Travel Tips · 3 min read
Money in Morocco: Dirham, ATMs, Cards and Tipping Guide (2026)
Quick answer
Morocco's currency is the dirham (MAD), a closed currency you obtain on arrival at exchange offices or bank ATMs. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but souks, taxis and small cafés need cash. Tip about 10% in restaurants, 10–20 MAD for porters, and roughly 10% of the tour price for guides and drivers if satisfied.
Cash still rules in Morocco. Here is how to handle money smoothly.
The dirham
The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is a closed currency: you generally cannot buy it abroad. One euro is roughly 10.8 dirhams (check the current rate). Notes: 20, 50, 100, 200 MAD; coins from 1 to 10 MAD. Locals sometimes quote prices in "rials" or "francs" in the souks — ask to confirm in dirhams.
Exchange and ATMs
- Exchange offices at airports and in cities offer fair official rates — no commission scams.
- Bank ATMs are widespread in cities; use machines attached to banks.
- Withdraw before the south: the desert and mountain villages have few ATMs.
Cards
Visa and Mastercard work in hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets and some shops. Souks, taxis, food stalls and small cafés are cash only. Our tours can be paid in cash (EUR or MAD) on the day, or by card on request.
How much cash to carry
For a mid-range traveller, 300–500 MAD per day covers food, taxis, entries and tips. Check how much a Morocco trip costs for detailed prices.
Tipping guide
| Service | Typical tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | ~10% |
| Café | round up / 2–5 MAD |
| Porter / luggage help | 10–20 MAD |
| Riad staff | 50–100 MAD at the end of a stay |
| Guide (day tour) | ~10% or 50–100 MAD |
| Driver (multi-day) | 100–200 MAD per day per group |
| Cameleer | 20–50 MAD |
Tipping is appreciated, never compulsory — tip for good service. On the 3-day Sahara tour, drivers and cameleers are usually tipped at the end.
For exchange regulations, see the Moroccan dirham page.
FAQ
Can I use euros in Morocco?
Some hotels and tour companies accept euros, but everyday purchases are in dirhams. Change money on arrival.
Are ATMs easy to find in Morocco?
Yes in cities and towns; fewer in villages and the desert, so withdraw before leaving for the south.
How much should I tip a tour guide in Morocco?
Around 10% of the tour price, or 50–100 MAD per day for a shared tour, if you are happy with the service.
Can I change dirhams back before leaving?
Yes, at the airport, usually with your exchange receipts; keep them.
Morocco Travels Team
Written by the Morocco Travels team in Marrakech — local guides and drivers who run these routes every week. We update our guides each season with current prices, opening hours and road conditions.
