Morocco Travel Notes
My Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Ait Ben Haddou stops, real opinions and places to explore.
- Languages
- Arabic · Amazigh · French
- Currency
- Moroccan Dirham · MAD
- Cash
- Essential. Small Notes And Coins.
- Cards
- Usually Yes At Larger Venues.
- Tap To Pay
- Usually Yes At Larger Venues.
- WiFi
- Available. Quality Varies.
- Mobile Data
- SIM Or eSIM · Check Coverage
- Small Shops
- Varies. Keep Cash Handy.
- Tipping
- Common. Keep Small Change.
What To Wear
What To Pack
Loose clothes and comfortable shoes work for medinas. Bring a layer for the Atlas foothills and cool evenings; Marrakech heat does not describe Chefchaouen or a mountain crossing. Keep swimwear for the pool or beach.
Money And Payments
Cash And Cards
Yes, cards usually work at hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets, and bigger shops. Smaller businesses vary, so do not make your whole day depend on a card. Keep dirhams for souks, taxis, small cafés, local purchases, and tipping. Coins and small notes are especially useful. Visa and Mastercard are the most practical cards to bring; keep the physical card with you even if you usually pay with your phone.
Travel Cards
A travel card is useful where accepted, but it will not pay a cash only souk seller or porter. Budget usable dirhams alongside it.
Tipping Culture
Someone carried your luggage? Around MAD 10 to MAD 20 per bag is a useful guide. Lower end for a light bag and a short walk; higher end for heavier luggage, stairs, or a longer carry. A waiter served your meal? Around 5% to 10% for good service when gratuity is not included. A MAD 200 bill means roughly MAD 10 to MAD 20. For a coffee, rounding up or a few coins is enough. Keep dirham coins and small notes handy. Agree on a paid service’s price before it starts; the tip is separate.
Getting Around
Getting Around Locally
Medina stays can involve a walk from the nearest car access. Ask the riad for the correct gate and meeting point. For taxis, use the meter where appropriate or settle the fare before moving.
Traveling Between Stops
ONCF trains link Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech. Chefchaouen, Ait Ben Haddou, and Ouarzazate need road connections. Do not plan a train journey to every city in my collection.
Staying Connected
Using T Mobile In Morocco
Morocco is listed for international roaming on eligible T Mobile plans. Data allowances, speeds, and call charges depend on your plan. Check before you travel.
Mobile Data For This Trip
Download the medina route and riad contact before arriving. Tall walls and narrow lanes make a saved meeting point useful even with data. Keep a taxi destination in French or Arabic if available.
Where To Stay
Choosing Your Area
A riad inside the medina suits atmosphere and walking; a base outside can be easier with luggage or a car. Check stairs, heating, and the nearest drop off, especially for an evening arrival.
Before You Arrive
Before You Fly
Check visa or electronic authorization eligibility through the official Moroccan channels. Have the riad’s full address ready. For a medina pickup, confirm whether someone is meeting you and whether luggage help costs extra.
Sources And My Visit
Practical information was researched and checked on 22 October 2026. My reviews describe my own visits. Area comparisons are planning advice, not hotels I claim to have inspected. Entry advice must match your passport, residency, route, and travel date.
Chefchaouen
Lavadero De La Ciudad Ras El Ma
I walked up here and there was a guy offering photos so I took some photos. 50 cents!
Restaurant Hamsa
Cheap,easy, fast, tasty and good views!
View Point
It only takes about 15 20 minutes to get up. So don’t be lazy just do it.
Restaurant Bab Ssour
Unfortunately this place doesn’t have much of a view because it’s blocked off by these wooden bamboo looking things, but they also have a cute blue door up on the rooftop. I’m not sure how I got so lucky to get the seat with the blue door
Tangier
Tangier American Legation Museum
More cool history to learn
حدائق الكورنيش
VERY LIVELY!
Hercules Caves
Make sure to enter both caves! I almost missed the second one and that one is so much fun even though it’s not the actual Hercules Cave.
London’s Pub
First off; I was sweating here! I have no idea why it was sooooo hot in there. Second, I ordered steak, and it tasted like a little kid made it. So thin and
Casablanca
Rick's Café
Definitely on the price of your side. More luxury and upscale be prepared.
Hassan II Mosque
You can only enter during prayer times or if you wanna get a tour during tour times. Woman make sure to dress accordingly you will not be allowed in.
Brassaria Restaurant
I felt like, for being in Casablanca, this meal was too expensive. This cost me almost $20 and it wasn’t even that good. The staff was nice though, and the place was busy. They do take card.
Ait Ben Haddou
Point De Vue Panoramique Aït Ben Haddou
I reviewed this place on Google Maps. Open the listing to see the location and my rating.
Marrakech
NK NAILS BAR LOUNGE Beauty Center | Centre De Beauté & Spa Marrakech
I was very hesitant about doing my nails in Morocco… but this place, hands down was able to accommodate my picky self and took me last minute. I did a full face thread, my hair, nails and toes! The fact that they did my hair and nails at
Ouarzazate
Atlas Studios
AMAZING EXPERIENCE! Super cool, especially if you’re into movies. More movies than you can imagine
My Travel Stories
