Yes, you need cash in Morocco. Cards work in big hotels and modern restaurants, but taxis, souks and small cafés expect dirhams in your hand. This guide explains how much cash in Morocco you really need, where to get it and where a card is enough. It also covers the road and the desert, where cash matters more.
Do You Need Cash in Morocco?
You do. The best way to travel is with both: a card for hotels and larger bills, and cash for everything else. Cash in Morocco is not a problem once you know the rules, and the rules are simple.
Cash in Morocco: The Moroccan Dirham
The money is the Moroccan dirham, written MAD, DH or Dhs. Banknotes come in 20, 50, 100 and 200 dirhams, and coins in 1, 2, 5 and 10 dirhams. One US dollar is roughly 9 to 10 dirhams. The dirham is a closed currency, so you normally get it once you arrive.
Euros and dollars are accepted by some people, but the staff lose money on the exchange. Dirhams are better for every payment.
Where You Need Cash in Morocco
Plan to pay cash in Morocco in these places: taxis, souks and market stalls, small cafés, local restaurants, street food and tips. Some small riads also prefer cash. In the souks you will bargain, and a few notes in your pocket make that easier.
Keep your small notes in an easy pocket and your large ones in a safe place. When you agree a price in a shop, pay with the exact amount if you can. It saves time and avoids a search for change.
Where Cards Work in Morocco
Cards are accepted in large hotels, luxury riads, modern restaurants, shopping centers and many supermarkets. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted, and American Express is less reliable. Some shops add a small surcharge for card payments. Card machines can also fail, so keep some cash as a backup.
Changing Money Into Dirhams
You can change cash at the airport, at banks and at exchange offices. Use official places and avoid street changers. Airport rates can be less good, so change only enough for the first day. After that, an ATM is usually easier than exchanging cash. Exchange only what you need, because a rate can move before your next trip.
How to Get Cash in Morocco From an ATM
The easiest way to get cash in Morocco is a local ATM. You will find them in all the main cities, including Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Fes and Agadir. Use a card with low foreign fees, and take out larger amounts instead of many small ones, because fixed fees add up. Tell your bank before you travel so it does not block the card.
Choose dirhams, not your home currency
The ATM may ask if you want to be charged in your own currency. Say no and choose dirhams.
Break large notes early
A 200 dirham note is hard to use for a taxi or a coffee. Break it at a shop or a restaurant, and keep a stock of 10, 20 and 50 dirham notes. They are the ones you will use all day.
Cash in Morocco in the Desert and Small Towns
ATMs are rare in the mountains, the villages and the desert, and they can be empty or out of order. Take out your cash in a big city before you leave. Our desert camp takes cards. On the road, the stops, small shops and cafés usually take cash only, so carry cash for them and for tips. Our guide to a night in a Sahara desert camp shows what the evening includes.
Cash in Morocco for Tips
Tips are always paid in cash, and they are not included in our tour prices. Many travelers give 100 to 200 dirhams per day to a private driver-guide, and 50 to 100 dirhams per group to the camel handlers after the ride. The full list is in our guide to tipping in Morocco.
How Much Cash in Morocco Should You Carry?
Carry enough for the day: taxis, meals, small purchases and tips. Keep the rest in your hotel safe, and refill at an ATM when you need it. Set aside about 10% of your daily spending for tips. For the cost of a whole trip, read our guide to the Morocco desert tour cost.
Planning Your Trip and Your Cash in Morocco
The first days go easier when the plan is clear. Our guide to the number of days you need in Morocco helps you choose the route. Send us a message on WhatsApp at +212 609 490 681 or use the contact page, and we will answer your questions about money on the trip.
Planning a trip and have questions about money?
Message us on WhatsAppCash in Morocco FAQ
Do you need cash in Morocco?
Yes. Cards work in big hotels and modern restaurants, but taxis, souks and small cafés need cash.
Can I get dirhams before I arrive?
The dirham is a closed currency, so you normally get it once you arrive, at the airport, at an ATM or at a bank.
Where can I get cash in Morocco?
The easiest way is a local ATM in a city. Take out enough before you go to the desert or the mountains.
Does the desert camp take cards?
Yes, our camp takes cards. On the road, places usually take cash, so carry some for the stops and for tips.
Should I change money at the airport?
Only a small amount. Airport rates can be less good, so use an ATM or a bank for the rest.
What notes should I carry in Morocco?
Carry plenty of 10, 20 and 50 dirham notes. The 200 dirham notes are hard to break.
Navigate Morocco is a team from the Sahara desert who work as a family. We will be glad to help you plan your trip, and your cash in Morocco.
More Navigate Morocco guides: the best time to visit Morocco, riad vs hotel in Morocco, the 3 or 4 day desert tour, Morocco in summer.
Learn the words for the souk and the taxi in our guide to Darija phrases.
