What is the local currency and exchange rate? The local currency is the Moroccan dirham. The current exchange rate is around 12.7 dhs per £sterling. For euros it is about 11 euros per 100 dhs. Exchange rates can found on http://www.xe.com or
http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert.cgi?Amount=1&From=GBP&To=MAD&image.x=40&image.y=11

You cannot buy dirhams (dhs) until you arrive in Morocco.  Some travel exchange units at UK airports offer dirhams but the rate of exchange is generally very poor. There is an exchange booth on arrival at the airport, but it is easier to just use an ATM machine. There are at least two ATM machines at the airport, just past the customs exit. There are many cash machines around or near the Jemaa El Fna. Most banks limit you to either 4000 or 6000 dhs (~£320 to £480 respectively).

Do I need a Visa?  UK Nationals do not need a visa. All nationals need at least 6 months current on their passport before their projected departure date. You will be given an entry number stamped in your passport which you will need when you register at the riad or hotel. The following passport holders (UK, EU, USA, Australia and New Zealand) do not need a visa, but it is advisable to check, and we accept no responsibility if this information changes before you arrive. You can check the Moroccan embassy website on http://morocco.embassyhomepage.com/

How far is the airport from Marrakesh? It takes 15 minutes to get to the centre of Marrakech. It costs about 100 dhs in a petit taxi (small taxi which takes up to 3 people) and about 150 dhs in a grand taxi (Beige Mercedes, takes up to 5 people).

How far is the airport from Fez? It takes about 20-30 minutes to get to Fes or Fez from the airport. I cannot recall the cost, but I guess it is probably also about 100 dhs in a petit taxi (<3 people) and 150 dhs in a grand taxi (4-5 people).

If I fly to Casablanca, how long does it take to drive to Marrakech and how much does it cost? It takes about 3 to 3.5 hours and you will need to get a grand taxi regardless of the number of people. It will cost around 1000 dhs.

If I fly to Casablanca, how long does it take to drive to Fes? It takes about 3.5 to 4 hours and you will need to get a grand taxi regardless of the number of people. It will cost around 1200 dhs.

How long does it take to drive from Marrakech to Essaouira? It takes about 3 hours and you will need to get a grand taxi regardless of the number of people. It will cost around 800 – 900 dhs.

How long does it take to drive from Marrakech to Agadir? It takes about 4 hours and you will need to get a grand taxi regardless of the number of people. It will cost around 1200 dhs.

Can I use my mobile phone? You will need to make sure that you have activated your phone for use abroad, but yes, mobile phones work in Morrocco and reception is generally good.

What is the temperature in Morocco when I am travelling? This of course depends on when you are travelling, but in general most days throughout the year are sunny, at least in Marrakesh, but in winter it is cold at night. By day, in winter you may need a jacket or an extra layer, although often this is not necessary, but at night, you will need extra insulation. It can be very hot in summer months (July and August) although the heat is generally dry rather than humid. Even in very hot times it is generally comfortable to walk around the medina since the walls are high and you are shielded from the sun. It is dangerous to sunbathe in summer months as it can get very hot, so beware of fallin asleep on the terrace of your riad in the medina or hotel in Marrakesh. The link for average temperatures in Morocco can be found on: http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/city.php3?c=MA&refer=
The forecast of weather can be found on:-
http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/126?&search=marrakech&itemsPerPage=10&region=world

Can I buy alcohol? Many riads and hotels sell alcohol, although there are no bars except clubs that sell alcohol.  Most restaurants of quality sell alcohol. There is one café on Mohamed V, the main street through Gueliz that sells alcohol, but the name escapes me, so if you know the name please email me

Is it safe to walk around the streets at night? Generally it is very safe in Marrakech and Fes, or indeed any of the cities in Morocco. This is partly because there are many plain clothed policemen around whose main function is to prevent harassment of tourists. As in any city in the world, just be sensible.

What is the electrical voltage and will I be able to charge my mobile of my laptop? The voltage is 220V ac, and so yes there is no problem with any appliance. You will need an EU adaptor (two round pins).

What is the dress code?  Please be aware that you are in a Muslim country and dress sensibly. Women should refrain from showing too much, as they will be pestered and will cause offence to some people. Women do not need to wear a head scarf, but it is inadvisable to walk around the streets in a bikini, although bikinis are fine at the various swim resorts or clubs around Marrakech.

What are the opening hours of the shops and souks? Shops are generally open in the medina all week from 0900 to 1900 except Friday 0900 to 1200 and 1600 to 1900. In the new part of town, Guéliz, shops open Monday to Saturday from 0900 to 1230 and 1530 to 1900. Many, but not all shops close for lunch, and some close on Friday. Many shops in the souks remain open on Sunday and public holidays.

Can I claim back tax paid on goods? No, unfortunately there is no provision for tourists to reclaim any sales tax or VAT on goods that they buy.

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