What is the currency in Morocco?
Morocco is a captivating and exotic travel destination that attracts thousands of Brits to its warm climate, attractive cities, and stunning natural landscape.
If you’re planning a trip to Morocco, this guide will explain everything you need to know about the currency of Morocco, including how much to take, whether cards are widely accepted, and how to get your currency with a Travelex Money Card.
What currency does Morocco use?
The official currency of Morocco is the Moroccan dirham, which is subdivided into santim (santimat plural). Its currency code is MAD and its currency symbol is DH.
The history of the Moroccan dirham
The Moroccan dirham originates from the Byzantine Empire, the eastern side of Roman civilisation in Europe and Asia. The word “dirham” comes from the name of a historical Greek currency: the “drachma”.
In 1882, Morocco introduced a system of modern coinage which included the mazuna, the dirham, and the rial, with the dirham being a subdivision of the Moroccan rial (500 mazunas = 10 dirhams = 1 rial).
When Morocco became a French protectorate in 1912, the currency switched to the Moroccan Franc from 1921. The dirham was reintroduced in 1960, replacing the franc to become the major unit of currency in Morocco.
Moroccan dirham denominations
Moroccan dirham notes
Dirham notes come in the following denominations:
- 20 dirham (purple)
- 50 dirham (green)
- 100 dirham (brown)
- 200 dirham (blue)
Moroccan dirham coins
The Moroccan dirham coins currently in circulation are:
- 10 santimat
- 20 santimat
- ½ dirham
- 1 dirham
- 5 dirhams
- 10 dirhams
Can I get Moroccan dirham in the UK?
The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, which means you can’t get it in the UK or any other country outside Morocco.
You can exchange your pounds for dirhams in banks, hotels and Bureaus de Change in an airport or port—and turn any leftover money back at the end of your trip. If you have any leftover dirham from a previous trip, you can take up to 2,000 dirhams into Morocco with you. There’s no limit to the amount of foreign cash you bring into the country.
Note that it’s very difficult to exchange Scottish, Gibraltar or Northern Irish pound notes.
Can I change Moroccan dirham to pounds?
Because Moroccan dirham can’t be taken out of Morocco, you’ll need to convert any cash left over at the end of your trip. Again, you can exchange dirham back into pounds at most banks, hotels and at the airport. It can be helpful to keep your receipts when changing money.
Spending money in Morocco
Can I use my card in Morocco?
It’s a good idea to get hold of some dirhams as soon as you can after arrival, as not everywhere will take cards.
Many tourist destinations will accept payment with a UK debit or credit card, and you can use them in most ATMs. Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted, while it’s generally more challenging to find places that take Amex or Diners Club, so you will be better off taking an alternative card or cash as backup.
Most travellers take pounds sterling and exchange them in Morocco. You can also withdraw dirhams from an ATM, either with your own bank card or a Travelex Money Card.
Is Morocco expensive?
Money in Morocco goes further than at home. You’ll find prices in shops and restaurants to be much cheaper than you’re used to in the UK.
Tipping and haggling in Morocco
Haggling over prices is standard practice in Morocco, especially in markets or souks. You can also haggle for some services, such as car rental or hiring a guide for the day. Prices are usually fixed in restaurants, supermarkets and stores.
Tips aren’t mandatory, but if you’re happy with the service you’ve received, a tip is always appreciated. As in most destinations, it’s very common to round up a bill or leave some cash at the end of a meal.
