. Read more about Tipping in Morocco in our blog.

Can I use my debit/credit card in Morocco?

Credit and debit cards aren’t widely accepted outside cities or tourist areas. In upscale hotels, restaurants, or shops, you may be able to pay with a Visa or MasterCard. Otherwise, Morocco is a largely cash-based society, so it’s advisable to carry cash for most purchases.

If you do decide to use your debit or credit card in Morocco, make sure your bank knows that you’re planning a trip. If not, they may block your cards.

Many of the rosewater, argan oil, Berber rug, pottery, and leather cooperatives will accept debit/credit cards. Many can also provide shipment to your home address for a reasonable fee.

Most Berber rug cooperatives will accept card payment

How much money will I need for my Morocco trip?

We recommend bringing around $500 – $700 USD for your trip to Morocco. This is based on past Globe Drifters’ Morocco travelers’ feedback.

We strongly advise having access to more money than you expect to spend in case of an emergency!

Morocco has lots of great souvenirs so plan your budget accordingly!

In short, money in Morocco isn’t complicated. Knowing what to expect makes your trip smoother. And if you’re joining our Globe Drifters Morocco tour, your guide will be there to help point you in the right direction. Happy travels!

Food & Drink in Morocco

By globedrifters Morocco

Moroccan food and drink are full of flavor and variety. From savory tagines and couscous to sweet desserts and fresh mint tea, there’s a lot to try. During our 12-day Morocco tour, you’ll have plenty of chances to taste traditional dishes and learn more about what makes Moroccan cuisine so special. Here’s what you can expect when it comes to eating and drinking in Morocco.

What’s the food like in Morocco?

Food in Morocco is pretty typical of the region. Various tagines, couscous, seasonal salads and breads are standard fare. The most common meats are chicken, goat, lamb and chicken. Common ingredients in Moroccan cuisine include lemon, olives, argan & olive oil and dried fruits. Moroccan food is rich in herbs and spices such as mint, parsley, coriander, oregano, cumin, turmeric, ginger, paprika, saffron, fennel and the list goes on!

The most popular Moroccan dish is probably the savory tagine. This is a slow-cooked stew made with either meat, poultry or fish alongside seasonal vegetables and seasoned with spices such as ginger, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon and saffron.

Bread is a staple in Morocco and will be served with nearly every meal. It is a very simple, dense bread and it’s hard to find a Moroccan table without it!

Desserts are common in Morocco and absolutely delicious! You’ll find a variety of Moroccan cookies made with powdered sugar, almonds, coconut, dried fruits, etc. They’re perfect with a glass of Moroccan mint tea to wash them down. Our favorite dessert is probably one of the most simple: orange slices with cinnamon. It’s refreshing and the perfect way to end a meal.

A delicious tagine with the obligatory Moroccan bread

Vegetarian and vegan food in Morocco

Finding vegetarian or vegan food in Morocco isn’t too big of a challenge, but most will agree that the variety is not as great as you may be used to back home. 

Vegetarians and vegans alike will enjoy Moroccan salads composed of zucchini, eggplant, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, peppers, beans, etc. depending on the season. Salads are frequently dressed with argan oil or orange blossom oil. Vegetarian and vegan tagines and couscous can also be found in restaurants in bigger cities. 

All in all, finding vegetarian and vegan dishes isn’t too terribly difficult in Morocco, but you may find the food to be a bit repetitive after a while. For this reason, we do recommend bringing your own snacks along with you on your trip.

Moroccan salad!

Can you drink alcohol in Morocco?

Alcohol in Morocco will generally not be that easy to find during your travels. Some restaurants and hotels will offer it, but mostly in bigger cities. The consumption of alcohol is legal in Morocco, but it’s not common to see due to the religious values prevalent across the majority of the country. You will only be able to purchase alcohol at the few restaurants, hotels and supermarkets that are licensed to sell it. 

On our 12-day Morocco tour, your guide will schedule stops along the way at stores that sell alcoholic beverages legally so if you would like to purchase wine, beer or spirits, you can do so during these stops. 

PRO TIP: Our hotel in Tangier does not serve alcohol so we suggest picking up a bottle of alcohol at a duty-free shop on your way to Morocco if you like to enjoy a drink on arrival. Read more about what to bring with you to Morocco in our blog: What to Pack for Morocco.

