SIM Cards, Cash and Wi-Fi: What to Sort Out When You Land in Morocco

The first hour in a new country sets the tone for the whole trip. In Morocco, three small things make it much easier: a working phone, a little local cash and knowing how Wi-Fi works where you stay. Here is a practical checklist for arriving at Marrakech, Casablanca or Agadir airport.

Mobile data: local SIM or eSIM?

Having mobile data from the moment you land is very useful — to message your driver or riad on WhatsApp, use maps in the medina or translate a menu. You have three options:

1. A local SIM card. Morocco has three main operators: Maroc Telecom, Orange and inwi. They often have counters or kiosks in the arrivals hall of the main airports, and SIM cards are also sold in their shops and in many small grocery stores in town. You need your passport to register the card. Data is added with prepaid top-ups (recharges), which are sold almost everywhere.
2. An eSIM. If your phone supports eSIM, you can buy a travel data plan online before you leave and activate it on landing. It costs a bit more than a local SIM, but nothing to queue for.
3. Roaming. Convenient but often expensive outside Europe-style roaming deals — check your provider’s rates before relying on it.

Tip: keep your home SIM in a safe place if you swap cards, and save your driver’s and riad’s numbers before the flight.

Money: dirhams, cards and cash

Morocco’s currency is the dirham (MAD). It is a closed currency: you cannot buy it in most countries before leaving, and only a limited amount may legally be taken in or out. In practice, you get dirhams on arrival:

• Exchange counters in the arrivals hall accept euros, pounds and dollars in cash. Rates at Moroccan airports are regulated and usually reasonable. Keep the receipt: it helps if you want to change dirhams back when you leave.
• ATMs are available at the airports and everywhere in cities. Your bank may charge a fee per withdrawal, so take out sensible amounts rather than many small sums.
• Cards are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets and modern shops, but cash is king in souks, small cafés, taxis and for tips.

How much cash should you carry?

It depends on your style of travel, but a few hundred dirhams per person per day covers small meals, entrance fees, tips and souvenirs in most cases. Keep small notes and coins for tips — porters, waiters, guides. Our guide to tipping and etiquette with your driver gives the usual amounts.

Good to know: with us, you can pay your transfer in cash to the driver on the day, in euros or dirhams. No need to rush to an ATM before meeting him.

Wi-Fi in riads, hotels and vans

Most riads and hotels offer free Wi-Fi, but thick medina walls can weaken the signal in some rooms; the courtyard and roof terrace are often better. Cafés and restaurants in cities usually have Wi-Fi too. For long drives — to the desert or the Atlas — mobile coverage is good on main roads but disappears in some mountain valleys and gorges: download offline maps and your playlists before leaving.

A simple arrival routine

1. Switch your phone on and connect to the airport Wi-Fi if needed.
2. Message your driver or riad on WhatsApp to say you have landed.
3. Exchange a small amount of cash or withdraw from an ATM.
4. Buy a SIM card if you want one — or do it later in town.
5. Meet your driver in the arrivals hall: he will be holding a sign with your name.

If you have booked a Marrakech airport transfer, your driver follows your flight and waits for you, so take the time to do these steps calmly. Arriving in Casablanca? See our Casablanca airport to Marrakech guide.

Safety tips for money and phones

• Use ATMs inside banks or the airport rather than isolated machines at night.
• Split your cash between a wallet and a second place.
• In crowded souks, keep your phone in a front pocket or a closed bag.
• Never let anyone “help” you at an ATM.

Useful apps and power

A few apps make a Moroccan trip easier: WhatsApp, used by almost everyone from riads to drivers; an offline map of the cities you visit; a translation app with French and Arabic packs; and a currency converter to check prices in the souks. Morocco uses European-style two-pin plugs (type C and E) at 220 volts, so travellers from the UK or North America need an adapter. A small power bank is worth carrying on day trips, when you take many photos far from a socket.

In short

A local SIM or an eSIM, a little cash in dirhams and offline maps: that is all you need for a relaxed start. Then let your driver take you to your riad — read how to get to your riad in the medina — and enjoy your first mint tea.