The Moroccan dirham is a controlled currency you cannot buy before you arrive. Here is a complete guide to exchanging money, using ATMs, carrying cash, and tipping sensibly.
The Moroccan Dirham: A Controlled Currency
The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is a controlled currency, which means it is illegal to import or export it in large quantities and you will not find it at your home bank or airport exchange bureau before you travel. Do not bother looking for it ahead of your trip. The practical consequence is that you arrive in Morocco with foreign currency and exchange it on arrival. As of 2025, rough exchange rates are: 1 USD to approximately 10-11 MAD, 1 GBP to 13-14 MAD, and 1 EUR to 10-11 MAD. These rates fluctuate; the Bank Al-Maghrib sets the official rate and it is consistently close to these figures. On departure, you are permitted to reconvert up to 50 percent of your exchanged dirhams back to foreign currency, provided you have kept your exchange receipts. Keep those receipts throughout your trip.
ATMs and Where to Exchange
The simplest and usually most favourable way to obtain dirhams is from a bank ATM on arrival. Banque Populaire and CIH Bank ATMs dispense currency at or very close to the official interbank rate, and they are present at all major airports and throughout city centres. Airport exchange booths at Mohammed V Casablanca and Marrakech Menara typically offer rates 3-5 percent worse than the official rate — acceptable in an emergency but not optimal. The medina money changers who approach tourists offering a special rate are best avoided entirely: their rates are rarely competitive and their counting methods can be confusing. Moroccan banks charge a fee of 10-15 MAD per withdrawal, and your home bank may charge an additional foreign transaction fee — check this before travelling and consider a card with no foreign ATM fees.
Money Facts for Morocco 2025
10-11 MAD
Per 1 USD (approx. 2025 rate)
13-14 MAD
Per 1 GBP (approx. 2025 rate)
10-15 MAD
Typical Moroccan bank ATM fee per withdrawal
50%
Maximum dirham reconversion allowed on departure
I made the mistake of using the airport exchange booth on my first visit. The rate was noticeably worse and I was in a hurry so I did not question it. Now I go straight to the Banque Populaire ATM in arrivals.
How Much Cash to Carry Daily
Morocco remains heavily cash-dependent outside of larger hotels and modern restaurants. The entire medina economy runs on cash: souk vendors, street food stalls, hammams, traditional cafes, petit taxi drivers, and small guesthouses all require it. A practical daily budget for cash is 500-1000 MAD depending on your activities. Anything over 1000 MAD is unnecessary to carry at once and adds risk. Credit cards are accepted at four-star and five-star hotels, upmarket modern restaurants, and some tour operators — but do not rely on them as a backup. Take out a meaningful amount at an ATM and replenish every couple of days rather than scrambling for cash when you need it.
Tipping Guide for Morocco
- Fine dining restaurants: 10-15 percent of the bill is appropriate
- Casual restaurants and cafes: round up the change or leave a few dirhams
- Petit taxis: round up to the nearest 5 MAD, tipping is appreciated but not expected
- Hammam attendant: 20-30 MAD after a traditional hammam session
- Full day private guide: 50-100 MAD is a reasonable tip, more for excellent service
- Hotel porter: 20 MAD per bag is the standard expectation
- Riad staff for a multi-night stay: 50-100 MAD total on departure is generous and appreciated
The 500 MAD Note Problem
ATMs in Morocco frequently dispense 200 and 500 MAD notes. Small vendors, petit taxis, and market stalls struggle to change these. Whenever you visit a supermarket, a cafe, or pay a larger bill, break your big notes down into 50 and 100 MAD denominations. Having small change makes every transaction in the medina faster and easier.