Skip the beer. Go for a cool, refreshing mint tea!

No matter what your preferences and dietary restrictions are, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Morocco. What’s your favorite thing to eat in Morocco? Happy travels!

What to Pack for Morocco

By globedrifters Morocco

Deciding what to pack for Morocco can be tricky because it’s a big country with different climates depending on where you go. Typically, the northern parts tend to be a bit cooler than the south due to higher elevation and coastal breezes. Overall, the weather in Morocco ranges from warm to hot, though it can get quite cool at night, especially in the mountains and the Sahara Desert.

Below is some helpful information about the weather and what to pack so you’ll be prepared and comfortable during your trip to Morocco.

How’s the weather in Morocco?

Morocco’s climate varies by region but is generally warm and sunny for much of the year. Spring and autumn are generally mild and pleasant. Summers can be very hot, especially inland and in the desert, where temperatures often soar above 95°F (35°C). Coastal areas tend to stay cooler thanks to ocean breezes. Winters are usually mild in most areas but nights can be cold, especially in the mountains and the Sahara Desert where temperatures drop quickly after sunset.

When traveling to Morocco, it’s a good idea to pack layers to stay comfortable as temperatures can change throughout the day.

                                                                                 Weather in Morocco

What are the outlets in Morocco?

The electrical outlets in Morocco are the European plug-type (see picture) with 220 – 240 volts (V) and 50 Hz frequency.

PRO TIP: Pack extras of all the necessary adapters and converters for your devices as these items are commonly left behind in hotel rooms.

What to pack for Morocco

Below is a list of items we recommend travelers bring on their 12-Day trip to Morocco for a comfortable trip:

• Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, lip balm (it’s dry in the desert!)
• Sealable plastic bags for your electronic devices in the desert (in case of a sandstorm; rare, but possible!)
• Light clothing that covers the knees and shoulders (Morocco is a Muslim country, so please respect local customs)
• Bathing suit
• Comfortable walking shoes (with good ankle support and traction!)
• Jacket (for cooler nights)
• Warm pajamas & socks (for the night in the Sahara Desert)
• Flashlight/Headlamp (for the Sahara Desert)
• Portable fan
• Umbrella (for shade & rare rainfall)
• Daypack/Backpack (we recommend across the shoulder)
• Diarrhea/Constipation medicine, motion sickness medicine, prescription medication (if needed)
• First aid kit (travel size)
• Hand sanitizer/ wet wipes
• Washcloth (some hotels don’t have one)
• Adapters/Converters for electronics (2 or more of each, just in case!)
• Hair dryer (if needed)

PRO TIP: Pack light! You’ll be on the move a great deal on our Morocco tour. Most hotels we stay at offer laundry services for a fee, but we won’t stay at most of them for more than 1 night so packing light is important. No one will judge you for wearing the same clothes throughout your trip!

These shoes are not ideal for walking around in Morocco. Ankle support and good traction are a must!

What to wear in Morocco

We recommend dressing conservatively in Morocco to respect the local culture and avoid unwanted attention. You’ll see many Moroccan women and men wearing Western clothing as well as traditional outfits while out doing their daily business. 

For men, jeans and t-shirts are generally fine. Long shorts and t-shirts are also fine in hotter regions but some locals may view shorts as inappropriate or revealing, depending on the area. Men in Morocco will most often wear long pants and a shirt but you might encounter some wearing long, light gowns and a little cap on their heads. Of course, no one expects you to wear clothes identical to the locals’.

For women, you’ll want to cover your shoulders and at least your knees most of the time. In general, you should expect to show a bit less skin than what you may be used to at home. Please try not to show cleavage and leave the strappy tops and shorts at home. Long dresses and skirts are perfect for the Moroccan heat. So are loose-fitting, long-sleeved tunics, shirts, and pants. It’s all about the material you choose. Baggy and airy clothes will protect you from the aggressive Moroccan sun and unwanted glances from the locals. 

In more rural areas, full length is even better, and so is covering your head with a light scarf. You won’t always need to cover your head but it’s best to bring a scarf for visits to religious sites. You can also easily purchase one while in Morocco. 

