Marrakech Travel Tips Before you leave on your trip, visitors should obtain additional information from local tourism agencies or from the embassy in their residential country or call a Marrakech hotel. Visas Upon entry, all non-resident foreign visitors must present a valid passport. Citizens from the UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are not required to present a visa to enter Marrakech, although identification and proof of citizenship may be requested. A three-month visitor's stamp can be extended by Immigration or Bureau des Etrangers in most large towns. Entry may be refused to travellers with a 'hippy' appearance. Currency The official currency unit is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), divided into 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of MAD 10.00, 20.00, 50.00, 100.00 and 200.00. Coins used are in value of MAD 1, 5, 10 and 5, 10, 20 and 50 centime. ATMs are available in the larger towns, but can be unreliable; currency can be exchanged at banks or official bureaux de change. The Dirham cannot be obtained or exchanged outside Morocco and traveller's cheques can be used in tourist areas. Credit Cards Most major credit cards are accepted throughout Morocco. However, it is advisable to clarify with your credit card and debit card companies on outlet acceptability and any special promotional offers available. Tipping In Marrakech, leave small change amounting to about 10%. Restaurants and hotels often state a service charge but it is polite to leave change. Visitors should note, tips are the only additional income for some porters and guides. Business Hours Most banks operate Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 11:30 am and from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm, although some may close early at 2:00 pm during summer. Banking times vary all through Ramadan. Shopping centres and souks are open from 9:30 am till 1:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Many government offices function Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm. On Fridays, these offices operate from 8:30 am to 11:30 am and from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Holidays Most banks and government offices in the Marrakech area are closed on the following national holidays: New Year’s Day 1st January
Manifesto of Independence Day 11th January
Labour Day 1st May
Feast of the Throne 30th July
Fête Oued Eddahab (Oued Eddahab Allegiance Day) 14th August
Révolution du Roi et du Peuple (The King and the People’s Revolution Day) 20th August
King Mohamed’s Birthday 21st August
Marche Verte (Anniversary of the Green March) 6th November
Fête de l’Indépendence (Independence Day) 18th November Shopping Marrakech is a treat for bargain enthusiasts. Marrakech attracts residents and tourists alike to its famous traditional markets and shopping centres. Many little shops are stocked with used books, unusual crafts, ethnic fare, prized soft leather goods, copperware, silver, silks, cotton garments, wool rugs, carpets and blankets. It is not uncommon to get good buys at around a third of the asking price. Health Risks Morocco is quite safe from a health point of view; however, some precautions will ensure a healthy, enjoyable trip. It is recommended that visitors see their physician to obtain appropriate inoculations. It is advisable to always wash hands with soap and consume bottled water. Avoid consuming too much edibles sold by street vendors, especially ice. Take precautions against insect bites and sunburn. If necessary, tourist offices and many Marrakech hotels can put you in touch with linguistically proficient and English-speaking doctors. Medical facilities are good in all main towns. Travellers to Morocco will need to take vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid fever, as well as carry prescribed medication for diarrhoea. Health insurance is important. Clothing Lightweight cottons and linens are worn throughout summer along with a hat. Warm medium fabrics are suitable in winter or when travelling to the mountainous regions. Waterproof clothing is the preferred garment during the wet season, particularly along the coast and in the mountains. Customs Marrakech is predominantly a Muslim city; therefore it is essential that visitors opt for attire that is not offensive and revealing. Modesty by wearing a cardigan over the shoulders when visiting places of worship or religious significance is most appreciated. Swimsuits, shorts etc are best worn inside hotel premises, by the pool. Smoking is practised widely and it is customary to offer cigarettes in social gatherings. Traditions and customs should be respected, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. Eating, drinking and smoking during daylight should be indulged inconspicuously during this time. Safety Tips Marrakech is a relatively safe city, but visitors should remember these common-sense tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Avoid carrying lump sums of money and don’t let strangers see how much money you are carrying. Keep a firm hold on purses and knapsacks, carry your wallet in your front pocket and avoid wearing expensive jewellery. Stay awake when riding public transport and keep packages close by. Always park your car in a well-lit area. Close windows, lock doors and place valuables in the trunk. The disputed territory of Western Sahara has a history of political instability and insecurity. Many areas of the Western Sahara are mined. Exercise precaution when eating food sold at the main marketplace Djemma El Fna and other small restaurants. Many of the dishes, including goat head and bowls of local snails may be too adventurous for the unaccustomed palate. Salads prepared haphazardly have caused cases of diarrhoea. Although there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Morocco, it is regarded as one of the countries where there is an increased threat from international terrorism and it is wise to be vigilant when away from your hotel. Violent crime is not a major problem, but there have been some incidents of theft at knifepoint in major cities and on beaches. Sensible precautions such as avoiding badly lit streets at night should be adhered to. Guides offering their services should display an official badge from the local tourist authorities.
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