Some Moroccan women wear long gowns with hoods and scarves while others show their hair. You might even come across a local female dressed in a European style. No matter what, it’s important to be conscious of the amount of skin you’re showing and avoid showing too much.

The three L’s are key for what to wear in Morocco: Long, Light, and Loose!

As long as you keep these things in mind while traveling in Morocco, you’ll have a wonderful adventure with memories that will last a lifetime! Happy travels!

Tipping in Morocco: How Much & Who to Tip

By globedrifters Morocco

Learn the dos and don’ts of tipping in Morocco. The tipping culture here is more relaxed than in some countries, but tipping is still the norm. This guide covers who to tip, how much to give, and helpful tips for navigating Moroccan tipping customs.

Camel trekking in the Moroccan Sahara Desert

Should you tip in Morocco?

Tipping is customary in Morocco, but it is not mandatory. The best rule of thumb is to round up your bill and leave spare change. If you receive poor service or inadequate service, you are not obligated to tip. Tips are usually not included in the bill, though some upscale restaurants add a 10–15% service charge. Read on for more about how much and whom to tip during your travels in Morocco. 

PRO TIP: For the sake of convenience, think of 10 dirhams as about $1 USD.

Who do I tip in Morocco?

It’s common to tip:

• Tour guides

• Bus drivers

• Restaurant and cafe servers

• Taxi drivers

• Hotel luggage porters and maids

If someone goes above and beyond, feel free to tip extra.

Expect to be asked for tips when taking photos of market vendors, artisans, or street performers. They usually ask for 10–50 dirhams (~$1–$5 USD). Always ask permission before taking photos!

Tipping your tour guide and bus driver at the end of your trip is also strongly recommended, especially if you are satisfied with the service they provided and they helped you have a great trip.

NOTE: We always suggest tipping your hotel maids as the majority are females. Morocco is a very male-dominated society with many women lacking access to education and decent job opportunities. Hotel maids are very hard-working and deserving of a tip just as much as your luggage porter or restaurant waiter.

On our Morocco trips, the trip leader may suggest a tipping kitty at the beginning of your tour to cover tips for luggage porters, cleaning staff, waiters at restaurants for included meals, etc. This is also for buying water for the group, as well as a few surprises not on the itinerary along the way. Your tour leader will usually ask for around $50 – 60 USD per person to contribute to the kitty.

One reason for this tipping kitty is that making small change can be difficult, and many travelers choose not to tip because they don’t have small bills.

How much should I tip in Morocco?

Here are general guidelines on who and how much to tip while traveling through Morocco:

• Restaurant/Cafe servers: Round up the bill & leave spare change. (i.e. If the bill is 137 dirhams, round up to 150)
• Taxi drivers: Round up the fare & leave spare change. (i.e. If the fare is 25 dirhams, round up to 30)
• Luggage porters: 10 dirhams per piece of luggage; more for very heavy bags
• Housekeeping: 10 dirhams per day
• Photo of vendors, products, etc.: 10–50 dirhams depending on request

PRO TIP: Try to pay with larger bills whenever possible in order to make small change for tipping at more upscale restaurants or when purchasing an expensive item. Making change for market vendors or small cafes and eateries can sometimes be very difficult!

Hotel maids make sure your unique Moroccan accommodations are beautiful and comfortable!

Should I tip my tour guide in Morocco?

We always recommend tipping your Moroccan tour guide and tour bus driver, especially if you feel they did an exceptional job and enhanced your experience.

Below are suggested amounts for tipping your tour guide and bus driver at the end of the trip based on our past travelers’ feedback from our 12-day Morocco trip. If you feel they made your trip extra special, then you’re welcome to tip more.

• Tour guide: 1000 – 1500 dirhams (≈ $100 – $150 USD)
• Driver: 450 – 450 dirhams (≈ $50 – $60 USD)

PRO TIP: When withdrawing from an ATM in Morocco, try to take out an odd-numbered amount (i.e. 490 instead of 500 dirhams) and you’ll get smaller bills that are easier for small vendors to break. For more information on exchanging currency in Morocco, check out our How to Exchange Money in Morocco blog.

Chefchaouen, also known as The Blue City

Tipping in Morocco is pretty modest and straightforward. Just remember, tipping is not compulsory and tips should only be given when excellent service is received. Happy travels!